Ex-Husker Spiehs finds comfort in return home
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BY KEN HAMBLETON / Lincoln Journal Star
Finally, R.D. Spiehs will get a chance to pitch in a game at Haymarket Park.
The former Husker standout, who helped lead Nebraska to its first College World Series in 2001, finished his college career at the old Buck Beltzer Field.
“I’ve thrown some workouts here at Haymarket over the years, but I’m excited to get my first start here in a game,” said Spiehs, a Grand Island native.
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Spiehs will probably start for the Saltdogs on Sunday against Pensacola.
Spiehs will likely become a closer for Lincoln before too long, but a heavy early season schedule put the 28-year-old former Husker into the starting rotation.
“I’ve been in the bullpen the last six years, but I do whatever I can to help this team,” he said.
Spiehs is one of nine new pitchers on the Lincoln staff this year. That matches the revamped lineup that returned just three position players from last year’s team.
Actually, he had to join the team a little late this season. Although he signed in the preseason, he couldn’t join the team until the third game of the new American Association season.
Spiehs is finishing his work on a college degree in communications and sociology. He had final exams as the Saltdogs opened their third season in the AA in Pensacola, Fla.
“I’ve got about two semesters left to get the degree and it won’t be too long before I’ll need that piece of paper to get a job,” Spiehs said.
After pitching in the 2001 CWS, Spiehs, then a junior, left school to play with the San Francisco Giants organization.
He pitched in Class A and AA minor-league baseball before he was promoted to Triple-A Fresno. He was traded to the Mariners and eventually to the Padres. Last season, he signed a contract with Somerset in the independent Atlantic League.
Spiehs has a pro record of 23-26 with a 3.72 earned run average. He posted 23 saves last year.
“Like all the guys here I have the dream of playing in affiliated ball again but the window of opportunity gets slimmer as the years pass,” he said. “I’m still in it to win games and learn. No matter if you’re 8, 18 or 28, there’s always room to learn and improve.”
Spiehs was invited back to the Atlantic League in Somerset, N.J., this season, but the league starts earlier and ends later than the American Association.
“Getting on with Lincoln is easier, more convenient for family, friends and school and it’s a great place to play,” he said.
He hadn’t lost anything on the mound either. He threw three scoreless innings in an exhibition game. In his first start with the Saltdogs last week, he threw five innings and four hits and one run — the best start of the season for Lincoln.
“It’s ironic that I’m back in Lincoln after all these years,” he said. “Pro baseball blinds you to thinking only about playing in the big leagues. I still want to do that, but in the meantime, I’ll get a chance to play with a great organization and a good bunch of guys right here.”
Spiehs said he will pay special attention to new Saltdogs pitching coach Jim Haller this year.
“Eventually, I want to coach, so I am going to try and learn everything I can,” he said. “Hopefully in 10 to 15 years, I can be coaching. My dad coached American Legion baseball for 20 years and I saw how much fun he had. I’ve always had that in the back of my mind to try.”
Reach Ken Hambleton at 473-7313 or khambleton@journalstar.com.
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