DeGroat calls shots as U.S. wins
By Scott Larson, The Starphoenix June 27, 2015 8:39 AM
Frank DeGroat was behind the plate for the U.S. in their 7-0 defeat of Mexico in their opening game Friday at the Men’s World Softball Championship in Saskatoon.
Photograph by: Greg Pender, The Starphoenix , The Starphoenix
As Frank DeGroat Jr. was preparing for the 2015 WBSC Men’s World Softball Championship he expected to be primarily used as designated hitter for the United States.
But an injury to the team’s starting catcher has meant the 40-year-old veteran is going to carry the load behind the plate as well.
“That’s why you come into this tournament with several catchers so that if one of your catchers get injured, someone can step in,” said DeGroat, who was behind the plate for the U.S. in their 7-0 defeat of Mexico in their opening game Friday.
His 10 years of play on the national team has helped DeGroat to transition into being an everyday player on the field.
“I’m in the gym six times a week, so I’m definitely in shape for it,” he said. “But it’s the mental preparation that changes. Now you go from the DH role to actually take the field and control what goes on on the field.”