Story by Jeff Butler

Scott McMahon of Mattawan begins his third full season on Coach Cory DeGroote’s Wildcat squad looking to establish himself as one of West Michigan’s top catchers.

After a breakout Sophomore campaign that included SMAC West Division first team honors, a .380 BA and .452 OBP, Scott’s junior season left him hungry to accomplish even more in this upcoming 2011 season.

2010 was a “weird” year for McMahon as his BA dipped to just .264.

But, ever the team player, he took what opposing pitchers gave him: which were walks and HBP’s (lots of them).

McMahon drew 35 walks which would put him on the MHSAA single season record listing.

He also combined that with 12 HBP which also would also have put him on the single season record listing.

When told of this he just chuckled, but did comment that all of those W’s and HBP’s made me “a more cautious hitter and I took too many pitches which lead to some backward K’s.”

He is definitely looking to be more aggressive this year at the plate. His .522 OBP led the team last year and he added 32 runs scored, as well as a few bruises!!

McMahon’s goals for this year are a “winning season – definitely”, and to be “more of a leader and helper to some of the younger players on the team”.

Coach Cory DeGroote has high praise for McMahon:

“Scott is a quiet leader who really came into his own last year defensively. Scott is an even tempered player, he never gets too emotional and doesn’t let the frustrations of baseball get the best of him. He is the same kid each and every day he shows up at the park”.

“He plays hard, works hard in practice, is respectful to his teammates and coaches and lends great leadership to the younger players.”

Scott plays travel ball for the Midwest Bulls and is just recently started receiving some interest to play at the college level. Hillsdale College and Lake Erie College out of Ohio are two of the teams beginning to show interest.

McMahon is keeping his options open though and feels that if he focuses on his academics and gets his degree, “I will be happy with that.”

A great mindset – keeping the student part of student-athlete first!