When it comes to what Riley Schmitt brings to the table, North Hamilton manager Freddie York sees more than just numbers.
He sees a veteran presence that can provide valuable intangibles over the course of this summer’s Mercer County American Legion baseball season. That became especially important at the season’s outset, when Nottingham High’s run to the state semifinals kept the Hibernians from getting their full team together until one day before the season started.
“He’s a good teammate; that’s what we’re trying to work on here,” York said. “We didn’t have a lot of opportunity to get this team together and blend, with Nottingham being where they were. We had some practices with kids who weren’t Nottingham kids, which were about six kids.
“In that regard Riley is a good example of a player who can bring a team together. There are unknowns on a team. He’s the kind of guy who can get between two guys who don’t know each other, talk about baseball, bring them together, work with them on the field, talk to them on the field.”
York pointed out several examples, where Schmitt would watch some younger players in batting practice, and then take them aside and provide tips on where to put there stride foot down, or where their hands should be placed.
It comes from a lifetime love affair with baseball, which Schmitt will continue in the fall at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
“More than anything, baseball is a chance just to be with your friends, have a good time and see how far you can stretch yourself in any aspect of the game,” Schmitt said. “Even if you’re not hitting well, go out in the field and see if you can pick up your team defensively. Just see how far you can stretch your body and athletic limits and things like that.”
Riley has stretched himself to the snapping point with what he has accomplished on the field. Growing up in Hamilton, he played all stars for HTRBA Little League and Nottingham Babe Ruth before heading to Notre Dame High School and playing varsity his junior and senior seasons.
“More than anything, it was just fun,” Schmitt said. “It was a great group of guys. Junior year, we had a really solid team, won a lot of games, went pretty far in states and won counties. We had another really good team this year. It was a really fun team to play for, just because I was with all my friends (several from Hamilton) and they were good. That’s always fun because we’re winning games and playing good baseball.”
In two seasons of varsity play with the Irish, Schmitt batted .379 with 34 RBI, 36 runs, 10 doubles, two triples and 16 stolen bases. As a full-time outfielder in his senior year, he hit .397 with 14 stolen bases, 21 RBI, 23 runs and nine doubles.
He also made his presence felt on both sides of the outfield.
“Riley played excellent defense for us his junior and senior year, playing left field his junior year and right field his senior year,” Irish coach Joe Drulis said. “He had had some big hits for us in close games both years that led our team to victory.”
In playing defense, Schmitt feels his speed is his biggest factor.
“That’s the main part of my game,” he said. “In the outfield I try to get good jumps and run baseballs down and just try to make good plays, and also be able to throw guys out. I think I have a pretty good arm. I always look forward to that.”
Offensively, he doesn’t try to do too much other than take advantage of the opportunity a pitch presents.
“I usually try to stay all over the field and just think line drive,” Schmitt said. “Usually I’ll be gap to gap. I might get a couple out every once in a while.”
York acknowledged that Schmitt has a quick bat and knows how to use his legs to their full potential. The skipper is equally impressed with his approach at the plate. With a man on second and less than two outs, Schmitt will give himself up to get the runner over. When he has a hitter’s count, he will only attack a pitch he can drive; or he will let it go by.
“He’s a good situational hitter, he understands what’s going on,” York said. “He knows the kind of pitcher that’s pitching. He moves up in the box, moves back, sees the ball out of his hands, where his slot is.
“He’ll even talk about that when he comes in the dugout – ‘Hey this guy is coming from three quarters most of the time, but when his arm drops down, that’s when he’s throwing a curveball.’ I’ve heard him say stuff like that. That’s a sign of a guy who’s in the game.”
Schmitt is in his third season with North Hamilton and has become one of those venerable veterans who is there for his teammates. Aside from talent, he has a strong baseball IQ, and he’s anxious to impart advice to younger teammates.
“He certainly brings us skills, but one of the big things with Riley is he’s a quiet leader,” York said. “He doesn’t walk around like ‘I’m the best leader here.’ He puts his head down, does his job. He picks up guys when they’re having a rough day. He’ll be the last guy leaving the dugout, making sure everything’s out of there, helping us do things.”
When it comes to his final legion season, Schmitt’s mantra is the same as it has always been—just have fun. What is making this year special for him is watching so many of the young players from Nottingham come of age.
“They’re older and more mature,” Schmitt said. “Having been with (Jim) Maher a couple of years now, they’re getting used to winning and playing good baseball. The team has grown up a lot. It’s become a more mature team. It’s fun to play with.”
North Hamilton’s Riley Schmitt will move on to the University of Wisconsin-Stout after finishing the MCALL season. (Photo by Suzette J. Lucas.),
