Shrimpton Shares Sycamore's Success Secrets

MaxPreps Student Section

After finishing fifth in the GMC (Greater Miami Conference) with a record of 12-14, the SHS men's baseball team has been preparing for this season since November 2010. With several returning seniors, Coach Chris Shrimpton will be leading an extremely experienced group of players onto the field this spring.

"I feel very good about the team," said Shrimpton. "I have a strong core of veteran players that are very competitive, want to win, know how to play the game, and are very talented baseball players."

Seven games into the season; SHS has a record of 4-3, and is tied for third place in the GMC with Oak Hills and Lakota West. Senior pitcher Kyle Hart has been a key attribute to the Aviators success over the past three years. Hart, who recently committed to play at Indiana University, has a .55 E.R.A. (earned run average), and 14 strikeouts in two games pitched this season.

"Kyle is one of the best left-handed pitchers in the city," said Shrimpton. "He knows how to pitch and we have a chance to win every time he takes the mound."

The SHS team does not lack leadership, as a majority of team members are seniors.  "Jake Michalak is the captain of the team," said Shrimpton. "He is our shortstop and number two hitter in the batting order. He's determined to win and will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Thomas Meier, 12: senior second baseman, very competitive and loves the game. Jason DeFevers is a junior catcher who was all-GMC last year. His leadership skills are invaluable behind the plate. Kevin Clark is a senior pitcher and third baseman and is a winner on the mound. Alec Diersing is a senior outfielder, our closer, and another Sycamore (Cincinnati, Ohio) all-GMC player. If we can get to him in the seventh inning we have an excellent chance to win the game"

With an abundance of talent and leadership, Shrimpton has high expectations for the team. "I expect them to play hard every game," said Shrimpton. "Team goals are to win the GMC and advance in the state tournament." While jumping from fifth to first place in one season may be a long shot for the Aviators, Shrimpton expects nothing less than the best from his team.

"Baseball is a game," said Shrimpton. I want my players to have fun when they play, but at the same time, I want them to win. I keep my players motivated by being positive and focusing on the good things they accomplish rather than the "dumb" things they do in a game. My message is to have fun, play hard, and never give up."

Whether you're talking to Shrimpton as a history teacher, or as a coach, he shows his passion for baseball in everything he does, on and off the field.