What do Ronald Acuna Jr, Mickey Mantle, and Kyle Schwarber all have in common, other than being in the MLB? These three baseball players have proven that it is possible to suffer a torn ACL and come back to playing baseball at a high level again.
However, there is a sophomore at Bellwood-Antis that is doing the same.
For this reason, this week’s BluePrint athlete of the week is Chase Plummer.
After missing the first 8 games of the season, Chase has came in hot for the Blue Devils and has been a catalyst for their recent success. Chase is batting 0.471 from the plate with two home runs and 6 RBIs. Chase also leads the team in slugging percentage and on base percentage.
“Chase has been a great asset in the middle of the lineup for us. Ever since he came back we’ve won two of our last three,” said B-A assistant coach Tom Partner. “We are averaging about 10 runs a game and there’s no doubt that Chase has made a massive impact to our team offensively.”
Chase was a dominant force on the varsity team as a freshman when he batted .333 with 25 RBI. he figured to be a major factor for the football team last fall, as well, but he suffered his season-ending knee injury in B-A’s first game.
On Senior Night Thursday, Chase once again showed out for the Blue Devils. He went 2-for-4, with two runs, a double and 5 RBIs. This is one of many great games for Chase since coming back. He has also been a reliable glove, accumulating an .812 fielding percentage as a reliable fielder and short stop.
An ACL tear can ruin people’s careers and prohibit them from ever playing sports at the same level again. Chase recognizes that and is appreciative of every minute he has with his team.
“It means a lot to me that I even get the chance to play baseball this season, and to perform well means even more and makes me feel more accomplished about the work I’ve put in to get stronger and healthier,” he said.
Chase gave thanks to physical therapists Zach Haulman and Brent Dodson for their work in getting him healthier. He also praised God for helping see him to a good recovery.
With only seven games left in the regular season, the Blue Devils currently sit at 5-8 and are battling for a playoff spot. Chase hopes he can help get the team over the hump. His goals for the remainder of the season are to play for and win the district championship and to make the All Laurel Highlands team.
After high school, Chase plans on going to college to play either baseball or football.
