Athlete Profile: Garrett Engel

The Bonduel High School baseball team came into the spring season with high expectations despite losing several talented players from its 2019 team. A part of the reason for the team’s optimism is because senior catcher Garrett Engel is back, who not only serves as a big bat in the lineup, but also guides the team’s pitchers through games.

Engel got his senior season started with a bang, driving in five runs on three hits in the team’s 11-4 victory over Iola-Scandinavia on April 27.

He drove in two runs in a 12-2 win over Menominee Indian April 29. Engel also drove in a pair in a nonconference win over Oconto May 4.

Q: When did your interest in baseball begin?

A: My interest in baseball started as soon as I possibly could. My dad (Ryan) taught me how to hit and throw when I was like 4. Once I was able to actually play I fell in love with the sport.

Q: What is your favorite part about the baseball season?

A: My favorite part about the baseball season is probably going to every game and calling every pitch. I love catching every one of my pitchers.

Q: What are your individual goals for your senior season?

A: My individual goals this year are to bat over .500, win conference, and to win player of the year.

Q: You’ve served as a catcher over your high school career. That’s usually a tough position for a player’s body, but you are consistently out there for your team. How have you managed the bumps and bruises over the years and been able to always be behind the plate?

A: I have always been a catcher. I always get hit every game; it is a part of the position. My mentality is that it only hurts for a second. As a catcher, the only thing that crosses my mind back there is to not be afraid of any ball no matter where it lands, I love eating up everything, every block, every pitch, I try to make it perfect.

Q: As a catcher, how much pride do you take in helping your pitchers get through games?

A: As a catcher I take a lot of self-pride in helping my pitchers throughout the game. I love blocking their low pitches, I love throwing out the runners they let on, I love framing the pitches they throw, and I love calling every single pitch they throw to me. I know I don’t get much recognition for what I do but I am completely fine with that.

Q: Your team is off to a strong start to the season. What will be the key to sustaining that early success and having a memorable spring season?

A: We have started off very strong, that is for sure. What we need to do to keep the train moving is to stay strong and healthy, keep the bats strong, and keeping our sharp fielding that we have.

Q: Before a game starts, do you have any rituals you go through?

A: I do have one pregame ritual. Before every game I take a jog out to the foul pole, and I say the Lord’s prayer with a few teammates and then I have my own side prayer right after. I thank God every time for the opportunity to play the sport I love.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Bonduel baseball team?

A: My favorite memory so far in Bonduel baseball is tough, but I will probably have to go with this one. It was the first game freshman year, and we played up in Crivitz. I was on JV at the time. Well first pitch, I hit a ball off the fence and then I tripped over first base and only got a single. I still get made fun of about it to this day.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: TV show — “The Walking Dead.” Movie — “Step Brothers.” Musical artist — Morgan Wallen.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: One thing that people may not know about me is that I am a good bowler.

Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: The best piece of advice I have been given is when a coach is hard on you it’s not because they hate you, it is because they care about you enough to make you better.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: After high school I plan on getting a nice job in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). Then building a nice house, starting a family, and of course driving a nice truck.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Garrett Engel

Sport: Baseball

Positions: Catcher, pitcher

School: Bonduel High School

Year: Senior