Haverford High catcher Drew Fowler is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The junior catcher and Ford captain is a key member of the Haverford High School baseball squad, batting .356 last year with 16 hits and nine RBI’s while being named second team All-Central League and picked for the Carpenter Cup. He’s also a National Honor Society member. Haverford baseball head coach Paul Bogosian said, “His defensive play behind the plate and ability to call pitches is immeasurable. He has a great work ethic, always has a smile on his face, and is respected by teachers, coaches and teammates.”
Q: Tell us a little about calling a game from behind the plate. Can you pick up clues to what to throw to a hitter while watching him in pre-game batting practice?
A: Calling the game is something that I take great pride in as a catcher. I feel like I’ve always had a great connection with all the pitchers I’ve caught at Haverford over the past few years. It’s always important to know the personality of each pitcher and what their strengths are to decide what pitch I’m going to call. Besides knowing my pitcher and the situation within a game, I observe the opponent’s approach. While I don’t usually have time before a game to watch the other team take batting practice, I will always look at the batter’s stance and overall approach to decide where to call a pitch. For example, if the batter has an open stance where he has to step in towards the plate as the pitch is thrown, then I might call an inside fastball because I know it will be harder for him to get his hands and hips through to avoid being jammed.
Q: After seeing an opposing hitter come to the plate a couple of times in a game, you probably have a better idea of what to throw him late in a game. Can you give us an example of how this affects your pitch-calling?
A: Learning from mistakes and making adjustments throughout a game is key for the team to be successful. Remembering a player’s previous at-bats is important to consider before calling a pitch when the order comes back around. For example, if a hitter didn’t swing at any off-speed pitches,but then crushed a fastball, then I’ll talk to my pitcher and come up with a plan to not give him anything good to hit, and pitch backwards.
Q: What is your most vivid memory from last year’s Carpenter Cup – can you share it with us?
A: Carpenter Cup was a great experience that I hope I can be a part of for the next two years. It was a lot of fun to meet new players from rival high schools all over Delaware County and then work together to win as many games as possible. The obvious highlight from last year was getting the opportunity to play a game at Citizens Bank Park. Playing in a real MLB stadium is something every young baseball player dreams of no matter what age they are, but few players actually get a chance to do it. Visiting CBP for Phillies games is something I’ve done since I was playing t-ball, and having the chance to play there once is something I can always remember in the future.
Q: Who is your favorite baseball player? Do you try to pattern any part of your game after him?
A: My favorite baseball player is Salvador Perez, the Kansas City Royals catcher. Perez is the best catcher in the MLB to watch. Every day he gives 110 percent behind the plate and is always looking to make a play with his gold glove defense or with his big bat in the order. Like Perez. I’m always looking for a way to get an extra out for my team and keep control of the game.
Q: You usually bat fifth or sixth in the Fords’ lineup. Does your batting approach change when you are moved up or down in the lineup order?
A: When I was a freshman and sophomore and batting at the end of the order I would become a more aggressive hitter because I saw a majority of fastballs. As a 5 hitter I usually see a good mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches, which allows me to work quality at-bats.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?
A: In my opinion, my defense behind the plate is the strongest part of my game, which will never drop into a slump throughout the season. Currently I am working most on becoming a more consistent and stronger hitter. Many of my fellow teammates are always up to hit extra batting practice, as we all know we can get better.
Q: Who have been your biggest baseball mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?
A: I’ve had many influential coaches and mentors throughout the years. Perhaps the most important figures to me were my little league coaches like Mr. Downey, Mr. DiTrolio, and Mr. Sweeny. These were the coaches that taught me the basic fundamentals of the game that allowed me to blossom into a better player as I got older. Today Coach Bogosian and my travel team coach Ryan McCormick continue to work with me and give tips as I get older.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: On the day of a game I’ll always make sure someone is getting the water, first aid kit, and ball buckets. After that, I’ll listen to music and begin to get the team stretched out and ready to play.
Q: What (to you) has been the most memorable moment of your Haverford High School baseball career?
A: The most memorable moment for me as a player at HHS is my first varsity game as a freshman. That game was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been, but the upperclassmen welcomed me with open arms despite some of them being four years older than me. The welcoming atmosphere that they created allowed me to feel comfortable and will always be a moment that sticks with me.
Q: What colleges are among your current favorites? What do you think you might want to major in? Is there a particular career path that interests you at the present time?
A: My favorite colleges right now are schools like Lehigh and Ursinus, as they offer a great education not too far away from home. I’m hoping to major in pre-med and then eventually go to medical school and become a doctor.
Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Haverford High School?
A: At Haverford High School, I’m a member of the National Honor Society, Best Buddies, Interact, Red Cross Club, and a club that myself and other baseball players founded called The Unless Club.
Fun facts – Drew Fowler
Favorite book: The Hunger Games.
Favorite TV show: ESPN Sports Center.
Favorite movie: The Sandlot.
Favorite athlete: Salvador Perez.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Heavy is the Head, by the Zac Brown Band.
Favorite team: Phillies/Eagles/Flyers.
Favorite place to visit: Florida.
Favorite pre-game meal: Chicken Caesar Salad.
Favorite color: Red.
Birth date: May 13, 1999 in Philadelphia.
Family members: Dad (Kevin), Mom (Jill), Sister (Lexi).
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
