EFFINGHAM — State champion Brock Fearday is the Effingham Daily News co-Baseball Player of the Year after helping guide St. Anthony to its second state title in program history this past June.
The junior batted .444 with a .533 on-base percentage, .828 slugging percentage, and 1.361 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. Fearday had 44 hits — 13 were doubles, two were triples and seven were home runs — and had 44 RBI.
“He was a guy who took the opportunity every time there was an opportunity to score runs and hit guys in,” head coach Tony Kreke said.
“I just hit the ball where it’s thrown and try to jump on the first pitch in the zone,” Fearday added.
He was just as successful on the mound, too, pitching to a 1.79 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP in 66 1/3 innings. He allowed 58 hits, 18 runs (17 earned) and 22 walks, struck out 73 batters and boasted a 9-1 record.
Fearday credits catcher Connor Roepke for helping him be able to boast those numbers.
“Connor always called a great game,” Fearday said. “He always slowed me down when I needed to get slowed down. He always called the right pitches; never had any issues with him calling a game.”
There were several games where Fearday was able to work well below the pitch county, too, which not only helped his catcher but the entire team.
“For the regional championship, to throw a complete game under 75 pitches and to have the opportunity to come back and pitch, if needed?” Kreke said. “You have to have a guy that can command the strike zone and get outs.”
Fearday was just that.
He is also a big-game player. No circumstance rattled him.
Newton. Check.
Roxana and Teutopolis. Check.
Williamsville. Check.
Maroa-Forsyth. Check.
All must-win games. All coming with Fearday having a vital role and staying composed.
“’Big Game, Brock,’” Kreke said. “He loves to compete. He loves to be out there. He wants the ball. Anytime there’s a big-time situation and there’s an opportunity for him, he’s gonna come through.”
The ever-quiet Fearday isn’t one to talk, but Kreke mentioned that the team listens when he does.
“When he does speak, people know,” Kreke said. “He’s a jokester, but he does lead by example. Whenever guys see him rake the field or take care of the mound, when one of your better players leads from the front, you know you have a culture that can take shape.”
Fearday truly embodies the team’s slogan, “quiet confidence.”
However, during this state run, he was anything but quiet.
Fearday wore his emotions on his sleeve, screaming and celebrating after a big run, strikeout, or win.
The best emotion for him, though, was following the state win when he pointed to his ring finger before celebrating with Kreke.
“That’s the best thing you can do as a team,” Fearday said. “It was a fun ride, hoping to do it again.”