Baxley enjoying softball season
Last Updated on 3/20/2010
Published on 4/21/2009
By R.G. Greene
rgreene@gtowntimes.com
Carvers Bay coach Rory Owens says Whitney Baxley is the player that holds his team together.
Watching Baxley on the field, it is difficult to argue with Owens' assessment.
The junior catcher/shortstop paces the Bears at the plate - hitting more than .400 and leading the team in RBIs - and anchors the squad in the field.
"Whitney is having an outstanding year," Owens said. "It's not only what she does on the field, but also the leadership she (provides). The other players on the team look up to her."
Baxley played mostly shortstop earlier in the season and turned in a web gem to seal an important Region 8-A win at Lake View.
With runners at first and second with two outs, Baxley went between short and third to take away potential game-tying hit. She then fired to third for the force out to end the contest and preserve a 4-3 victory - Baxley had belted a two-run homer earlier in game that had given the Bears a 3-1 advantage in the third inning.
Lately, she has spent more time behind the plate, her strong throwing arm and experience assisting Brittany Owens' emergence as the Bears starting pitcher.
"She and Brittany work well together," Owens said. "That relationship has helped not only Brittany, but our team.
"...With Whitney (catching), we don't have to worry much about (opponents) trying to run. She has one of the strongest arms around."
Said Baxley, "I like catching and I enjoy playing shortstop. They keep you in the game. As a catcher, you're involved with every pitch. At shortstop, you always have to be ready because the ball can get there quick."
Baxley has been starting for the Bears since the seventh grade and says she has gained confidence in her abilities with each passing season - she led the team in batting average last year, hitting .354.
Owens credits her approach to her performance at the plate, an example of this coming during the Waccamaw Invitational Tournament last weekend.
Though Baxley had two potential line-drive hits taken away during Carvers Bay's first game against Hannah-Pamplico, she responded the next day against Johnsonville, with two hits and two RBIs that helped the Bears record a 6-5 decision over the Flashes.
"She doesn't allow (making an out) to bother her," Owens said. "She knows every at bat is different and when she gets to the plate, she is ready to go."
From Baxley's perspective, the secret to success is simply to enjoy the game.
"I've been playing since I was little," Baxley said. "I have great friends on the team. We have a good time and I love being on the field."
