Double Threat

Ryan A. Mihalyi Arizona Daily Wildcat UA sophomore catcher Greg Clark is currently the team leader in RBIs. Clark passed up the chance to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers to attend the UA.

A blend of both defense and offense is a rare find in a catcher, but Arizona has such a player behind the plate.

Sophomore Greg Clark is a weapon for the Wildcats this season, proving so in the first series of the year against the University of Hawaii-Hilo. Starting behind the plate, Clark allowed only two stolen bases and threw out three would-be base stealers. He also guided the pitchers into have some of their best games ever, keeping them relaxed and talking to them when needed.

On the offensive, Clark tagged Vulcans pitchers for five hits, including a home run in the opener, and five RBIs. Clark, who saw limited playing time last year as a freshman, almost doubled his career numbers during the series. In 43 at-bats last season, Clark collected eight hits and six RBI.

Clark points to his summer vacation as to why his game has gone to the next level. Clark, who played his high school ball at Paradise Valley (Ariz.) High School, headed north to "The Last Frontier". He played 50 to 55 games for the Anchorage Bucs of the A laska League. His team placed first in the Alaska League and second in the Alaska Baseball Federation.

"My freshman year I really didn't get to learn a lot because I didn't play as much," Clark said. "And plus, when you do get in you are like, 'Gosh, don't mess up.' In Alaska it is really free and easy, and you learn by your mistakes. That was fun and it was good for me."

Clark is already planning to return this summer. The league is made up of collegiate players.

Clark, who earned first-team all-state, all-region, and all-conference honors his senior year of high school was taken in the 29th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995. He was not, however, tempted by the dollars that were waiting for him in pro ball .

"The thing is the pro scout said that I could always go back to college. Yeah, you can go back to college, but its not the same when you come back when you are 30. It just wouldn't be the same," Clark said. "I didn't want to miss that experience and makin g all the new friends, so I felt that it (going to school) was something more important at the time."

Clark was even tempted with invitations to go to Dodger Stadium to work out with the Dodgers, but he stood firm to his decision to play for the school that he had wanted to play his collegiate ball at for a long time.

"I was pretty set that I was coming here, and I am glad that I did."

As far as his career goals go, Clark would like to see the Wildcats compete in the College World Series.

"I've watched it a million times, and that would be great to go and play good teams and have a good time," Clark said.

Although only a sophomore, Clark seems to have a good idea of his role on the team.

"I am trying to lead the pitchers and help them out as much as I can," Clark said. "I think I can be a team leader, but its going to have to come with consistency and time."

Instead of stats, consistency is the goal that Clark has set for himself at the beginning of the year.

"I want to be pretty reliable," Clark said. "No ups and downs. I want to stay as level as I can."