Zimmerman Like a Coach on the Diamond for Surging Flatonia Baseball Team

Flatonia baseball player Beck Zimmerman has come up big throughout the season at the two most important positions on the diamond, pitcher and catcher as the Bulldogs get ready for this week’s regional semifinal series against Kenedy.

While Zimmerman puts his defense on display, he’s also tied for the team lead on batting average at .452 and has a 4-0 record on the mound with two saves to go along with it. He mostly plays catcher and his dad, Bryan Zimmerman, was a former head baseball coach for the Bulldogs.

“He’s only a sophomore, but I consider him one of the leaders of the team,” said Flatonia head baseball coach Rodney Stryk. “He is my coach on the field. He’s the only one that I probably explain stuff to because he’s the only one that’s thinking like I’m thinking a lot of times. He comes from a coaching family, so he knows a lot about the game. Behind the plate, he’s the best in the area in my opinion. He’s just unbelievable back there. A wall back there. Calls a good game, knows how to calm the pitchers down, and he can go in there and pitch. He’s had to close some close games also. At the top of the lineup, he’s second on the team in runs and second on the team in RBI’s I think. He’s got six doubles, two triples, just a confident hitter and the kind of guy that you want at the top of your lineup.”

Zimmerman’s command and control on the field has made him our selection for this edition’s Athlete of the Week.

Question: Catcher is arguably the most important position on the field, what do you like most about being a catcher?

Answer: “I just like controlling the pitcher and having my pitcher have faith in me whenever I’m behind the plate. Being able to back pick and have just a great overall experience because I’m the leader of the team.”

Question: What have been the keys to such a successful season?

Answer: “Just our pitching overall. We have two great pitchers, Titan (Targac) and Dayton (Cliffe). Our defense really steps up whenever we have a close game.”

Question: You are also a pitcher. Which do you prefer, catching or pitching?

Answer: “I like being a catcher. That’s just how I’ve been growing up. I’ve always been a catcher.”

Question: If you could play in any major league stadium, which would you choose and why?

Answer: “My favorite team’s the Red Sox, so I’d like to play at Fenway Park.”

Question: Who’s a teammate you make the most plays with in the field?

Answer: My starting pitcher, Titan, because we’re just like that.”

Question: Who’s your favorite super hero?

Answer: “Probably Captain America.”

Question: What are you

looking forward to the most this summer?

Answer: “Playing baseball and having a great time with my select team players.”

Question: What’s a restaurant you like?

Answer: “I like Robert’s here in Flatonia. That’s my favorite.”

Question: What’s a brand of clothing you usually wear?

Answer: “I usually wear Nike. That’s my go-to.”

Question: How would you describe your tenure at Flatonia High School?

Answer: “I play all sports. I play the main three and I have a lot of fun playing them.”

Zimmerman’s ability has helped put Flatonia in the state tournament conversation.