If baseball is a game of stats, then the catcher’s position is undoubtedly the most unheralded in the sport. The Bishop’s School sophomore Joey Moreno is learning those humble qualities every day this season as the starting catcher for the varsity baseball team. “Last year he stood out as a freshman because of his poise,” Knights head coach Al Gomez said. “He doesn’t get too high or too low, he has very strong leadership qualities and he doesn’t get rattled in tense situations. As a result, he’s made some big plays and gotten us out of some pretty tough situations.” Pitchers rack up strikeouts, victories and saves, but it’s the receiver who helps make them look good. A called third strike can be the result of a firm snag without flinching, forcing the umpire to make a split-second decision. “Some guys will lose you strikes by not catching it firmly,” junior pitcher Kyle Gantz said. “But Joey’s real firm catching it every time.” Moreno is in only his second year at The Bishop’s School but he has already developed a reputation for his quick reflexes and strong arm behind the plate. “He’s the best at getting guys out trying to steal in our league, for sure,” Gantz said. Moreno grew up watching Jorge Posada play for the Yankees and picked up his favorite defensive play by studying the legendary catcher. “I like throwing out guys backdoor when they’re least expecting it, pick them off real quick,” Moreno said. Catchers have been labeled the quarterbacks on the defensive side of the baseball field. That comparison works well for Moreno since he has been the starting quarterback on the Knights varsity football team for the past two seasons. Despite the demands of taking snaps on the gridiron, Moreno has never lost sight of his catching duties. “I try to be a leader on the field,” he said. “I try to play my position the best I can and help out my team.” This year, Gomez is letting Moreno call most of the pitches throughout the games, a sure sign of his increasing confidence in the young catcher. Moreno’s calm demeanor and quiet leadership have rubbed off on the team’s pitching staff as well. “It’s really relaxing out there to be able to pitch my game and do my thing and know that my catcher always has my back,” junior pitcher Estevan Gomez said. “I always feel comfortable when the other team gets hits or walks off me because I know Joey’s back there.” “Jomo,” as Moreno is affectionately known to his teammates, is making waves in and around the La Jolla community with his athletic prowess. Unfortunately, Moreno suffered a serious ankle injury playing football in the fall. He is going through some pain and stiffness right now but it is only a matter of time until he gets back to top form. “I’m not a full speed and I’m not 100 percent, but I’m still getting back,” Moreno said. “So far it’s been six months (since the injury) and I’m not sure when I’ll be 100 percent. I’m just taking it day by day.”