One of the adages of high school baseball is how coaches will always try to hide their most defensively challenged players out in right field.
In his first season on the varsity, Naperville North junior Cole Clemens has repeatedly shredded that notion. To him, it’s not the loneliest part of the field.
It’s his home.
“I have been playing right field for eight years now,” Clemens said. “I am really used to slicing of the ball and how it comes off the bat. I feel really good out there.”
Clemens got the Huskies off on the right foot Thursday afternoon with an RBI single in the first inning against crosstown rival Naperville Central.
Although the Redhawks rallied for an 8-5 victory to sweep the DuPage Valley Conference series, Clemens has been a revelation for Naperville North.
He’s demonstrated superb range and speed for the Huskies (9-6, 5-4), making highlight-reel catches and flashing a powerful right arm that leaves runners thinking twice on the bases.
After going 1-for-3 against Naperville Central (13-4, 5-4), Clemens is hitting .354 with seven runs, 17 hits and 11 RBIs.
“Cole has really settled in right field,” Naperville North coach Jimmy Chiappetta said. “He picks up the ball well and covers a lot of ground.”
Some consider playing right field the equivalent of living on an island. Clemens, however, loves the freedom and open space of his position.
He has an explosive first step and moves well laterally. He willingly gives up his body to make a diving catch or would even run into the outfield wall.
Clemens’ varied athletic background also has been the ideal backdrop. He’s used to collisions. He saw action as a cornerback and nickel back last fall in football.
“I actually started playing football at an earlier age, but I have to come to see I am a better baseball player,” he said. “I’m more focused on it.”
Chiappetta has slotted Clemens in the heart of Naperville North’s order as the cleanup hitter.
The role comes with heightened expectations as a primary run generator.
“I’m fine with the pressure,” he said. “I like to win games.”
The 6-foot-1 Clemens has the size to generate bat power and speed. He has an intuitive manner, preferring to focus on the intangibles and doing whatever it takes to succeed.
He noticed the difference on varsity right away.
“The biggest adjustment I had to make was probably the velocity of the pitching,” he said. “I can hit the ball pretty far if I get a hold of one.
“With most of my at-bats, I am just looking to get a hit.”
Most young hitters tend to pull everything. Clemens goes the other direction.
“Most of my hits are to the opposite field,” he said. “When I go up to bat, I just look to hit it the opposite way.”
Chiappetta sees a player who’s malleable and open, letting the game come to him.
“As a hitter, I have been very impressed with his game,” Chiappetta said. “He’s very comfortable in the box, he sees the ball well and he makes his contact count.”
Baseball can be a wildly fluctuating and random game. Clemens, though, looks to take advantage of the things he can control.
“As I get settled in and used to the pitching, my focus is working on being a better teammate and picking everybody up,” he said.
Every game is a blank slate — a chance to improve.
“My favorite part of the game is probably the competitiveness,” Clemens said. “Knowing you have to make a big play when it is needed.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.