Shorecrest Prep's Baseball Squad Feeds Off of Spencer Heath's Energy - The Shorecrest Prep catcher brings a passion to the game Chargers coach Don Reed believes is vital for success.
ST. PETERSBURG - There are many reasons for Shorecrest Prep's success but last year and this year. The Chargers not only are one of the top teams in the state, they are a favorite to play for the Class 2A state title game.
Of course it helps to have talent, which Shorecrest does. But it often takes more than talent. Spencer Heath fits that description.
Oh, the Chargers catcher has talent, no question. Entering this week's Steve Georgiadis Memorial tournament at Seminole, Heath led the Chargers with 26 RBIs. But it's his leadership on the field that is endearing to both his coaches and teammates.
"No. 1, he is a real good receiver and he plays with a lot of energy and takes charge," Shorecrest coach Don Reed said. "Spencer throws the ball well and he's also a good hitter. He's very much clutch."
It is that element of the game, a leader and clutch player that Heath covets.
"If I see something is wrong on the field, if it needs to be immediately addressed, I will go out to the infield," Heath said. "Otherwise, I'll wait to go to the dugout or I will go tot he mound to talk to them.
As Reed suggested, Heath brings a natural energy and enthusiasm to the field that can't be coached. Heath believes that's one of his best traits.
"I think it helps you relax when you talk it up and have fun," Heath said. "It goes to the whole team. It rubs off and they get fired up.
"You will make errors once in a while. Once last year when Mark [Brakeman] was pitching, it was the last inning and guys started booting balls and I called time out and said, 'Hey guys, we need to tighten things up.' And we won the game."
Reed enjoys that mentality from Heath.
"He has a lot of responsible behind the plate and you have to have someone who is willing to take charge," Reed said. "You have to handle the pitcher; you have eight guys looking at you. You are blocking balls I the dirt. It's very important to have someone who is full of emery and hustle and plays the game the way it should be played."
