Benet senior Jack Clevenger is adapting well to different responsibilities this season.
A standout catcher and first baseman in the past, Clevenger has been forced to change roles after two shoulder injuries. He’s primarily a designated hitter and pinch hitter for the Redwings.
“Going into the season, I didn’t think I would play at all,” he said. “When my doctor cleared me to play, my main position if I could play is catching, but with my injuries, I could not play the position I wanted. I’m trying to do what I can to help the team hitting-wise.”
A two-sport athlete, Clevenger suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder at the beginning of baseball season during his sophomore year. Then he suffered a tore labrum in his left shoulder and dislocated it as well during a football game on Sept. 26.
Clevenger said the most recent injury put this season in jeopardy. Five anchors were inserted in his shoulder.
But Clevenger is making a difference on and off the field for the Redwings (6-4), who advanced to the Class 3A state championship game last season. He’s batting .250 with two doubles and three RBIs in 12 at-bats, he has pitched one inning, and his leadership in the dugout uplifts teammates, according to Benet co-coach Scott Lawler.
“Chemistry is one of most important ingredients to have a successful team on the high school level,” Lawler said. “Jack brings that to us. Every at-bat he’s had, it showed great grit to the team.
“He didn’t know if we would’ve had him at the beginning of the season. We welcomed him to be a captain on the team. He’s shown great spirit. He’s the first guy out of the dugout to congratulate guys.”
Benet junior pitcher/first baseman Quinn Rooney, a Notre Dame recruit, agrees that Clevenger’s impact can’t be measured by statistics.
“Even with all his injuries, he brings energy all the time,” Rooney said. “On the bench or on the field, we all love his energy.”
Clevenger said he values his role as a leader because he wants to make sure teammates feel comfortable and seek help if needed. His teammates are there for him too.
“It’s been a rough run, but I’ve had all my teammates there supporting and encouraging me,” he said. “The injuries definitely impacted my career, probably starting in my junior year. I could feel something wasn’t right.
“I didn’t think I would be playing baseball. I wanted to be a part of the team.”
Clevenger said he has learned from his experience hunting, which he likes to do in his spare time.
“I think hunting shaped me in a big way,” he said. “You have to be really patient. Sometimes you can sit out there all day and not see anything, but you still have to stay focused and not get frustrated. I think that carries over to baseball because not everything goes your way right away. You have to trust the process.
“Hunting also teaches you to keep showing up. Even if you don’t have a good day, you still get up the next morning and try again.”
Clevenger said one of the frustrating aspects of his injuries is his inability to catch his twin brother, Ben, a pitcher who also was Benet’s quarterback last season. They’ve been battery mates for only one game in high school.
Lawler said he hopes to give Clevenger more time on the field this season.
“We might be able to get him to catch a bit, maybe in a backup role,” Lawler said.
Either way, Clevenger will remain upbeat.
“Being a leader is not just about being the best on the field but also trying to help out the younger players and telling them what to do and always being positive,” he said. “Even if you’re not playing, you can always have a role in the game.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
