Richards senior Sean Cody is a versatile talent who transcends the easiest descriptions.
He’s a shortstop. He’s a pitcher. And he plays with a quiet flamboyance, a cool confidence.
“This is the most fun I’ve had out of all time playing here,” said Cody, an Illinois-Chicago recruit. “I just look forward to every day like this. I only have a few weeks of high school baseball left.
“Everything’s kind of sad or bittersweet, and I go out to have fun every day.”
Cody kept the fun going Tuesday afternoon for the host Bulldogs, getting two hits, scoring twice and driving in a run during a 9-0 South Suburban Red victory over Shepard in Oak Lawn.
Sophomore outfielder Ryan Golinski went 2-for-4 with an RBI for Richards (18-6, 13-2). Senior right-hander Xavier Fernandez pitched a complete game and finished with four strikeouts.
Junior infielders David Nelligan and Cory Sheppard had hits for Shepard (11-12-2, 6-7-1).
Cody, meanwhile, showed off his all-around play once again. He completed a spectacular double play in the field and went 2-for-3 as the leadoff hitter, sparking a seven-run second inning.
”I’m a little of both with my hitting, a contact and power guy,” Cody said. “I don’t have a lot of strikeouts this year. My approach is never just to go out and try to hit home runs every time up.
“We were a little tired at the start, and I just wanted to get everybody up and going.”
A four-year starter, Cody also pitches and can play capably in the outfield. The different roles allow him to optimize every opportunity and learn the game from overlapping points of view.
“Pitching is great, especially when I’m throwing and batting leadoff the same day,” Cody said. “Everything correlates, and I know the zone better when I’m up to bat.
“Pitching and hitting naturally flow together.”
Golinski bats immediately behind Cody in the order. The benefits are immediately evident.
“Every time I get up, I know he’s going to be on base,” Golinski said. “Every time the ball is hit to short, I know it’s going to be an out. No moment is ever too big for him.
“He’s always confident, especially when he’s hitting. He knows when the time is right.”
Cody impresses as a natural talent with a great feel and an ability to impact the game.
”He’s our best player this year and one of the best in the area,” Richards coach Jeff Kortz said. “His IQ is off the charts. He’s an extremely hard worker who goes into the weight room every day.
“He’s a very instinctive base runner. He’s great defensively. He does a lot of great things.”
Cody was introduced to baseball at age 4, encouraged by his mother to stay involved with the game. The life and lifestyle of the sport are hardwired into his DNA.
“Being here with my coaches and my team, it’s just a great atmosphere,” he said. “Everyone around here is high energy. Other schools might complain about the long practices and the hours.
“We’re completely different. We love to be here.”
Cody’s nature and personality have evolved to match the moment.
By his own admission, he’s frequently two different people. Quiet and reflective off the field, Cody transforms into a single-minded player between the lines.
“I try to be as loud as I can, so that everyone knows what is going on,” he said. “I have no regrets. When I’m at shortstop, I talk to everyone and let them know the situation.
“When I’m on the mound, I like to control the game.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
