This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
07/28/2016 12:00 AMConnor Peters compares every at-bat to a 12-round fight and, as a member of the Guilford Senior Legion baseball team this summer, he battled like a heavyweight champion at the dish.
Connor recently graduated from Guilford High School, where he competed for the Indians’ baseball and football teams. Playing first base and designated hitter for the Post 48 Seniors in the recent season, Connor put together an excellent offensive showing by notching a .308 batting average, while helping Guilford improve from two wins last year to 12 with a State Tournament bid in 2016.
“Every at-bat is a battle to me, so I always watched the pitcher and batters ahead of me to see what the pitcher will do,” says Connor. “I didn’t want to be defeated by a pitcher out there. I just worked hard, had a good eye at the plate, and put the ball in play.”
Connor had a knack for coming up in the clutch and saved one of his best stretches for last as he went 7-for-12 when Guilford swept a four-game series from rival Madison earlier this month. Connor’s tear helped Post 48 finish its season strong and secure its slot in the state tourney.
“I know it’s just a game, but what’s better than being the guy getting the clutch hit in a game? I know the team believes in me. I just calm myself down and look for the open spots on the field,” Connor says. “I knew that series could’ve been some of my last games, plus it’s always fun to beat your rivals. I took every at-bat like it could be my last. It was a fun series and I just wanted to go and have fun with my teammates.”
Second-year Head Coach Michael Yates appreciates Connor’s ability to get it done in the big moments, but adds that Connor played an even bigger role in terms of grooming Post 48’s up-and-coming athletes.
“He is one of the main reasons why Guilford was back in the State Tournament this year. He had clutch hits all year,” says Yates. “He was a vocal leader in the dugout. He really focused on guiding our younger guys with the physical and mental aspects of the game. He is truly an extension of the coaching staff.”
As a veteran of the game, Connor knows that every hitter goes through rough patches at the plate. Connor took what he learned from his own ups and downs and passed that knowledge along to Guilford’s youngsters to help guide them through their biggest moments of doubt.
“Being with the younger guys is my favorite part of the game because I’ve been through rough times as a hitter and it’s nice to give back to them and let them know it does get better,” says Connor. “I told them that things do change as long as you put in the hard work. It’s good to help them believe in themselves.”
Although Post 48 would have liked a deeper run through the postseason this summer, the team’s 10-win progression is definitely nothing to scoff at. Connor concludes by saying that Guilford’s victories on the field were complemented by the camaraderie its athletes enjoyed outside of the diamond.
“Last year, we had two wins, so we added another 10 this year. Everyone out there worked hard and we were happy with the outcome,” says Connor, who thanks parents, John and Jackie, along with Coach Yates, assistant coach Michael Gell, plus his teammates and friends. “We wanted to go further in states, but we all had fun this year, which is what we cared about the most.”