Conner Anglin has been a dynamic weapon for state-bound Tecumseh baseball
LYNNVILLE, Ind. — Catching hasn't always been easy for Conner Anglin.
He thinks back to moments early last year as a sophomore with the Tecumseh baseball team. There were some days when it felt like nothing was going right behind the plate.
As frustrating as that was, he refused to get down on himself. He remained confident. But it wasn't something he could do alone. He needed guidance, even some tough love now and then.
Enter Tecumseh baseball coach Ted Thompson, a former catcher himself.
"I knew right from the get-go that Coach Thompson was going to help make me a better player," Anglin said. "But he doesn't just make me a better player, he makes me a better person."
Nearly two years later, Anglin has played a major part in helping Tecumseh reach the IHSAA Class A baseball state championship. The Braves (19-12) will battle Lafayette Central Catholic (26-6) at 3:30 p.m. CDT Saturday at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
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On a team with no seniors, Anglin is a veteran as a junior. It's a lofty responsibility for a player with just two years of varsity experience. But his leadership has made those around him better.
"If you really pay attention to what’s going on, he really knows what’s happening and he directs traffic not only by his actions but also with his vocal leadership," Thompson said. "Those are two qualities that are hard to find, but when you find them it's great for your ball club."
From the backstop, Anglin controls the flow of the game. His arm strength has thwarted would-be base stealers. His ability to block the plate and frame pitches has made him the go-to catcher for each arm the Braves use on the mound.
As his game has continued to improve defensively, he's earned respect as one of the strongest catchers in this part of the state.
"His instincts of the game have really started to blossom," Thompson said. "That's one attribute he brings to the ball club that you wish everyone had."
Anglin's growth earned him an early college commitment before his junior year began. He will be a Division I catcher at the University of Southern Indiana following his high school career.
So what led him to choose catcher for his career path? It was as simple as just having control of each at-bat.
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"I just like being involved in every play," Anglin said with a laugh. "I played left field a little bit this year and it was boring because you don't get the ball. (As catcher) you're in just as much control as the pitcher is."
But Anglin is far from a one-dimensional player. He's been the best hitter for the Braves this season, leading the team in batting average (.472), hits (42), RBIs (29), doubles (six) and home runs (three). In Tecumseh's 12-3 semistate win over Shakamak, Anglin launched a deep home run and drove in four runs.
Anglin has also started to make more appearances on the mound. In six starts, he notched a 4-2 record with a 1.13 ERA. He's shown a willingness to learn at whatever position he plays. And it's become a given that he's going to do it at a high level.
"He's been very efficient with everything that he does," Thompson said. "We’re not just out here to go through an exercise, we’re here to be effective, efficient and productive. I think that’s one of the things he’s bought into as well as the team."
During any given game or practice, you'll likely see Anglin as one of the most energetic players in the dugout and on the field. His energy carries over to the rest of his teammates. He wants to see Tecumseh succeed and he'll hype everyone up as much as he can.
That attitude is contagious. The coaches love it. His teammates love it. It shows how passionate he is for the game and the school that he loves.
"He's our leader," said junior Dax Bailey. "He just amazes me with his work ethic and everything that he does to make himself better."
Contact Courier & Press sports reporter Hendrix Magley via email at hendrix.magley@courierpress.com or via Twitter @TweetsOfHendrix.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA baseball: Conner Anglin became an all-around asset for Tecumseh
