Sure, David Barkholz is fast. Yeah, he can put the ball in play and get on base. Sure, he can play the field. Yes, he can steal bases. But, beyond being an athlete, David Barkholz is smart.
His ability to understand his role as the leadoff hitter and centerfielder for the BG baseball team has helped catapult his squad into second place in the Mid-American Conference East Division and has the team poised for a postseason tournament run.
Barkholz, a sophomore from Detroit, came to BG in 2000 after being named a two-time All-State performer in both soccer and baseball at Country Day High School. Barkholz decided to play just baseball during his freshman year, but he had second thoughts after his first year.
“I went and watched a couple practices because I missed it a lot,” Barkholz said. “It was after baseball, and I just thought I’d go and watch and maybe try out. … I didn’t even know if I would make it. But I just thought that I’d miss too much on the baseball field because there’s a lot of baseball stuff going on in the fall. … The baseball field was where I wanted to be.”
The baseball field is where he spent the 2000 campaign, as playing time steadily increased in his freshman season. Barkholz finished the season having played 20 games, starting 11 and batting .467 (21-45). This season, though, Barkholz has continually fought a shoulder injury in his non-throwing shoulder. Pain is still visible when he makes a play in the field or falls after a hard run to first.
“It’s been very frustrating this year with this injury,” he said. “I’m back to 100 percent now, but it’s been hard watching the team struggle at times and not being able to go out there and contribute.
“I pride myself on knowing my role on the baseball field,” Barkholz said. “I have no problem with getting on base, moving myself over and having one of the guys behind me drive me in. Those are my strengths, and driving me in are Kelly and Corey’s strengths. When we are all clicking, we play well.”
BG coach Danny Schmitz knows how well Barkholz understands his role and how important he is to the Falcons.
“He understands what he needs to be doing for our team to be successful,” Schmitz said. “He knows he needs to get on base, to set the table for our heavy hitters. David is a cheerleader for our team, he is always on his feet in that dugout. … He does a great job of leading by example for our younger guys.”
Barkholz’ return to the lineup from injury has allowed Schmitz to rearrange his lineup and allow his seniors to be back in their natural positions. Tim Newell is now back behind the plate after spending time in the outfield, and Len Elias is back in right after filling in for Barkholz in center.
“(Freshman) Kevin Longstreth did a great job behind the plate in David’s absence,” Schmitz said, “but this is very important. With Lenny back in right and Tim behind the plate again, it allows us to put our veteran lineup on the field and allows some of our younger pitchers to have that senior behind the plate.”
Barkholz has seen his at bats, stolen bases and playing time all increase this season, having played in 27 games, starting 24. He says he knew what he had to do to become an everyday player in Bowling Green.
“I knew coming into this season that the centerfield/leadoff spot was mine to win,” he said. “I worked hard all summer and throughout the fall. I knew what I needed to improve on, and I worked so hard to make those aspects of my game better. That’s why this injury has been so frustrating.”
The speedster has swiped 10 bases this season on 10 attempts, and has a perfect fielding percentage thus far in 2002.
“He got his feet wet last year and has developed into a great centerfielder this year,” Schmitz said. “He wanted to be the starter this year in center, and he did what he needed to do. He knew the position was his; it was just a matter of doing what it took to secure the job.”
