RallyNorth.net

Burnham unstoppable

Friday, May, 23 By Mike Grenier
Staff writer

Danvers High's incomparable senior shortstop, Ashley Burnham, is giving new meaning to the word "unstoppable." Opposing teams can't contain her offensively | she's hitting .673 with four homers, 13 doubles and 16 RBIs | so they're trying to slow her down by giving her free passes to first base.

Burnham, who is headed to Division 1 James Madison next season, has drawn a remarkable 22 intentional walks to go along with six regular walks. She has an astonishing .785 on-base percentage and 14 stolen bases.

She has every reason to be frustrated that teams are staying away from her, but she's much too smart to let it affect the way she plays.

"At times it can be a little (aggravating) because you want to have an impact in a close game, but I try not to get frustrated," said Burnham, one of the greatest players to ever come out of the Northeastern Conference. "If I do, I won't be able to focus at all. I'm trying to contribute any way I can."

There are two schools of thought when competing against a player of Burnham's caliber. Some coaches choose to challenge her at the plate and let the chips falls where they may. Others take the path of least destruction, walking her intentionally.

"We don't play them, but I'd take the bat out of her hands depending on the situation," said Ipswich's Woodworth. "If we were playing basketball, we'd be using a box-and-one on the other team's best player; this is no different. She's a great player, but you're trying to win the game."

Danvers coach Tara Petrocelli would like to see every team pitch to Burnham. She's not getting her wish, but she relishes every time Burnham reaches base because she makes things happen.

"Ashley is a terror on the bases," said Petrocelli. "If a team puts her on base intentionally, she can hurt them. Our goal is to have her reach base any way she can. It's the ultimate sign of respect when they walk her so much."