Speed will be a key to success for the Ballard Beavers this year as they seek to make an impact in KingCo baseball.

League opponents are taking notice with Juanita absorbing a 19-9 loss and Eastlake coming out on the losing end 7-2 in mid-March. The Beavers have also defeated Bothell 8-7, Franklin 5-4 and Garfield 10-0.

Ballard's win-loss record is 5-4 after their April 2 game against Inglemoor that ended in a 10-1 loss.

"We have decent depth. We can play fairly fast. All three outfielders can play center," said Head Coach Kevin Miller.

Miller is a former Beaver himself, earning the Metro League player of the year honor in 1995. He went on to become a two time University of Washington All-American and spent time in the Oakland Athletics minor-league system.

Now in his third year coaching his former team, Miller says he likes this year's team a lot.

"We practice hard. The guys are good students and are receptive to the coaching," said Miller.

Ballard is expected to steal a lot of bases and put plenty of pressure on defenses.

Miller is building the baseball program for the long haul in KingCo that hopefully will result in many wins.

"We plan to be good for the next couple of years. We will be a solid contender," said Miller.

Outfielder Steven Kelsey is the team's center fielder. He hits in the lead off position and has power.

"He makes the pitcher work a bunch. He's competitive and knows what he is doing," said Miller. Catcher David Ringold is "smart. He works well with the pitcher."

Ringold and pitcher/outfielder Nick Palewicz are being counted on to lead the team .

"Both are very mature for their age. They are learning from their mistakes," said the coach.

The coaches have worked with most of the players since they were freshmen.

"Now players are starting to develop," said Miller.

Other key players include: Andrew Wyman; Zack Complita; Niko Fernandez; Zach Freeman; Reese Futrell; Spencer Gray; Josh Johnston; Ted Kolb; Max McGraw; Shawn Oughton; Taylor Rush, Nick Tsagalakis; and Nico Van der Ven.

Dean Wong can be reached at deanw@robinsonnews.com