Timber Creek's Hershey adapts to DH role

For the first time in his life, Matt Hershey is the designated hitter.

It's not too unusual, as he has been batting since he first played T-ball more than a decade ago. The Timber Creek senior conceded that he likes his role, but said it is weird not to play the field.

"You've got to make sure that you contribute when you go up to bat," Hershey said.

Hershey has been doing so thus far for the Chargers. After platooning in right field last year, Hershey has spent the beginning of this year as the DH from the No. 2 spot in the order.

Timber Creek began the year 0-2, but has reeled off three straight wins against Shawnee, Camden Catholic, and Triton. The Chargers won those games, 12-2, 16-12, and 6-1, respectively.

In those three games, Hershey went 8 for 13, knocking in six runs. For the season, he is batting .538 with seven RBIs and two doubles.

Hershey said he is happy to help the team win.

His coach, John Gladden, called Hershey a "senior leader" and said Hershey this year originally was going to play right field, a job that went to senior Ryan Boyle.

"We were looking for that DH to fill our lineup and get that bat that we need to get going, and he's really stepped up," Gladden said.

Hershey said that Timber Creek's attitude has improved a lot from 2013 and that Gladden, who is in his first year, has been a big part of that.

"We didn't have the team mentality of a family working together," Hershey said.

"Everybody just had an individual job. [This year], as a team, we work together for one goal, and that's to win."