Vernon is team player

Kelsey Tegtmeier
Staff Writer
April 29, 2004, Page 8

Freshman Mitch Vernon erupted last week hitting five home runs in four days, but he was more excited about the team’s big wins.
“Getting GPAC (Great Plains Athletic Conference) and regional player of the week was an honor, but it was nice to go five and one for the week as a team,” Vernon said.
Vernon’s teammates were excited about his performance last week.
“It’s impressive that a freshman, like Mitch, was able to come through in situations that were that important to us,” senior co-captain Brandon Noerrlinger said.
Vernon said that one of his favorite things about playing baseball at Doane is playing with the eight seniors.
“I like being around people that love baseball as much as I do,” Vernon said.
He said he always wanted to play baseball in college, and the designated hitter from Crete chose Doane because it was close to home.
Baseball is more important at Doane than it was in high school, he said.
“I’ve never played with a group of guys that play for the team more than they play for themselves, until now,” Vernon said.
Vernon has played baseball for at least twelve years. He lived near Tuxedo Park and walked to the field to play with his friends. He said that he always has fun when he’s playing baseball.
The diehard baseball fan has been to five professional games and tries to catch every Atlanta Braves game on TV.
Vernon said he enjoys watching games on TV, but nothing compares to being on the field.
After a disappointing weekend the Tigers are 8-10 in the conference and 21-13 overall. They hope to be one of the eight teams to play in the GPAC tournament beginning May 6.
“I’m trying to do my best to make sure the seniors get to the tournament,” Vernon said.