Published: August 04, 2009 09:28 am      

Ochoa in rare territory

Clinton catcher nearing neat feat in Clinton history

By Scott McNeish

Herald Assistant Sports Editor

CLINTON – Only one player has done it in franchise history. Blake Ochoa might be the second.

Thanks to a scorching July, the Clinton LumberKings catcher raised his batting average to .308 entering Monday’s game, making him a candidate to become the second catcher in Clinton’s 54-year history to hit .300 in a season.

“No way,” Ochoa said. “Really?”

Really.

No Clinton regular catcher has batted .300 in a season since Ronald Hafner hit .308 in 1961, according to research on baseball-reference.com. It occurred six years after the franchise joined the Mississippi-Ohio Valley League – a Midwest League predecessor – as an expansion team.

Back then the club wore a different nametag: the Clinton C-Sox. They played against teams such as the Decatur Commodores, the Paris Lakers and the Dubuque Packers.

In other words, it's been a while. And there's only been one. If Ochoa continues to produce, there could be two.

“One guy in 54 years?” Ochoa said. “Wow. Well, I really want to finish strong.”

Since Hafner's performance, the Clinton club has played 47 seasons, experienced affiliation with 11 major-league teams and changed its name five times.

The franchise has hosted 11 catchers that advanced to the major leagues, including current Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia. Hafner, ironically, did not reach the majors.

Ochoa has played himself into a rare class in Clinton lore.

“When (a catcher) is putting up numbers like he is, it's a big bonus,” Clinton utility man Scott Savastano said. “He's working hard, and it's paying off for him.”

Ochoa hit .359 in July to help keep the LumberKings in the second-half playoff race.

Over his last 10 contests, the Venezuela native has batted .406 (13-for-32) and posted five multi-hit games. He went 3-for-4 in consecutive games last week against Lansing to extend a five-game hitting streak.

Ochoa, who splits time with Travis Howell, leads all Midwest League catchers in batting average. Peoria ’s Michael Brenly entered Monday hitting .295.

“Right now I feel very comfortable at the plate,” Ochoa said. “I'm trying to be aggressive and smart. When I go to the plate, I'm just thinking always middle, middle, middle, line drives.”

Catchers represent a unique breed because of their defensive demands.

They have to handle a pitching staff: calling pitches, scouting hitters, understanding the art of pitching and how it applies to each pitcher. They act as a coach on the field, because they're the only position facing it. Teams often keep mediocre (or worse) offensive catchers with stalwart defensive skills.

Perhaps that explains the lack of .300.

“You have a job to do,” Ochoa said. “If I'm not hitting that day, I still have to do my defense. I always have to work with pitchers.”

Ochoa has aided a pitching staff with the lowest ERA in the Midwest League.

“This is his second year in this league, so he has a great idea of what to throw and how to attack hitters,” Clinton reliever Cheyne Hann said. “It helps you calm down to know that the guy calling the pitches has an idea. He makes the decisions for you, so you're not out there by yourself. He guides you along.”

Evaluators labeled Ochoa an above-average defender long before Florida signed him as a non-drafted free agent in 2004. But the offensive production, well, it's something different.

For him and the Clinton franchise.

“I want to finish at .300,” Ochoa said. “I want to keep doing my job and keep being consistent. Being consistent is what it's all about.”