Bringing experience, dedication and fun to the Emporia State baseball team, Senior Catcher David Allbritton is one of biggest leaders on the field for the Hornets this season. He transferred from Allen County Community College last season and is helping make the Hornets the MIAA Conference runner-up as well as into post-season regional play.

“He has really grown as a catcher,” said Head Coach Bob Fornelli. “He was second team All-American last year and hope he can provide that same type of effort this year. He can provide us some leadership and give us an opportunity to play in the offseason.”

Allbritton fulfills a number of roles on the team, one of which is being a team leader. Being the catcher he works with the pitcher to call the shots, and this carries over into the direction of the team as a whole on the field.

“We have a lot better chemistry this year,” Albritton said. “It’s a lot better team. We’re working together a lot more and playing harder.”

Although he has not been on the team for four years, he brings a positive influence to the field and is very integrated into the team strategy. The influence of his leadership abilities are not overlooked by his teammates.

“Dave is an interesting, goofy guy… but he is a good leader. He is a big part of what we are doing this year,” said Junior Pitcher Zach Dodson. “He is a captain out on the field, and he has power and is a great defensive catcher. He is a great guy to throw to.”

With the leadership on the field, Allbritton also brings his top game to practice every day by showing a great work ethic and keeping a positive attitude.

“(Allbritton) has a great attitude and great effort every day,” Fornelli said. “He comes to practice with a smile on his face and works hard.”

As well as being a motivational leader to the team Allbritton also brings tremendous playing abilities. Last season he was the leading hitter for the Hornets and had a .401 batting average at ACCC. So far this season, he is fourth on the team in batting average. Defensively he is also a great catcher and is able to guide the Hornets from behind the plate and has a .991 fielding average.

“He is solid all around. You really want a catcher as a pitcher that you are confident in he is not going to let a lot of balls pass,” Dodson said. “He is a good defensive catcher and has good batting power.”

After two years at ACCC and now in his second year with the Hornets, Allbritton is looking to take the team further than they went last year and finish with a strong senior season.

“This is my last year. I’m looking to put it all on the field,” Albritton said. “I’m looking to get to North Carolina, for the National Championships. Those are my goals.”

Chris Dvorak