Senior catcher Nicholas Klemp usually delivers positive results for the Cascade baseball team whether he’s at the plate or behind it.
“He’s got a solid contact swing,” Bruins coach David Benson said. “In the past couple of years he’s gotten stronger, so he’s increased his barrel speed. He’s a gap-to-gap hitter and can run into one at any moment, so he can spark our lineup. Defensively, he takes charge of our pitchers, calls good games and has a great arm. He’s like a secondary pitching coach.”
Klemp, who has been a member of the Kirkland-based Northwest Bandits Baseball Club for the past five years, will continue his baseball career next season at Everett Community College.
The Herald recently spoke with Klemp about his baseball career and other interests:
What do you like best about catching?
I like the strategy part of it. It’s like a chess match. You don’t want to think too much, but you want to think just enough about what’s happening, anticipate what’s going to happen, know what the hitters are thinking, know what the pitchers are going to do and be able to lead them. It’s fun to be involved in every single play.
How have you evolved as a hitter?
I see myself as a contact hitter. I want to hit balls hard, get on base and see a lot of pitches. My role on the offensive side is to just stick to my approach and try not to do too much.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Last April 28, my uncle (Paul Klemp) passed away. He had pancreatic cancer. We were close. He would come over and we’d play catch, and he’d teach me stuff about pitching and what pitchers want to do in certain situations. (After he died), I stayed in by myself for awhile. I knew it wasn’t the right thing to do. But I created a different bond with my dad (Erich). We told each other stuff and opened up about certain things. He really helped me through it. I’d give him anything now. He’s my best friend.
Why did you choose Everett Community College?
The big thing for me is that it’s close to home. I’ve been in this area my whole life, and it felt like the right place.
What would you like to study in college?
I don’t really know yet. Maybe something with business. (In school, I enjoy) the science category. I’m taking Advanced Placement environmental science this year, so I’m learning about how the environment works and what the future holds for our world.
What do you do in your free time?
I hang out with friends, and when my sister (Kaylie) is home from college, I spend time with her every day. I base my work ethic on hers. She’s a super hard worker, and I look up to her. She made the dean’s list at Eastern Washington University the last couple of years.
What kind of things do you do with your friends?
We do a team thing here where guys get together and play poker. Definitely not for money, of course. (The winner) is spread around, but most of the time it’s Drew Swartz. He never goes down without a fight. As for me, you’d think I would do better, but there’s some rules that I’m not fond of, and they’ve bitten me in the butt. Mainly I’m one of the first few out.
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