Fields Dominant Early in Season

senior Taylor Fields knows that he has to show leadership to his squad that has a number of freshmen, sophomores and juniors. It is his leadership on and off the field that has gotten the attention of his coaches. "He's a super kid, a great kid and knows what to do to get to the next level," said Central Gwinnett baseball coach David Lamberth. "He comes from a super family. He's a hard worker with a good mental approach and just a special kid."

Fields has been excellent on the field early in the season. In the season opener Fields threw 6 2/3rds innings and struck out 13 while giving up just two hits. And in his second start of the year, Fields gave up two hits again while striking out 10 batters in a 5-4 victory over Providence. Fields is 2-0 on the year while his team is off to a 4-1 start. "We just fight and try to get a win out of somewhere," said Fields. "Everyone steps in and tries to do something for the team. The games that I pitch, it just happens and I found a groove and have fun." I'll say. He had 23 strikeouts, gave up 4 hits, had 2 walks and has an ERA of 1.03 in 13 2/3 total innings.

"The young kids see determination and drive in Taylor," Lamberth said. "They are modeling after him. He is definitely a hard worker."

Fields knows he needs to do what it takes off the field as well, so that he will be as good on the field. "He takes good care of himself in the offseason," Lamberth said. "He works hard all year round." Fields throws around 87-88 mph but Lamberth said as the weather gets warmer Fields should increase his velocity. "There's a good chance some scouts will come look at him. He's got good size," Lamberth said. "You can never tell with these guys."

Fields says helping the younger kids comes naturally. "It's always good to have the young players step in," Fields said. "I'm not much of a hitter so I can't really help them out there." Fields went 0-3 in a 5-3 win over Apalachee while playing third base. His coach says some days his hitting is good but his main role is for him to step in every chance he can and pitch. He did make three plays in the field from the hot corner including two in the sixth inning. "Just having experience and being able to tell them what to do is all good," Fields said. He also added that coach Lamberth has been tremendous in helping him develop as a ball player. "(Coach Lamberth helping me is) Big. He does everything for me," Fields said. "He's big for me and tries to give me all the opportunities I have." After his team started to give up some late runs Fields was ready to go in but Lamberth brought in southpaw C.J. Cronic. "I just want to pitch every game," Fields said. "I just want to win."

Fields says he is planning on playing at Georgia Perimeter college next year and probably major in business. He led the county last year in strikeouts and looks like he will be among the county leaders again this year.

"Our pitching today is not one of our normal starters," said Lamberth on Friday's starting pitcher Dustin Hays. "He stepped up and did a great job for us. He threw almost a complete game." But he knew he couldn't use Fields even if it came down to a final out. But for his efforst Taylor Fields is this week's Athlete of the Week.