William Neese Doing it All for the Round Top-Carmine Baseball Team
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Leadoff hitter, ace pitcher and shortstop, sophomore William Neese is doing it all for the playoff-bound RTC baseball team. Photo by Jeff Wick
In Round Top-Carmine’s two biggest games of the season last week against Richards, sophomore William Neese came up huge.
In an 8-0 victory Neese came within two outs of a complete game shutout, striking out 15. He also homered and drove in three in that game. In the 14-11 win over Richards, the Cubs leadoff hitter had a hit, scored twice and also played flawless at shortstop.
Those wins clinched the top playoff spot for the Cubs out of District 26-1A.
“He’s been doing a great job for us,” said RTC head baseball coach Ben Ahrens. “He listens. Will’s coachable. He was able to hit a home run to help himself out. Every single week he’s getting better. The guys around him are getting better. It’s pretty fun around here.”
We’re proud to honor William Neese as this week’s Fayette County Athlete of the Week. We caught up with him before practice Wednesday. Here’s our interview with him:
What’s your favorite part of playing baseball: pitching, hitting or playing shortstop?
“Probably playing shortstop because I’ve played it my whole life.”
How many different pitches do you throw and what is your favorite?
“I throw three pitches, a fastball a curveball and a change-up. I like my fastball the best.”
This is your first year at RTC. Where did you move from and how has the transition been? “I went from a 6A (CedarRidge) to a 1A. I like it here. I have more friends and closer connections.”
What’s the best thing they serve in the RTC cafeteria?
“The orange chicken.”
What’s the worst?
“The spaghetti.’
Your brother Miles, a freshman, is also a key part of this team. Tell me about him.
“He’s good at third base and he always gets hits. I can trust him.”
What hitter on the team is the toughest to get out when you pitch against them?
“Kash Wessels. He has a lot of experience. He catches me so he knows my pitches.”
Do you have an at-bat walk-up song?
“Baby” by Lil Baby.
If you could have dinner with any famous athletes who would you pick?
“Jose Altuve.”
What sport do you wish Round Top-Carmine High School had that it doesn’t?
“Swimming.”
What’s something a lot of people don’t know about you?
“I have an older brother.”
If you could add one thing to the town of Carmine, what would it be?
“More restaurants, since we only have one.”