For Levi Borton, success this baseball season has come from keeping his attention on what is directly in front of him. The Cherryvale standout has helped guide his team to a Tri-Valley League championship while embracing a leadership role behind the plate as catcher.
“My primary focus this season was to win Tri-Valley League and make a regional run,” Borton said. “We did win our league and that was a huge boost for the team to come out in the first round of regionals with a win.”
Even with larger goals still ahead, Borton said he has worked to maintain a steady approach throughout the postseason.
“My focus has now shifted to Girard next week,” he said. “I try to focus more on the next game instead of too far ahead. I’d love to win state, but that can’t be the main focus right now otherwise it’s easy to lose sight of the task at hand.”
As a catcher, Borton takes pride in the mental side of the game and the responsibility that comes with leading a defense pitch by pitch.
“I’d say my biggest strengths are leadership, composure and my understanding of the game,” Borton said. “As a catcher, I have to be focused through every pitch while also helping the team stay locked in and confident.”
Borton said communication has become one of the biggest parts of his role, especially when working with pitchers in high-pressure situations.
“I try to lead by example, communicate with my pitchers as best I can and make smart decisions to put our team in the best position to win,” he said.
During the offseason, Borton focused heavily on improving both defensively and offensively. He specifically targeted his pop time while also working to become more consistent at the plate.
“I helped my pop time by hitting the gym hard during the offseason and keeping my arm healthy through the season,” Borton said. “In order to help my at-bats, I would take any opportunity I could to see live pitching during the offseason to make me a more reliable teammate at the plate.”
The work has translated into noticeable improvement statistically. After posting a .303 on-base percentage last season, Borton has raised that mark to .429 this year. His batting average also climbed from .179 to .217 while adding 10 RBIs and 12 walks.
Borton’s efforts have helped fuel one of the program’s biggest accomplishments this season with the Tri-Valley League title, and he has now earned three consecutive varsity letters.
“A successful season for me and the team would be Tri-Valley League champs and make a deep regional run,” Borton said. “We already accomplished league champs. Now we will do everything we can to win regionals and come out on top in state.”
