By: Sean Moylan
A starting pitcher for much of the season for the Robbinsville High varsity baseball squad, junior Brian Greubel wasted no time adjusting to his new role as a relief pitcher for the Hightstown Post 148 American Legion baseball squad.
"I’m used to starting, but closing fits me just fine," said Greubel, who earned his first save of season this past Saturday in Hightstown’s 9-6 win over Morrisville at Philadephia Biblical College.
While he spent most of last season with Hightstown’s Junior Legion team, Greubel has been a key player for Hightstown’s Senior Legion team from this year’s opener versus Lawrence when he twirled four scoreless of relief in the 9-6 loss. In that battle, he also smoked a two-run hit in the bottom of the seventh to send that contest to extra frames. In other words, he’s performing well under pressure.
In three games and 6 1/3 innings this season, Greubel has yet to allow a run while fanning eight batters and surrendering no walks.
But Greubel is no stranger to pitching in big games as he pitched in Hightstown’s Junior Legion team’s playoff game versus Bordentown last year.
"We lost to Bordentown. I came in the game in relief. They (Bordentown) brought down a few of their Senior Legion (double-roster players) guys," said Greubel, who played in a few Senior Legion scrimmages last season.
This year, Greubel has really noticed the difference between the levels of Legion baseball.
"(Senior Legion) It’s a lot different from Junior Legion. You have to play smarter baseball up here," said Greubel, who tries to maintain his focus on the mound and was batting an even .400 entering this past Tuesday’s game.
On days when Hightstown’s star shortstop Logan Gallagher pitches or needs a rest, Greubel fills in at that position.
"Logan’s playing mostly. But about every fourth game, they put me at short when he pitches," said Greubel. "Logan Gallagher’s a character and he’s got the quickest hands (hitting) I’ve ever seen."
Greubel and hard-hitting Matt Hill were the only Robbinsville players to make Hightstown’s American Legion team. Greubel also pitched and played shortstop for Robbinsville’s varsity baseball squad for much of this season. After losing several 1- and 2-run games early in the season, the Ravens finished with a 2-20 record.
"We were used to pitching a lot of innings but we didn’t have any depth in the pitching department," said Greubel, who did not finish out the year with the team but hopes to return next season.
Although the Ravens won just a pair of games they had several talented players. However, like many high school teams, Robbinsville had trouble filling out its roster. Whereas Legion clubs can draw from several local schools.
"I think Legion baseball is a step up from high school," said Greubel, who likes the way his Hightstown battery mate Zach Katcher calls pitches. "He’s (Katcher) hitting the ball well too."
Greubel throws in the mid 80’s and he has a nasty fastball and slider. He’s also a pretty good midfielder for Robbinsville’s varsity soccer team. Brian’s sister Amy is also one of the finest athletes at Robbinsville High.
"When I’m in soccer season I like soccer and when I’m in baseball season I like baseball," said Greubel, who is looking forward to having a great summer playing baseball for Post 148.

