Canton's Tschetter caught on quickly

May 16, 2010, 10:15 a.m.

  Besides pitcher, the position on the baseball diamond that requires the most seasoning is catcher -- a physically and mentally demanding position that requires calling pitches, blocking errant pitches, throwing out potential base-stealers and squatting up to 150 times a game, to name a few things
  Canton's Seth Tschetter defied the logic that suggests you need a lot of experience to be proficient behind the plate.

  Now a junior on Canton's state-ranked baseball team, Tschetter earned the starting nod behind the dish as a freshman in the spring of 2008 with hardly any time at the position.

  His transition from his normal position -- second base -- to the new position went smoothly, thanks to a strong arm, strong bat, top-end athleticism and a cool disposition.

  Tschetter, who has earned a 3.6 grade-point average, is having a standout season for the Chiefs, batting .385 with 20 RBI and just two errors heading into Saturday's double-header against Jackson Lumen Christi.

  Tschetter took a few minutes prior to Wednesday's double-header against Livonia Churchill to talk with PlymouthCantonSports.com's Ed Wright.

  ED WRIGHT: How does it feel to be a key part of a team that is ranked No. 5 in the state? Did you see this coming?

  SETH TSCHETTER: Yeah, I did. We've had a lot of success the last couple of years and we had a lot of talent coming back this season, so I expected a lot from this team. Being ranked as high as we are is pretty cool.

  EW: Of the pitchers you currently catch, who has the nastiest pitches?

  ST: I'd have to say (Andrew) Tidwell's slider is pretty nasty and Kevin's (Delapaz) change-up is really good.

  EW: Do you take more pride in throwing out a base-runner or hitting an RBI double?

  ST: I think the defensive stuff, like throwing out a runner or blocking pitches in the dirt are more satisfying because I'm helping prevent runs from being scored. It's kind of behind-the-scenes stuff, but it's still important.

  EW: How and when did you get into catching?

  ST: My freshman year. I barely caught before then. I started pitching with coach Blomshield before the season and he said they needed another catcher and he said I should try it out.

  EW: What was the toughest part about getting acclimated to the position?

  ST: Probably learning how to block pitches and being ready every single play, every single pitch. You can never take a pitch off.

  EW: Who has taught you the most about playing the position?

  ST: Coach T (former Canton assistant coach Mike Tomasaitis).

  EW: What percentage of games have you caught this season?

  ST: Every one. I like playing every day.

  EW: Are you sore after games?

  ST: Sometimes I'm a little sore after I catch a double-header, but it's not too bad.

  EW: What's the biggest hit you've had in high school?

  ST: Last year against Catholic Central in the Regional semifinal, I got down 0-2 with the bases loaded. I fought back to get it to a full count then I cleared the bases with a double. That's the biggest one so far.

  EW: Is there a Major League catcher you kind of emulate?

  ST: I look at myself as a shorter Joe Mauer, who's a good hitter and blocks pitches well -- a good all-around player.

  EW: What do you enjoy doing in your free time besides baseball?

  ST: I do a lot of stuff with my youth group at my church (Plymouth Nazarene). We hang out and go on trips. This summer we're going to Wyoming.

  EW: What advice would you give to a young athlete who wants to be a successful high school catcher some day?

  ST: I'd tell him to just stick to it. There are going to be times when you're bored back there or you'll get mad because you let a pitch get by you or something, but stay with it because it's a lot of fun.