When you are one of the older kids on a varsity baseball team laden with youngsters, it is important that you use your experience to help the young kids along. Mission Bay High junior infielder Dusty Schraeder is doing that and more.
Schraeder is a key component for the Bucs, making head coach Dennis Pugh happy he has such leadership from one of his upperclassmen.
“Dusty is a three-year starter for us and helps lead a young team that starts one freshman, six sophomores, and two juniors,” Pugh noted. “I’ve been impressed with his dedication to the sport and his anticipation to play in college.”
For Schraeder, it was his father that turned him on to the game of baseball and the former has not looked back since.
Beach & Bay Press caught up with Schraeder for an interview.
BBP: How did you get started with playing baseball?
DS: I started playing baseball from a young age and it was my dad who got me into the sport by constantly playing catch with me, and pitching me whiffle balls in the house, which my mom was not a big fan of.
BBP: What do you like most about the role of being an infielder?
DS: I like being an infielder, especially shortstop where I play, because you’re in the middle of every play and from there I’m able to control the game and lead my team.
BBP: As a junior, do you feel any pressure out there being one of the team leaders?
DS: There is a little bit of pressure since it’s my junior year and expectations have risen, but I don’t let that get to me. No matter the circumstances, I’m going to continue to keep playing and lead the team the way I should.
BBP: Do you have goals you want to accomplish this season?
DS: Goals for this season would be to win a CIF championship because we’ve worked hard this year and it’s been a goal of mine ever since I started here at Mission Bay.
BBP: Are you thinking about playing baseball down the road in college?
DS: Playing baseball in college would be a huge dream for me and is something I’d like to do in the future, but for now I’m focused on winning each game we can this year and making it to playoffs.
