Toby Highsmith
Photo courtesy of Molly Beattie
Toby is a junior at Strawberry Crest and is the starting catcher for the Chargers’ varsity baseball team.
How long have you been playing baseball?
I started playing baseball at East Point when I was about four years old.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rank your team’s season now that it’s over?
I would rate our season a 9. There’s not too much I would change at all. Obviously, we didn’t win states or anything like that, but I made a ton of memories with my teammates that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your personal season?
I would rate my own season a 6. I got off to a super cold start, but I picked it up towards the end of the season and still had a blast playing with all the guys.
What was your favorite team memory from this season?
Beating Plant to make it to the Saladino tournament championship was pretty cool. We had lost to them earlier this season, so beating them in a big game felt really good.
What was your favorite personal highlight from this season?
I had a pretty solid defensive season, in my opinion. I’d say one of my personal highlights was throwing some guys out in big spots. I remember throwing the tying run out at second against Sumner in the 7th inning during our very first game of the season. That one was big.
Is there a player in college or MLB that you watch film on to improve catching? If so, who?
Honestly, no. I don’t want a lot of baseball to be quite honest. I have two catching coaches (Coach George and Coach Ernie) who teach me what I need to do, and I just do it.
Is there a rule in baseball that you’d change if allowed? If so, what and why?
I think the rules of baseball have pretty much been perfected. I’d love to see an automated strike zone brought into high school games, but I think the sport is just fine as it is.
Heading into your senior year next season, what’s something that you want to improve in?
I definitely want to get bigger to be able to hit and throw harder. I also want to make sure my bat starts out hot next year, that way I don’t have to try to heat up late in the season like what happened this year.
When you’re not playing baseball, what are you doing in your free time?
I play a lot of MLB The Show. I also just like hanging out with my friends and family.
What are your favorite songs to listen to pre-game to get you hyped for a game?
I listen to a lot of Drake, PND, and Brent Faiyaz. I like the slower beats to help relax my mind. When I’m not listening to them, I listen to a lot of rock music.
