Flemister and the changing body language of the Webster Yankees

By Paul Casey Gotham

Webster Yankee head coach Dave Brust needed a stop gap. His team had just lost to the Hornell Dodgers, 8-7, and in the process opposing baserunners swiped 10 bags. He knew a change was needed.

That day’s catcher, Tyler DeClerck (University of Rochester), had previously injured the labrum in his throwing elbow. Brust now understood the severity of the injury. He also understood the possible consequences of trying to navigate a New York Collegiate Baseball League season minus a catcher.

The fourth-year skipper leaned on his network of local coaches. He called former Webster and current Monroe Community College coach, Mike Kelly along with independent instructor Dave Parlet. The two agreed. Brust needed to sign Nick Flemister (Clark).

“I figured I’d get him in every other game and he’d make some good contact,” Brust explained. “That would help our other catchers get rest between games.”

Brust first put Flemister in the lineup on July 12th at Allegany County. The Yankees had a record of 16-12. The right-handed batter singled, scored and drove in two that day. Webster won 8-2.

In the 18 games since then, Flemister has been behind the plate on 14 occasions. The pinstripes are 12-2 with the Pittsford, New York native in the crouch. Flemister has 28 hits and 12 RBI.

So much for getting rest.

Making contact? Safe to say that has been accomplished.

With Flemister in pinstripes, the Webster Yankees have rattled off a club record 14 straight wins, laid claim to the NYCBL West Division regular-season title, won their first playoff series in club history and have a chance at the league championship.

“We brought him in as a defensive catcher,” mentioned Yankee assistant Ollie Bertrand. “He has given us the offensive spark we need.”

Flemister brings with him a winning attitude he learned in high school when he helped Pittsford-Sutherland win the New York State championship.

“He comes from a winning program, and it shows on the field,” Brust added. “Sometimes it’s a battle of wills.”

Flemister showed the depth of his will in game one of the NYCBL West Division championship on Thursday night.  With two outs and runners on second and third, he fouled off six pitches from Geneva starter, Sean White, before sending an opposite field single through the right side of the infield plating Kevin Johnson and Dan Bick.

“He spoils good pitches,” Brust explained. “Some guys get 0-2, and they give up. He knows how to battle.  Nick opens the door for opposing pitchers to cave in. His hitting mechanics are excellent from working with Dave Parlet.”

With Flemister catching, Webster pitchers allowed just five runs in five games including three shutouts as the Yankees clinched the division.

“He changes the body language of the pitching staff,” Brust noted. “They’re comfortable throwing to him because he is a good college receiver.”

“He blocks the ball well,” said Bertrand who caught the last two years for Webster including 2008 when he earned All-League honors. “It’s one thing to know technique and get in position, but you got to be willing to be hit. He is willing to do it.”

Flemister’s ability to block was never more apparent than it was during the sixth inning of Saturday night’s decisive game in the NYCBL West Championship. With bases loaded and one out, Geneva’s A.J. DeMarco (Toledo) lifted a fly ball into right field that Luis Diaz (North Carolina Central) settled under as Evan Mansell (Freed-Hardeman) tagged from third. Diaz made the catch, took two quick strides and one-hopped a strike to Flemister at home. Ball and runner met at the same time. Flemister never flinched. Geneva’s rally was extinguished.

Despite coming in halfway through the season Flemister has adapted well to opposing hitters.

“He’s a quick study,” Brust noted. “He uses our spray charts to note what hitters have done in the past. It adds on to what he is already calculating.”

“Our pitching staff is stupendous,” Flemister said. “These guys all throw hard with two secondary options. I know they are going to throw strikes.”

Flemister and Webster open the NYCBL championship series Monday night at Basket Road Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7 pm.