USC commit Paul Grossman helps lead Northwood’s second half turn-around

Northwood senior Paul Grossman has contributed on the mound and at the plate. (PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Northwood High School pitcher Paul Grossman is looking to finish his remarkable high school baseball career with a bang.

The USC commit has led Northwood’s second half surge, helping the Timberwolves move into third place in the Pacific Coast League.

Grossman delivered back to back consecutive strong showings on the mound for Northwood (11-14-1, 7-5).

The left-hander notched his first complete game to earn the win and also scored the game-winning run helping Northwood hand league champion Laguna Beach its first loss of the season, 2-0 on Friday, April 18. It was a big confidence boost for Northwood, which struggled in the first half of the season.

Then he pitched six innings and got the win in Northwood’s 2-1 victory over University last Friday, solidifying Northwood’s CIF playoff hopes and helping the Timberwolves complete a two-game league sweep of Uni.

After winning the Pacific Coast League title with a 17-3-1 record last season, Grossman and his teammates had high hopes going into this season. It was a rough start, but the season has come together for the Timberwolves, with games this week against Sage Hills Wednesday and Friday.

A players only team meeting after a loss seemed to be the turning point for Coach Ben Owens’ team.

“No one was being nice but we were being honest with each other and how we felt and it helped turn our season around,” Grossman said. “It was key for us.”

The win at Laguna Beach was memorable for Grossman and his teammates.

“They’re a good team over there for sure, we wanted it really bad and we knew they were the team to beat in our league even though we weren’t competing for a league championship still but we knew we’re just as good as them and for us to be able to go show it and compete and take care of business over there that was key,” Grossman said.

“I think we’re just as good. And we showed it. The first half of our season wasn’t who we are and we’re finally showing who we are as a team.”

Grossman is looking forward to joining the USC program next season.

“I’m stoked to go to USC,” he said. “I’m super excited, they’re having a great season now. They’ve been playing at the Great Park (while the new stadium is being built) so I’ve been able to catch quite a few games this year and it’s just awesome because the program is turning around and I’m going there next year, a brand new field and I’m super excited to be a part of that culture and it’s going to be a great program for years. I’m probably only going to pitch over there. These are my last few games hitting. I love hitting, it’s one of the best parts of baseball.”

Grossman is expected to have plenty of family members following him at USC, including his father Seth, just like he has had at Northwood.

—-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com