This year’s Eastern baseball team is ripe with veteran talent with experience in big games.

But it’s the development of the young talent that has been impressive for the Panthers thus far.

Center fielder Brett Nommensen, second baseman Jordan Tokarz and shortstop Jordan Kreke, all seniors, have been hitting the lights out of the ball this season, none of which is a surprise.

The three were integral parts of leading the Panthers to an Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championship in 2008. They have all gotten off to hot starts this year, leading the team to a 15-5 start while averaging 8.3 runs per game.

So while Nommensen, Tokarz and Kreke are all well-known offensive threats, a couple of youngsters have been pleasant surprises during the Panthers’ hot start.

Catcher Gerik Wallsten is among the freshmen who have contributed thus far. While not known for his offensive prowess, Wallsten has provided the Panthers with a luxury they were devoid of all of last season: a catcher with experience who is reliable behind the plate.

Last season, junior Richie Derbak caught for the Panthers and had never done so in his career. Wallsten has started 15 games behind the plate this season, committing only one error.

Additionally, he has provided more offensive pop than expected, hitting .289 with one home run and eight RBIs out of the ninth spot in the batting order. He also has three sacrifice hits on the season.

“Everyone wants to be the four-hitter, to be the star,” Eastern head coach Jim Schmitz said. “We need nine guys to contribute, and he knows what he needs to do behind the dish. It’s really good to see that.”

Converted infielder Zach Borenstein is another freshman who has contributed for the Panthers after moving to right field. Borenstein has gotten hot of late, going 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs in the win against Illinois State. He has split time in right with senior Ryan Lindquist and is hitting .424 with six RBIs in 33 at bats.

“(Borenstein) in particular just had a different look (Wednesday),” Schmitz said. “At Morehead, with the short fence in right, he was yakking at the ball and trying to pull it, even though he did have a couple of big hits. Yesterday I was more than pleased even in pregame. It kind of said to me, ‘he’s ready to roll.'”

Other freshmen who have contributed include: first baseman Jake Samuels, who platoons with junior Alex Gee and plays against right-handed pitchers, red-shirt catcher Ben Thoma who serves as Wallsten’s backup behind the plate, and red-shirt pitcher Mike Martin, who earned his second win of the season after earning the start against Illinois State.

All of these freshmen stand to be a huge part of the Panthers’ success this season and beyond. While it is clear that Nommensen, Tokarz, Kreke and others are the present stars for Eastern, freshmen progress is essential in helping the Panthers achieve their goal of a conference tournament championship and their NCAA aspirations.

Collin Whitchurch can be reached at 581-7944 or at cfwhitchurch@eiu.edu.