The only thing Patrick Engels has cared much about during his baseball career at Lyons, aside from winning, is getting on the field.
Engels has done that — all over the place, it seems.
But after playing multiple positions over the past two years, the 6-foot senior is the Lions’ starting catcher this season.
“My dad was a catcher, too, and it’s what I’ve been growing up around,” Engels said. “I think it’s definitely the most important position. Everything is in front of you. You can tell anyone at any position where to go based on the pitch. You’re really the eye for everyone.”
Engels started his sophomore season as Lyons’ catcher and then shifted to second base halfway through. He was named the team’s most valuable player.
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With then-senior Jack McNamara at catcher last season, Engels went back to second base. But he also got time at third base and in left field. He hit .310 in 29 games and was named all-conference.
McNamara is playing at Wisconsin-Oshkosh, so Engels is back behind the plate. He’ll likely stick with one position this season, but his teammates recognize his ability to move around if necessary.
“He’s extremely versatile in the field,” senior James Georgelos said. “He has great hands, and on top of being versatile, he brings a great attitude to the team.”
Those qualities are linked, according to senior Freddy Ragsdale, a Kent State recruit.
“That’s what I really like about him,” Ragsdale said of Engels. “He’s a team guy. He goes wherever coach tells him.”
Engels credited McNamara for preparing him for this moment.
“The way he caught was so effortless, looking at the way he would move around the dish, throwing people out at second,” Engels said. “There were certain twitch movements, like blocking or making a snap throw to first or third, which I incorporated into my catching routines. He’s helped me a lot.”
Depending on how well he plays this season, Engels might consider joining a college team as a walk-on.
In the meantime, he’ll try to lead the Lions through another challenging season in the West Suburban Silver.
“The good thing about Pat is he’s a quiet leader,” Lyons coach Kevin Diete said. “It’s not his vocal aspect. I think he can lead with his voice, but it’s more his work ethic where he tends to lead because we have Freddy and James with their vocal leadership.”
Respect is the key to Engels’ brand of leadership, he said.
“Everyone deserves it,” he said. “I want people to look at me and say, ‘He’s helping so-and-so.’ I’m not going to be someone you can’t approach.”
Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.