put in tons of work with the team the last two years . On top of that , he has done it all without pay . I think that speaks volumes on the type of person Coach Smith is . On behalf of the whole team , I am very thankful for everything Coach Smith has done for us . There isn ’ t another coach I want to finish my high school career with .” Duck gives a great deal of credit to his mom . After dealing with arm issues , she ’ s been able to work on him after practices and many games . She is a licensed massage therapist and provides work on his arm that most other high school pitchers do not have the luxury of having . “ I am also very thankful for my mom . I couldn ’ t it without her . She always does anything she can to help me out and make things easier on me . During baseball season , she ’ s always up late cleaning my jersey and making sure my stuff is ready for the next game . More importantly , she works on my arm after just about every game . She is the main reason I am able to stay healthy and keep my arm in good shape . I get credit for my performances on the field , but she deserves a lot of credit for things she does off the field .”
Duck understands there ’ s plenty of unfinished business going into his senior campaign . He finished last season hurling 62 innings with a 2.16 earned run average with 109 strikeouts . He batted . 412 with 18 runs batted in , 17 runs scored and 18 stolen bases Fletcher feels he has more in the tank to give while understanding he may see less pitches at the plate . He knows that he will likely dual his opponent ’ s best pitcher when on the mound . “ Going into my senior year it is very bitter sweet . I am excited to get out there and do what I love but also know it is going to come to an end . I want to carry on from my junior year and continue having more and more success at the plate and on the mound . My main goal is to help lead the team to the state tournament and make the season last as long as possible .”
It ' s been an up and down ride for Fletcher . It ’ s been a thrill ride . There ’ s no doubt he is a man on a mission and will look to once again help lead and propel the Bay Yellowjackets to a conference title and a deep run in the postseason . “ I want to be remembered as more than a good athlete by Yellowjacket fans . I want to be remembered as a great kid on and off of the field . I also want to be remembered as a selfless leader , and someone who always put the team ' s success before my own .
I think Duck is one of the best players in the state . He gets overlooked with his size but is one of the most dominant athletes in the area . On top of that , he is even a better kid , and that ’ s a representation of his family and friends . He carries himself differently than others and is a true leader . I am proud of how far he has come in his high school career . Duck is a big reason as to why I am coaching here . I am just thankful for him as I hope he is thankful for me . – Coach Nolan Smith