CSN’s new baseball coach keeps high standards

Change has been the operative word for the College of Southern Nevada baseball team since last season, when celebrated slugger Bryce Harper and longtime coach Tim Chambers led the Coyotes to the Junior College World Series.

But now, neither is at CSN.

Harper departed the school after one spectacular season to play for the Washington Nationals, who selected him first overall in baseball's draft.

Chambers, who coached the Coyotes since their inception in 2000 and guided them to a national title in 2003, left the program to become the baseball coach at UNLV -- a move that led to two coaching changes at CSN.

Former Bishop Gorman coach Chris Sheff was hired to replace Chambers. But he was fired Nov. 3 amid allegations of violations that will cost CSN 10 scholarships in each of the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Former Green Valley coach Nick Garritano was hired to replace Sheff a week later and appears to have restored order with the Coyotes, who will open their 12th season at 6 p.m. today against Arizona Western at Henderson's Morse Field.

"These kids have been through a lot," said Garritano, who guided the Gators to two state titles and a 315-118-1 record over the past 12 years. "All we asked them to do is give us a chance as a new (coaching) staff, and they have."

CSN left fielder Cameron Harper -- no relation to Bryce -- said the team has moved past the Sheff controversy and come together.

"We grew a lot stronger from it," he said.

Before CSN embarks on its future, it will honor its past in a pregame jersey retirement ceremony for Chambers, Harper and former Coyote Mike Dunn -- who has pitched for the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves and was traded to the Florida Marlins in the Dan Uggla deal on Nov. 16.

All three are expected to attend the ceremony. Chambers wore No. 6, Harper No. 34 and Dunn No. 44.

"It's important to honor the tradition and honor the past of the program," Garritano said. "This program is very grateful for what (Chambers), (Dunn) and (Harper) have done for CSN baseball, and I'm glad that they're honoring them."

While Garritano hopes to continue the winning tradition at the school, he said he doesn't want this year's team to try to live up to last year's squad, which had nine players drafted -- including Harper, who hit .443 with a school-record 31 home runs and 98 RBIs in 66 games en route to earning the Golden Spikes Award as college baseball's best player.

"That was probably one of the best junior college baseball teams ever assembled ... and it had the best player on the planet (in Harper)," Garritano said. "One thing this team can't get caught up in is using that ballclub last year as a measuring stick."

Garritano, who replaced legendary high school coach Rodger Fairless at Green Valley, also faces the tough task of succeeding Chambers, who compiled a 466-195-1 mark in 11 seasons at CSN and helped more than 100 players earn Division I scholarships and/or get drafted.

"I'm no stranger to taking over for guys who've had success," he said. "We're not going to settle for mediocrity."

CSN, which features five returnees and 11 locals, will look to its pitchers to lead the way this season.

Left-hander Chipper Smith, a sophomore from Saugus, Calif., is slated to start today's game. He'll be followed in the rotation by right-hander Sam Wolff, lefty Taylor Jones and righty Ryan Baker, from Reno's Bishop Manogue High.

Cameron Harper, a Green Valley product, is expected to lead the offense, along with center fielder John Pustay and right fielder Chris Kaplan.

"For us to be successful, we have to pitch well and play good defense," Garritano said. "We're not going to score a ton of runs with a wooden bat."

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.