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Unsigned Senior Spotlight: C Connor Yakel

September 23, 2014

By Spencer Flaten

In high school baseball, players often have to bide their time waiting for their chance to show what they can do. That was exactly the situation that Notre Dame catcher Connor Yakel found himself in when his varsity career began.

As a sophomore, Yakel patiently played the role of backup catcher to senior Bob LeMieux, who now plies his trade at St. Norbert College. Only getting nine at-bats over the course of the season, Yakel did what he could with what he had, collecting 2 hits and 2 RBIs.

The starting catcher spot was up for grabs entering his junior year, and he took full advantage of the opportunity. Yakel became Notre Dame’s most reliable offensive force, hitting in the 3-spot for most of the year. He led the team with a .327 batting average and 11 RBIs, as well as stealing 11 bases in 12 attempts. To top things off, his team made it to the state tournament for the 2nd year in a row. His breakout season earned him 2nd team all-Fox River Classic Conference honors and recognition from coaches and players around the area.

At the state tournament, the Tritons battled the top-ranked Jefferson Eagles for 6 and 2/3 innings, keeping the score 4-0 before the wheels fell off with the Eagles down to their final offensive out. Even though they ended up losing 11-0, Yakel found the experience of playing at the state tournament to be very rewarding.

“It was so exciting,” he said. “Many of us were on the team the previous year [when the Tritons lost in the state championship], but last year we had more important roles and played more of a part and that made it much more special and unforgettable. Even though it didn’t end the way many of us would have liked, it does not shake our confidence for this coming season.”

Yakel said he never had any doubts he would be able to take the opportunity to become a starter and run with it.

“I made sure that I was always working hard during open gyms and practice and focusing on fundamentals. I kept telling myself that I could handle the role and had confidence I would excel,” he said.

Over the summer, Yakel helped his Green Bay Southwest American Legion team reach the regional finals of the Class AAA playoffs, one game away from the state tournament.

“Connor brings a level of intelligence, grit and toughness behind the plate that sets the tone for our entire team,” said Notre Dame and Southwest Legion head coach Andy Conard. “He has continued to work on his craft and has made himself one of the better all-around catchers in our conference.”

Yakel’s improvements have not gone unnoticed by college coaches around the Midwest. Hamline University, Augustana College, and Wisconsin Lutheran College have all expressed interest in the right-handed hitting catcher.

There are a few qualities that played a factor in his success, he said.

“My love and passion for the game and my determination to win and succeed has been a huge part of my success. My mom and dad's constant support has also helped me greatly throughout the way.”

Looking ahead to his senior year, he knows that Notre Dame has a good opportunity to get back to the state tournament for the 4th time in 5 years. The Tritons will have 8 positional starters returning from last year’s state semifinal team, and 3 of their top 4 pitchers back as well.

“We are a very experienced and confident group. We expect ourselves to get back to Appleton and win two games while we're there,” he said.

The Tritons always face an uphill battle playing in the Fox River Classic Conference, which is composed of Division 1 schools while Notre Dame is Division 2. Still, neither Yakel nor the Tritons will ever back down from a challenge.

“I may not be the tallest or strongest guy out there, but I will always give it everything I have and work hard to be the best.”

Written By Spencer Flaten, publisher of Wisconsin Ball Battles.

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