Clayton Centerfielder Jeremy Phillips is Three-Sport Athlete

Although the baseball team is having its share of struggles this season, junior centerfielder Jeremy Phillips is still turning in a fine season.

 Phillips is hitting .451 this year.

“I just try to hit the ball to the opposite field,” Phillips said. “I try to pull it.”

The outfielder spent one year at the junior varsity level before starting his varsity career as a sophomore. Phillips didn’t allow youth or a lack of varsity experience hobble a quality season. He finished the year with a .430 average and was named to the second team of the All-Suburban East Conference baseball team.  

“I was very surprised,” he said about 2010.

The Greyhounds at the hands of on Thursday. They now have a 9-14 record. Westminster pitcher Ben Lovell struck out 12 batters and gave up just one hit.

“They’ve gotten a lot better,” Phillips said about the pitchers he faces. “We’ve played some really good teams, but I just go up there trying to hit. At the beginning of the season, we went to Murray, KY, and we saw some very good pitchers. I started the season off pretty well.”

The Greyhounds played in the tournament in Murray from March 24-27.

The junior seems happy with the way his defensive game has been going.

“I don’t make many errors,” he said. “But today I did read a ball wrong ... . I’ve thrown some guys out this year.”

Phillips said he’s thrown out five base runners out this season. He also plays football and basketball.

“I play three because I enjoy all of them, and it keeps me busy,” he said. “You’re constantly competing with other schools and also with your teammates.”

Phillips said he wants to be named to the all-conference team again this year and next year. Over the summer, he’ll play with the St. Louis-based Prospects select baseball team. The Prospects travel around the Midwest to compete with other teams.

“I’m very excited,” he said. “I want colleges to see me. Hopefully, I’ll get some scholarship offers.”