Wengert continues big family tradition

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- His grandfather played in the minor leagues. His dad and brother have college backgrounds.

Now Tyler Wengert, St. Vincent's all-state shortstop and pitcher and the latest in a family of baseball prospects, is paving a path toward a third consecutive run to the Class 1A state championship game.

"It's like a family tradition with us," he said of the sport where he's excelled.

Tyler's grandfather Herbie signed a minor-league contract in the mid-1940s. His father Gary played for Southeast Missouri State University in the early '70s. His brother Dusty is the starting second baseman at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo.

But besides adding to his family's baseball history, Tyler is building up another tradition: putting St. Vincent in a state championship game. The Indians have been there the past two years, winning the title in 2000 and finishing second last year. Wengert pitched both games.

As a sophomore, he shut out North Shelby 9-0 on a two-hitter for St. Vincent's first championship. Last year he took the loss in a last-inning 5-4 defeat to Jasper on a rare St. Vincent defensive mistake in the championship game.

"A lot of sophomores would have been shaking in their boots," St. Vincent coach Rick Wibbenmeyer said, "but he was ready to go and did a super job."

Tyler, more intimidating on the mound than his 5-foot-10, 155-pound frame would let on, sees his sports future in baseball, which he calls his "first love."

His 2001 statistics back that up. He hit for a team-leading .436 average with only two strikeouts the entire season. He scored 32 runs and drove home another 26.

Wibbenmeyer said Wengert's strong characteristics -- athletic ability, willingness to learn, competitiveness and confidence -- are key ingredients he brings to the team.

"Plus," Wibbenmeyer said, "he just loves to play the game."

Besides adding numbers in the title chase, Wengert said he also wants to assert himself more as a leader.

"I've tried to be a leader the last three years I've played," Wengert said, "but this year it's my job to be a leader.

"During basketball, I got myself in trouble a couple of times by being a verbal leader, but the only reason I say anything is because I care about my teammates and I want to push them to be better."

Wengert will share the role of leader with Adam Bockman, a center fielder who, with Wengert and Chris Meyer, are the only seniors in a relatively young lineup.

Their goals for the team are identical and include a title.

"I'd like to be up on the mound in late May throwing a shutout for the state championship," Wengert said.

Added Bockman, "I feel a little more confident that we're going to win if he's on the mound."

llewis@semissourian.com

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