Senior shorstop Sheppard showing leadership traits for young Bobcats

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Senior shorstop Sheppard showing leadership traits for young Bobcats

ORANGEFIELD — On a team sporting several youngsters, Orangefield Bobcats Coach Jeff Bennett will need leadership from his group of seniors.

One of those guys showing the trait already this season is Corey Sheppard.

Sheppard, who plays shortstop and has batted second so far this year, has made it his job to be a coach on the field for Bennett.

He puts the rest of the infield in the right positions on defense and is one of the vocal leaders while in the dugout when the Bobcats are at bat.

"He is one of the two senior leaders on this team along with Brett (Ramsey)," Bennett said. "He was our only senior leader for a while until Brett was done with basketball and he did a great job with it. Corey is the one who keeps things together for us during practice and during games."

Sheppard knows what Bennett needs of him and is happy to be the one the first-year coach looks to.

"You have mixed emotions during your senior year," Sheppard said. "You know it is your last year and you also remember you are in charge. I have tried to take that leadership role. The good thing about is that the varsity team pretty much stays in line and does the right things. The only time I get to get on some guys is in practice with the JV guys. That can be fun."

Sheppard, who also played football for the Bobcats, has enjoyed his senior year at Orangefield High School and waited patiently when the Bobcats' football season was over until the start of the baseball season began a few weeks ago.

It has been a new look Bobcats' team this season but the young players are definitely already making a difference as Orangefield won its own tournament over the weekend.

Freshman pitchers Jacob Felts and Jace Statum have made the Bobcats' future bright but the present is where Sheppard's mind is.

"It has been great getting back into the swing of things," Sheppard said. "Baseball is up there with football in being my favorite sport. I love the competition and being around the guys. It can be a very relaxing sport. So far this year is different because of the young players. I have enjoyed watching them get better with each game."

Being with the young players and keeping their mind in the right places is exactly what Bennett is looking for out of Sheppard.

"Corey runs the show in the infield," Bennett said. "He is our guy and he keeps them on their toes. Another great thing he does is during our hitting drills I like to pair him up with a freshman guy. He works great with them. I know during practice I can go one way and send him another way and everything will get done."

So with the young Bobcats starting District 21-3A play on Tuesday, Sheppard and Orangefield have their work cut out for them to make the playoffs.

The district has been dominated over the years by Bridge City and this year sports new powers in Silsbee and Kirbyville. Jasper also plays good baseball and Hamshire-Fannett, Hardin-Jefferson and West Orange-Stark are also on the rise.