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4/21/2011 - Baseball
When Dominic Jamett came to Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett as a freshman three years ago, he never thought he'd be a catcher.
That season, Jamett was the starting right fielder and was content knowing that's where he'd be the next four years.
But, coach Dan Cimini had other plans. He knew Jamett was a good athlete and could handle playing a position that provided greater challenges.
"His dad asked me where I thought Dominic should play," Cimini said. "I told to pick up the catcher's mask, chest protector and get behind the plate. I told (Dominic) that he would be an average player in the outfield."
Unsure of the switch at first, Jamett moved to catcher and caught on quickly.
And next season, that's where he'll play for coach Rich Maloney at Michigan.
"I was hesitant at first," said Jamett, who accepted a spot on the Michigan roster as a preferred walk-on. "It was nerve-racking. … I wouldn't say I didn't want to do it. Coach Cimini said he believed in me."
In a little over two years Jamett has become one of the top players at what is the sport's most demanding position.
This season, there are a number of fine catchers in Michigan. There are at least 25 who are seniors, 13-15 in Metro Detroit who are college prospects.
There is some debate on who is the best catcher in the state.
Madison Heights Lamphere's Greg Fettes (Kentucky), and Orchard Lake St. Mary's Blaise Salter (Michigan State) top the list.
Dearborn Divine Child's Eric Haase might be better than both.
But, Haase's responsibilities as a third baseman and pitcher hinder an evaluation of his abilities behind the plate.
"The health of his arm will determine how much he catches," Divine Child coach Tony DeMare said. "He caught 18-20 games last year. In our first 11 games this season, he caught four. He's got a quick release. The pitchers love to throw when he's behind the plate. He virtually shuts down the running game."
The fact Haase (Ohio State) is his team's top pitcher limits his time as a catcher.
Fettes played shortstop and pitched until he was 12, when his little league team "had some injuries and they put me behind the plate," he said. "I just wanted to play. It took me the whole season to get used to it."
With the help of the coaches for the South Oakland A's, Fettes quickly became proficient.
Salter always has been a catcher. It's in his genes. His grandfather is former Tigers catcher Bill Freehan.
"Ever since I came out of the womb, I've been a catcher," Salter said. "He taught me how to play, he and my dad (John Salter). My grandfather stressed to always play your hardest and to lead. I like being in control."
In his fourth year as a starter, Fettes, at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, is an imposing figure — behind the plate or at it.
He said what makes a good catcher is a willingness to work and knowledge of the game.
"Practice makes perfect," he said. "I'm a workaholic."
Fettes said it's all about being a leader. The catcher must take charge and be accountable. Knowing where the other seven fielders should be, depending on the situation, is paramount. This, and the relationship with his pitcher, is what separates an average catcher from a good one. Sometimes a catcher must act like a psychologist, assistant coach or big brother to manage his pitcher — and the game.
"With good mechanics anyone can throw out a runner," Fettes said. "Controlling the pitcher is the big thing. I just try to calm him down when he's struggling."
Salter (6-5, 225) played football at St. Mary's three years before concentrating on baseball.
When he's not playing, Salter's working with former Rochester Adams coach Chuck VanRobays, manager and an instructor at the Varsity Shop Training Center in Bloomfield Hills. Salter's goal is to accelerate his learning process while increasing strength and stamina.
St. Mary's coach Matt Petry said Salter is as good as it gets for a high school catcher.
"He takes away the running game," Petry said. "And he blocks everything. Especially in high school, it's so important to take away that extra base."
How a catcher impacts the success of his team goes beyond his batting average, how quickly he gets the ball to second base or his technique on blocking the plate. It's the part of the game 95 percent of the fans don't notice that the good ones latch on to.
For Jamett, who's been tutored by Jeff Kunkel, the former Michigan player now in the Tigers organization, it's a never-ending process.
"Pitchers won't tell you when there's something wrong," Jamett said. "(Kunkel will) say it's the umpire who's causing the problem and they'll stomp around the mound.
"I like to read body language. Even with hitters. I'll watch them the first time and then, after talking to Coach (Cimini), the second time up you'll know what to do.
"I'm biased but catcher is the most important (position). It's tough physically but mentally it can really wear on you."
5-9, 190, Taylor Truman: Solid hitter who also plays the outfield. Signed with Northwood
6-0, 190, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard: Improved his strength during the offseason; a line drive hitter. Committed to Wabash (Ill.) CC
6-2, 195, Troy: Also a pitcher, he did not play as a junior. Son of former major leaguer Jim Essian
6-3, 210, Madison Heights Lamphere: Set school records last season for home runs (11) and RBIs (49). Signed with Kentucky
5-11, 185, Dearborn Divine Child: Also plays third base and pitches. Likely a catcher/third baseman in college. Signed with Ohio State
5-11, 175, Macomb Dakota: Started 90 percent of the games at catcher last season; hit .340 with 28 RBIs. Signed with Oakland
6-4, 210, Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett: Has power and is a big target. Will attend Michigan as a preferred walk-on
6-2, 225, Clinton Township Chippewa Valley: Team MVP as sophomore. Signed with Rochester College
6-2, 215, Birmingham Brother Rice: Started three years at catcher before moving to outfield. Signed with Michigan State
6-5, 225, Orchard Lake St. Mary's: Hit .360 last season; leader. Signed with Michigan State
5-11, 165, Harrison Township L'Anse Creuse: Hit .500 as a junior. Received an offer from Northwood
5-9, 178, St. Clair: Bats cleanup, has a strong arm. Recruited by a handful of GLIAC schools
6-3, 197, Northville: Athletic for his size; also plays basketball, football
5-11, 170, Clarkston: Through four games, hitting .390; allowed one SB
6-0, 178, Madison Heights Bishop Foley: Hitting .475 through 11 games; picked off four runners
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