The sport of baseball requires teamwork, lots of practice, and skill. Welch High School freshman Caston Smith plays multiple positions: pitcher, catcher, second base, and third base.
As a pitcher for the Welch Wildcats, Caston is tasked with a valuable role, as many consider a pitcher the most important player on the defensive side of the game. As a catcher, Caston crouches behind home plate, in front of the home base umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. In addition to this primary duty, Caston is also called upon to master many other skills in order to field the position well.
As a second baseman, Caston uses quick hands and feet, and the ability to get rid of the ball quickly, and must be able to make the pivot on a double play.
When on third base, Caston is responsible for fielding ground balls, line drives, and pop flies in the general vicinity of the third-base bag.
A veteran of the sport, Caston has been playing baseball almost his entire life. Caston explained, “My brother had me playing catch when I was three years old, and I started playing baseball at the age of four years old.”
When asked who is Caston’s role model, he stated, “Definitely my brother because he made me want to become a teacher and baseball player.”
Besides his brother, there is someone else Caston looks up to. Caston accounted, “Coach Gleaves because of his ability to make everyone laugh.”
Every athlete has a memory that sticks out as an enjoyable one.
“My favorite memory thus far was pitching a perfect game in Little League Baseball,” he said.
Caston is proud to represent the Welch Wildcats every time he is on the field.
“It means everything to me,” he said.
After graduating high school, Caston plans on attending college, and has an ambition of becoming a baseball coach.
