Western Reserve retires Chafin's number

COLLINS — When Andrew Chafin is on the mound in front of 35,000 people, the 25-year old left-handed reliever for the Arizona Diamondbacks is unflappable.But back at his high school in front of several hundred people, the 2008 Western Reserve graduate was nervous and struggled for the right words Saturday night.Western Reserve retired Chafin's No. 17 jersey he wore as a standout pitcher for the Roughriders during a ceremony at halftime of Saturday's boys basketball game against Perkins.Chafin is coming off a 2015 season with the Diamondbacks where he solidified himself as a solid reliever not only for the team, but in the entire National League."It's really exciting, to have your jersey number retired is something you never even dream of happening while your in school or even after high school," Chafin said. "But I'm really appreciative. When they called and told me, I really didn't know what to say. It was kind of a shock. Just real honored … a lack of words for it, really."Chafin briefly spoke to the crowd Saturday night, and was appreciative of his small town roots. As a pitcher for the Roughriders, he was a four-year letterwinner and was Firelands Conference Player of the Year in 2008. He was also Division III District Player of the Year and All-Ohio first team.In his final high school game of his career, Chafin threw a no-hitter at Mapleton. He holds the school record for most strikeouts in a game (19), most strikeouts in a season (178), lowest ERA and is tied for most pitching wins (10).Shortly after graduation, Chafin was the No. 1 starter and anchor for the Sandusky American Legion Post 83 summer baseball team, which won its first-ever title in 2008 — largely behind the lefty's arm."Just the whole high school experience with sports are my favorite memories here," Chafin said. "Growing up, maturing physically and mentally, all of that. Working your way up, trying to make varsity and the work that goes into that."I don't know if it will ever truly sink in that I've reached this level," he added. "I'm living the dream of every young boy or girl, to play professionally in a sport you love. Every once in a while I'll take a step back and reflect on how blessed I am. It's a dream, still."Reflecting on 2015Chafin was competing for the fifth starter spot in spring training last February, but was moved to the bullpen, where his mid-90s fastball thrived in shorter situations.In 66 appearances, Chafin finished 5-1 with a 2.76 ERA with 58 strikeouts in 75 innings pitched. He added two saves.He made his MLB debut with Arizona on Aug. 13, 2014 — ironically just 44 miles east of his hometown of Wakeman in a start against the Indians in Cleveland. He was only the second Diamondbacks rookie to throw five scoreless innings with three hits or less in his debut."I just try to keep it simple, focus on everything from a pitch-to-pitch basis," he said. "I try not to worry about what happens or what is going to happen, just try to live in the moment and make the best of every situation I could. I try not to look at the big picture, just focus on one little thing here or there and do the best I can."Chafin was drafted 43rd overall in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Kent State University, where he pitched 8 2/3 innings of an NCAA regional win over nationally-ranked Texas in Austin just two days earlier.He was a two-time selection to the Mid-American Conference first team, and was also a Freshman All-American in 2009. His 1.26 ERA in 2009 is the third-lowest in KSU history.Looking ahead to 2016In about a month, Chafin will report to spring training for the Diamondbacks.And for the first time in his young career — he goes into camp knowing exactly what to expect."It's nice to be able to know what you have to be ready for," Chafin said. "Last year I was trying to make the team as a starter, and then suddenly I was in the bullpen. But this year I'm able to focus on a more specific point, which will make the preparation a little easier and less nerve-wracking."After finishing 64-98 in 2014 and earning the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft, Arizona made a big jump to 79-83 last season in the NL West — which includes playoff regulars in Los Angeles and San Francisco.The Diamondbacks then became the talk of the offseason when it gave free agent Zack Grienke a six-year, $206 million-dollar contract to anchor the rotation. Grienke was 19-3 with a 1.66 ERA for the rival Dodgers in 2015.Add in the trade for another starter, Shelby Miller from the Braves, along with Arizona's steady MVP contender at first base (Paul Goldschmidt) — and Chafin finds himself on a team that is clearly attempting to win now."Really looking forward to reporting and getting going," Chafin said. "I feel like we have as good of a chance as anybody to go out and win the whole thing this year. It's going to be real interesting and I'm curious to see how we grow as a team."Living in luxuryAn avid sportsman for his entire life, Chafin is also going to take a unique approach to his home this season: He's going to live out of a Toy Hauler camper."Tired of paying rent," Chafin said. "I'm going to get something out of it. I bought a big Toy Hauler camper to live in that, wheel myself around. Got a spot lined up for spring training, and during the season another little spot to go to.And more importantly, he'll be living 15 minutes from a lake to fish."You can't beat that," he added.Andrew Chafin (middle) had his high school baseball number retired at Saturday's Western Reserve-Perkins basketball game. Chafin, a reliever with the Arizona Diamondbacks, is a 2008 Western graduate. Also pictured at left, Andrew's mother, Tania, and at right, his father, Daryl.Andrew Chafin (middle) had his high school baseball number retired at Saturday's Western Reserve-Perkins basketball game. Chafin, a reliever with the Arizona Diamondbacks, is a 2008 Western graduate. Also pictured at left, Andrew's mother, Tania, and at right, his father, Daryl.Andrew Chafin is presented a certificate after his high school baseball number was retired at Saturday's Western Reserve-Perkins basketball game. Chafin, a reliever with the Arizona Diamondbacks, is a 2008 Western graduate. Also pictured at right is Western Reserve principal Lisa Border.Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Andrew Chafin works against the Colorado Rockies in the seventh inning of the second game of a baseball doubleheader Wednesday, May 6, 2015, in Denver. Arizona won 5-1 to take both ends of the doubleheader. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Andrew Chafin in action during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 7-5. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Andrew Chafin in action during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 7-5. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)