Published: May 07, 2008 11:33 pm            

Mallard, Freeman fill roles for CHS

Sophomores fill in at 2nd, 3rd during state playoff run

Stick around for the later innings of a Cullman High baseball game and you’re likely to get a glimpse into the future.

A glimpse into the future of Bearcats baseball, that is.

This year, sophomores Chase Mallard and Austin Freeman have been filling one of the toughest roles in baseball — dependable utility men, ready to play at a moment’s notice.

“It’s tough, it’s a lot harder than people think,” said Mallard, a reserve infielder that fills in at second when starting shortstop Austin Golden moves to the pitcher’s mound. Second baseman Josh Bell then fills in at short and leaves a place on the right side of the infield for Mallard.

According to Mallard, being mentally prepared while on the bench is the toughest aspect of being a super sub.

“You have to stay in it the whole game,” he said. “Getting ready to go in is a lot harder than people think.”

Freeman, who spells senior Luke Satterfield at third in lopsided games, said being a mid-game replacement is all about your mental approach.

“I think about just coming in and making plays,” Freeman said. “Just hving good at-bats and reading pitches.

“You’ve just got to be ready to go in there.”

Freeman added he’ll try to use the same approach next season when he tries to fill Satterfield’s old spot at third.

“I’ll try to do the same thing I did this year,” he said. “Make less errors, and hit a little better.”

Freeman and Mallard agreed that playing with the older players can be both exciting and intimidating.

“It’s awesome playing with the older guys,” Mallard said. “They joke around but they can be serious too. They teach you a lot about playing varsity baseball.”

When they become team leaders in the next few years, Freeman and Mallard said they hope to lead by example. It should be easy, since all they have to do is watch Bell — the player currently filling Mallard’s position.

“He’s one of the team leaders,” Freeman said of Bell, who recently signed a scholarship to play at Calhoun next season. “He does everything the right way, and he’s a good fielder.”

Mallard agreed.

“He always plays hard. He never skips anything,” Mallard said. “And Ben Sellers too, he does everything 110 percent.

“And that’s how I want to be.”

        

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