For York Dragons senior Brody Choate, baseball started the same way it does for many small-town athletes: In the backyard with his dad.
Choate said his father introduced him to hitting, throwing and catching before he ever stepped onto a team. From there, he worked his way through rec ball and middle school leagues around Jamestown, eventually earning his spot with York’s high school program.
Now a senior, Choate has carved out a key role for the Dragons as both a pitcher and a right fielder, a position he said has been his home for the past four years.
“I’m just out there, the same as everybody else,” Choate said. “I normally just wake up, eat some breakfast, go to school, hit in the cages a little bit, and then just relax until game time.”
Choate said he also continues to develop physically, putting in regular work off the field.
“I normally go [to the weight room] about three days a week,” Choate said. “I would spend about an hour to an hour and 15 [minutes] each day trying to get bigger and stronger.”
As a left-handed pitcher, Choate brings a fastball reaching into the low-80s and showing promise as he continues to grow. His versatility also allows him to contribute in the outfield, where he’s been a consistent presence in right.
At the plate, Choate said he keeps things simple. Rather than trying to do too much, he focuses on staying relaxed and using the whole field, often looking to take pitches the other way. Choate is the Dragons’ only left-handed hitter this season.
“I normally try to sit fastball and react if they throw junk or not,” Choate said. “I just got to take a deep breath and try to get the bat on the ball.”
Choate said that mindset is especially tested when he faces left-handed pitching, something he has only encountered about 20 times in his four-year career.
Even so, Choate said he embraces the challenge, relying on preparation and composure rather than overthinking the moment.