Sebastian Sanchez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Shadow Mountain High School for AZPrep365.com.

Baseball fans recognize the pitchers’ no-hitters, shut-outs and saves, but these feats are only possible with the player behind the plate. Enduring injuries, overcoming language barriers and using their instincts to frame pitches, the catcher position is often overlooked.

Kyle Burchowycz, a senior on Shadow Mountain, is one of those unsung heroes. 

Growing up in Canada, the popular sport was hockey. But after moving to the United States at 6, Burchowycz started playing baseball and has now become a student of the game.

One of Burchowycz’s strengths is his leadership ability. He understands the importance of keeping the pitcher calm and focused. “I’m there to keep him in rhythm and keep everyone under control,” Burchowycz said. 

His dedication to his craft is evident in his commitment to analyzing his at-bats with his father’s help. Together, they break down his performance and identify areas for improvement. “My dad records all of my at-bats,” Burchowycz said. “Our relationship is pretty strong because we’re always we're looking at my video.”

In Canada, Peter Burchowycz, the father of Kyle, worked for a hockey team, and they frequently used video to break down athletes’ performance. “Video gives you the opportunity to look at so many options and then try to incorporate that with what best suits you,” Peter Burchowycz said. “It’s very important. I don’t know if enough people at this level do it.

“Are you keeping your eye on the ball until you make contact?”

Peter tries his best to be honest with his son. “Don’t want to brainwash yourself thinking that you’re better than you actually are,” Burchowycz said.

Matadors baseball head coach Troy Farnsworth applauds this approach – “As long as the evaluation becomes constructive feedback.”

Kyle Burchowycz running to first base (Photo by Jess Wren)

The infamous 10,000 hour-rule to master a skill, Malcolm Gladwell wrote further about this idea in his book “Outliers: The Story of Success.” Athletes are required to put in the necessary time to optimize their performance. “We come from a sporting background, and we understand the commitment,” Peter Burchowycz said. 

When asked who impacted his baseball career most, Kyle said his dad. At age 9, he started playing travel ball, and since then, baseball has been a non-stop cycle. Burchowycz appreciates the sacrifices his dad made for him.

One of the things every catcher prides himself in is defense. Making the game-changing play by stopping a wild pitch or throwing out a runner.

Iván “Pudge” Rodriguez was one of the best defensive catchers ever. Behind the plate, Rodriguez had a .990 fielding percentage and won 13 Gold Glove awards in his 21-year career. The Puerto Rican was known for his consistency and a strong arm. “He’s kind of built like me,” Burchowycz said. “I tend to look at people who are shorter and use their strength to their advantage.”

Farnsworth, who played in the minor leagues for six seasons, talks to his team about what to anticipate at the next level. “The higher up you go, you can’t make mistakes or you won't be on the field,” Farnsworth said.

To make it to the next level, athletes have consistent training programs. Burchowycz found his place at Fuel Factory in Phoenix, and he works with trainers to prepare him for the next level. In one of his training sessions, he got to catch major league pitchers. “Just knowing that he was capable to be able to play and work with guys at that level,” Peter Burchowycz said. “That was pretty amazing situation to be a part of and watch it.”

Kyle Burchowycz (Photo by Anjeanette Photography)

Burchowycz wanted to keep his options open and find the best fit. He will continue his baseball career at Allegany College in Maryland. His goal is to get bigger and stronger, then move on to the next level. Kyle, 17, is the youngest in his class because Canada starts school a year earlier.

Not only is the college getting an exceptional catcher, but Kyle is also an honor-roll student looking to become a biologist.

“They're going to get somebody who's committed to the sport and education,” Peter Burchowycz said. “He’ll definitely help his teammates get better, improve the team and provide stability at the catcher position.”

Coaching Burchowycz for two seasons, Farnsworth believes the college will get an intelligent, level-headed baseball player. “He has the ability to hit some balls out of the park,” Farnsworth said. “He’ll be a good college baseball player. I’m excited for him.”