When you’re the leadoff hitter in the batting order, it’s an advantage when you have the Eye of the Tiger. Especially if you’re Ty Chaddrick and first to the plate for the Tuttle Tigers baseball team. 

“When I go up to the plate at the beginning of a game I like to see as many pitches as possible in order to see all the different pitches the opposing pitcher has to help out my teammates and myself throughout the game,” explained Chaddrick. “As a hitter, I believe I’m a speed threat so I try to keep the ball on a line or on the ground and use my speed to my advantage.”

According to his coach, Chaddrick’s approach brings instant energy in the first inning. 

“Ty is an electric player for us who leads by example by bringing a consistent attitude to the ball park,” exclaimed Tuttle head coach Breck Draper. “He handles the bat well and when he’s on base, Ty does a really good job putting pressure on our opponents. You have to constantly monitor him on the bases and that is not fun to pitch against.”

Defensively, Chaddrick’s baseball IQ is proof he understands the expectations for excellence while playing centerfield.

“The hardest part about playing centerfield is constantly communicating with the other outfielders telling them where to play when certain hitters with different tendencies are hitting and making sure we are all locked in every pitch,” explained Ty, who has played baseball since the age of five when he was a member of the Tuttle Heat lineup. 

Altogether, the inspiration of jersey number-18 is Chaddrick’s example of why good character is highly valued.

“To me, character is defined as the way someone carries himself or herself. Good character is important on and off the field because more people will enjoy being around you,” confirmed Chaddrick, who also maintains a 4.0 GPA to earn membership in the National Honor Society and Superintendent’s Honor Roll. “I try my best to encourage my teammates and keep their heads held high at all times even during failure on and off the field.”

According to the 2022 senior who will continue playing baseball in college at Eastern Oklahoma State College, his DNA is the result of family and faith.

“My parents have inspired me to become the person I am today because they raised me to be respectful to others. They have encouraged me everyday by their life examples to work hard at the game I love,” Chaddrick said in appreciation. “Everything I do is because of the opportunities I’ve been given by God and I’m thankful for that.”