Ryan ChartrandDespite being named to the Brooks Wallace Player of the Year watch list, Mustangs junior first baseman/catcher Wes Dorrell is among the upper echelon of the college baseball ranks.
But for Dorrell, being among the best doesn’t mean that there’s no room for improvement.
“I’ve been developing more of a plan as far as when I get into the batter’s box,” Dorrell said. “The previous two years I haven’t had much of a plan. I was kind of just young and swinging, and it turned out well. I think that, besides the lifting and running aspect, I have a better plan that will help me out a lot.”
The “plan” is to not just be a productive hitter, but a pest for the opposing pitcher as well. Dorrell wants to be able to work the counts and wear out the opponent’s arm before knocking him for a base hit.
“I think it will make me have a little higher average,” Dorrell explained. “A little more strikeouts, but a higher average.”
As a sophomore, Dorrell hit for a .304. with five home runs and 54 RBI. His 24 doubles were one short of the school record and he struck out only 13 times in 234 plate appearances. It is hard to find that kind of patience even among major league baseball’s most watchful eyes.
“Sometimes that’s my fault,” Dorrell said of rarely striking out. “Sometimes it’s hard for me to swing through changeups when I should.”
Whether a fault or strength, Dorrell’s career at Cal Poly is being recognized as one of the best in the country. He and junior outfielder Luke Yoder are among 204 players across the nation mentioned in the Brooks Wallace Player of the Year watch list.
Dorrell is well grounded however, and understands that he needs to focus on what is best for the team, not his personal accomplishments.
“I really don’t look into that too much,” he said. “I mean, I just look to see what got me here and try to work off of that.”
“I try to do whatever it takes to help the team out.”
Mustangs head coach Larry Lee is glad to have the services Dorrell and Yoder offer, but said there are players on the team that are in the same category that aren’t getting the same recognition.
“It’s good, you know, it’s a list,” Lee said. “It’s a feather in their cap, but they know they are just parts of the puzzle for us being successful. Now, it’s about earning the right to be on that list.”
Even though Dorrell regards the list as meaningless, he has every intention of earning his spot on it. He has confidence that the strategy he drew up in the off-season can make him a more complete player.
Reflecting, strategizing and working hard are how Dorrell has shown his dedication to the sport since the moment he showed up at Cal Poly, Lee said.
“He’s a first baseman (and) catcher, so he has to prepare himself for both positions,” Lee said about Dorrell’s work ethic. “He’s gotten more serious in the weight room and has redefined his body since his freshman year.”
Nowhere is Dorrell’s work ethic more apparent than in his own body.
When Dorrell arrived at Cal Poly as a freshman he weighed 237 pounds. As he enters his junior season, he will have slimmed down to 215 pounds.
Lee said that despite cutting the weight and adding quickness that Dorrell is actually stronger then when he arrived.
Apart from his commitment on the field, Dorrell plans to graduate from Cal Poly with a degree in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice. He hasn’t allowed that to become a career option, however.
For now, Dorrell is setting his sights on playing in the major leagues. Any other career plans after baseball will have to sit on the back burner.