EHS Baseball Spotlight: Meet the Lucarelli Family

For generations, the game of baseball has been the ultimate American sport for fathers to pass down to their sons. The Enumclaw High School baseball team has a special example of this with pitching coach Frank Lucarelli, the father of Hornets shortstop/closer Michael Lucarelli. The Luccarellis took time out during this spring break to share their journey of baseball and family with Patch.

The elder Lucarelli's journey in baseball began like most; he learned the game from his father. His talent was such that he was drafted in 1975 by the Pittsburgh Pirates but chose college baseball instead after hurting his arm during his senior year of high school.

"I played one year at Big Bend Community College and two years at Western Washington University," Frank Lucarelli said.

After his college playing days, Lucarelli played professionally starting with the Northwest League's Victoria Mussels and working his way up to a full season minor league team in Bakersfield, Calif.

The opportunity to coach at Enumclaw High School on the baseball staff came about thanks to head coach Eric Fiedler who approached Frank about coaching the pitching staff a couple of years ago. 

"I was a little hesitant at first when (coach Fiedler) approached me about it because of my son being on the team," he said. "But it's turned out fine."

Fiedler has been pleased with how this has played out for his team with the Lucarellis being a potent combo within the Hornet baseball program.

"I would ordinarily be hesitant to have a parent of one of my players be a part of my coaching staff," Fiedler said. "Michael is a special talent and a solid leader and Frank has been a great instructor for all the pitchers."

Michael's foray into baseball began when he played for the Diamondbacks in the Enumclaw area Chinook Little League; playing catch with his brother and witnessing firsthand the overall passion his family has for the game ensured that baseball would run deep in his blood as well.

Thus, when his father took over as pitching coach at Enumclaw, it was a really seamless transition for both of them and his teammates as well.

"Most of my teammates had been coached by dad and never had any problems with it," Michael Lucarelli said. "My dad would discipline me just like any other player if there were any problems."

Overall, working with his dad has been a rewarding experience. "Its been really nice, especially knowing that he is always at my games," Michael said. 

The Lucarellis and the rest of the Enumclaw baseball team will be in action tonight against Bonney Lake High School at Osborne Field in Enumclaw. Start time is 7 p.m.

Editor's Note: While several baseball games have been postponed due to weather, it looks like we're in for a dry night tonight. Play ball!