Akron-bound catcher from Springboro top college prospect

Jamie Sheltrown, the Springboro catcher, makes a throw during infield practice. This is baseball action from Springboro as the Panthers host the Vandalia Butler Aviators. Springboro won the game 7-6.

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By Ron Jackson, Staff Writer Updated 8:02 AM Wednesday, May 20, 2009

SPRINGBORO — James Sheltrown is headed to Akron University and ranks No. 20 on the Buckeye Scout list of Ohio’s top baseball players. Buckeye Scout is a highly respected scouting bureau.

“We like James because of his ability to play more than one position,” said Akron coach Pat Bangtson. “He’s a solid middle infielder and catcher. You don’t often find that combination. He’s a hard-nosed player who plays with a lot of enthusiasm. We’re excited about what he brings to the table for us.”

While attending a recent Cincinnati Reds-Houston Astros baseball game, the Springboro High School catcher fielded a few questions about the Panthers’ surprising season, his backstop abilities and his future.

Q What gets your adrenaline going — nailing a would-be base stealer or delivering a clutch RBI?

A It depends on the situation (and) what I want to do. If it means winning a game, the RBI means more.

Q When the team needed a catcher two years ago, you stepped forward.

A Actually, that was my first year as a catcher and it was hard to get the blocking and receiving down. My knowledge of the game helped. I had a good feel for catching and throwing from being a shortstop.

Q Does coach Mark Pelfrey let you call the pitches?

A He trusts me, and he let me start calling at the game beginning of last season.

Q It’s a down-and-dirty, grunt position wearing 30 pounds of equipment. Why do you like catching?

A You’re in the middle of the action every single play. I like the pressure on me and not someone else. I’m confident I can get the job done.

Q Is there less pressure on this team this after having four D-I players in the highly regarded lineup last season?

A I’d definitely say so. We’re not expected to be doing much after losing all those good players. We don’t have anything to live up to. Just go out and play hard and play up to the best of our abilities.

Q You got off to a slow start, but you’re coming around. Have you made any adjustments?

A I was getting out on my front foot and trying to go 4-for-4 at every at-bat. My thinking right now is one hit at a time, stay relaxed and don’t do it all by myself.

Q You played at historic Wrigley Field last summer. What was that like?

A I felt like I was walking on clouds playing on that diamond. I was living out a dream playing at a major-league park.

Q In your scouting report, are there any flaws?

A I need to improve my ability at blocking pitches.

Q Strengths?

A My arm speaks for itself. I keep runners at bay. I can consistently get it down to second base in 1.95 seconds. When they don’t run as much, it helps our pitchers.

<p class="note">Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2478 or rjackson@DaytonDailyNews.com.</p>

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