Boy of Summer

By Don Ogle

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To say Colton Onstott loves baseball would be an understatement. Listening to him talk about the game, it's easy to see by the gleam in his eye he is one of the "Boys of Summer."

Onstott dreams big when it comes to baseball, and works hard to see where the dream can go. As teen players practiced to find their games at Legion Field Tuesday night, Onstott was working to make his better – taking pitches in the batting cage. From the inside corner to an outside reach, Onstott swatted balls thrown by his father Mark with powerful left-handed swings.

That dedication to daily practice and weight training are part of what made Onstott a valuable part of the Dodge City Community College baseball team this past season, where he played 55 games in the Conquistador's 41-18 season.

Entering the season, he was expected to contribute. In a pre-season press release, listing him from Potter, the school said "A newcomer that figures to play a big role in the middle of the lineup for the Conqs is freshman Colton Onstott - who will split time between catcher, first base and designated hitter after leading the Conqs in home runs and RBI during the fall season."

Onstott didn't disappoint. He ended the season with a .333 batting average, 11 doubles, three triples and eight home runs in 177 at-bats. Hitting from the number four spot, Onstott had a .550 slugging percentage, the highest on the team, while striking out only 16 times. He also contributed two stolen bases.

On defense, Onstott had a .992 fielding percentage with only two errors.

"It was a good year," Onstott said. "A good experience."

Onstott began playing baseball in Texas and continued after his family moved to the area when he was in fourth grade. Playing through local leagues, his love for the game and skills grew and he became a standout for the Sidney Legion program.

But the program couldn't feed his desire enough and in his last year of school he transferred to Cheyenne, Wyo., where thanks to indoor facilities he played an extended season as part of the path leading to Dodge City.

It was all for the love of a game he wants to enjoy as much as possible.

"I want to keep playing as long as I can and see where baseball takes me," Onstott said.

The next place the game is taking him is Green Bay, Wis., where he will play out the summer with the Green Bay Bullfrogs, a collegiate baseball team featuring talent from all over the country.

Invited to join the North League Bullfrogs following a recommendation from his coach, Onstott is looking forward to this new opportunity, which will team him with Division I athletes.

"It will be a blast," Onstott said. "I hear it's good baseball up there."

The 20-year-old relishes the opportunity in Green Bay, saying "there will be a lot of games to play – a lot of experience – and a lot of exposure to other coaches."

Leaving for Green Bay Thursday, Onstott reports to the Bullfrogs Saturday, where he will play into August, right before returning to Dodge City and his sophomore season.

For Onstott, it's not a sacrifice, just part of the life he's chosen. A life that takes him to the ball park, that place where summer's magic shines.

"I'm playing the game I love and enjoying it while I can," Onstott said. "Not everybody gets that opportunity."

Where the path finally ends, only time will tell. Ramsey Mills, who coached Onstott in Legion ball, is certain his former player is eventually headed for the Major League draft.

Onstott's father and pitching coach, who could be understandably biased, evaluates his son through the eyes of a former collegiate player who is sincere in recognizing the skills.

"I played a year before I got injured," said the older Onstott. "But I didn't have his talent. I wish I had half the talent he has."

Talent, desire, love of the game are all parts of the equation. No matter the final box score, it all comes down to being one of the "Boys of Summer."