1-on-1 with Spring Creek senior Chad Spurgeon

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on March 27, 2015 1:48 PM

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The News-Argus conducted a 10-queston Q&A with senior baseball standout Chad Spurgeon after Spring Creek's practice on a wet Thursday afternoon. Of course, Spurgeon returned to the batting cage to get in some more swings once the interview had ended.

Q: You guys were one win away from clinching the conference title a year ago, but lost to North Duplin on the final day of regular-season play. How did that motivate the team for this season?

A: That one last year really hurt, really hurt us all deep. We knew we had to come back this year and be more focused. At the end (of the season), I felt like we kind of slacked off some and I think it got the best of us.

Q: Have you and/or the team set any goals for the season?

A: As a team, we've just got to produce runs. We're a small team ... have to play small by getting bunts down and stealing bases. I want to be the typical four-hole hitter, drive in runs when I can and do anything I can in the field without making errors. Since we're young, we need key leadership from me, Logan (Miller) and Allen (Coor).

Q: You are ranked No. 1 in your senior class and expected to be named valedictorian. What's the most difficult part of balancing academics with athletics?

A: It's definitely a job, that and outside of social life. Since I was young, if I wanted to play ball, my parents made me make sure that school came first always. I just knew I had to get it done before I could go play T-ball, or whatever it was. I stay focused in the classroom, so I don't have to spend too much time outside the classroom (doing homework). Note: Spurgeon also takes online classes at Wayne Community College.

Q: How did you become such a versatile player on the baseball field?

A: When I was young, my dad, Michael, told me that when a coach asks where you can play, you want to tell him that you can play anywhere. With AAU baseball, I played outfield, so I got a good background there. I settled down at shortstop during my middle school and high school career.

Q: Where do you prefer to play -- infield, outfield or pitcher?

A: I like playing middle infield. I played it in Legion ball and really got to like being at second base. It was a good position for me. I like being on the mound, too. I feel like I have control of the game and I can play at my pace. I just like to look down at hitters and know that I can get them out.

Q: You are in the middle of the lineup between Allen Coor and Sawyer Smith. How has that helped you as an individual and the team since Coach (Heath) Whitfield moved Sawyer into the five hole?

A:  I think that was a really good move by coach. Hunter (Walker) has been hitting the ball really good and it got some protection behind me. Early in the season I was seeing a lot of breaking balls and I wasn't getting too much to hit. Now we've got Sawyer behind me, which helps me get some better pitches in games when it matters. We all know we can hit the ball pretty decent, we all rely on each other.

Q: What's been the most challenging part of baseball to you?

A: The mental game. Just getting out seven times out of 10, and know that a good ballplayer can go to the Hall of Fame with that. It teaches me that I'm not always going to be successful and that I've just got to overcome (rough) things when they come my way.

Q: What did you learn from the experience of playing with the Senior Legion team last summer?

A: They were a good group of guys. It showed me there is a lot of talent in Wayne County. It really boosted my confidence because going into tryouts I wasn't even sure I was going to make the team. For all three of us -- me, Coor and Miller -- to make it (was great). During the season when I actually could help the team and was doing my job, it really helped my game.

Q: Most players have superstitions or rituals they do before the game or when they step into the batter's box. What about you?

A: I have a ton. Don't step on the line. Always keep a glove in my (right) back pocket. Before I got into the batter's box, I make sure I hit both sides of the plate (and) I make sure I clean off my cleats ... little things I do to keep me calm, relaxed and keep away the anxiety.

Q: If you could spend one day with a Major League Baseball team, which team would it be and why?

A: Hmmm. The (Anaheim) Angels because they have so much potential. I like Josh Hamilton ... think he's a good guy. And, of course, you want to see Mike Trout, the stud of the league right now. He seems like a really down-to-earth guy. It would be cool to hang out with them. He's young, got his head on his shoulders, can do everything -- a five-tool player that every coach looks for, too.