James Teas makes it clear that the team comes first for him. All personal recognition is pushed aside in favor of the impact the third baseman and cleanup hitter can have on the team. Asked about a monster two-run homerun he hit in the first inning on March 17, and he immediately talks about the impact on the team.

"It's great, it's key, and it's a good team builder to retaliate," he said, about the homerun that overcame an early one-run deficit against Concordia.

It is only when asked about his goals in his last year in a Chippewa uniform, that Teas lays down a personal goal.

"I want a MAC ring," he said.

It was more a declaration than a statement, the gauntlet has been thrown and may the rest of the MAC be wary of the will of No.5. Because Teas is the type of ballplayer who doe not stop until he gets what he wants.

After a rough start to the season, Teas broke out during the St. Patrick's Day game, going 4-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored in a 13-3 victory. Teas entered the game hitting just .227 with no homeruns and 9 RBI.

Since then his batting average has climbed to .273, and his on-base percentage and slugging percentage have also climbed.

It has been an interesting journey for Teas, who has appeared on the mound periodically in his time at CMU and has also played every infield position except catcher. After a medical redshirt season in 2009 because of a broken hand, Teas now stands as the everyday third baseman, although taking the mound is still an option, if necessary.

Teas has impressed coaches with his willingness to hone the finer aspects of his game as well. Head coach Steve Jaksa has taken notice of Teas' plate discipline of late; pointing out that Teas has been "...quiet at the plate..." this season.

The coach explains that a patient hitter is considered quiet, and that Teas has shown a lot of patience and a willingness to work the count, wear out pitchers and wait for the right pitch to hit.

"Experience teaches you not to give at-bats away," Jaksa said, adding that Teas has been seeing the ball really well.

With the Chippewas sitting at 7-8 on the season and second in the MAC West, they are in striking distance for a MAC championship but the team will need to find some momentum in the stretch run if they expect to bring home a ring. As long as Teas is on the squad, goals and motivation should not be a problem.

Photo by Robert Barclay

By Doug Sears Jr.

More Featured Articles