Lockport’s Drew Satunas has developed an easygoing, fluid rapport with his pitchers.
The junior catcher understands that his role is like being behind the camera in Hollywood.
“As a catcher, you’re often the director of the field,” Satunas said of how it goes beyond the mound. “I’m directing the pitchers, and I sometimes point out something in the field that’s funny.
“Get them to laugh so their head is in the right place and they can execute.”
Satunas executed in superb fashion Saturday for the Porters, calling a masterful game behind the plate and drilling an RBI double during a 6-0 nonconference victory over Mount Carmel.
Senior outfielder Justin VanderTuuk and junior infielder Caden Russell also drove in runs for Lockport (4-1). Senior starter Joey DalPonte and sophomore relievers Anthony Farina and Austin Winge combined for a one-hit shutout.
TJ McQuillan broke up the no-hitter with a double in the fourth inning for Mount Carmel (3-2).
In his first start, DalPonte (1-0) struck out two and allowed the lone hit in 4 2/3 innings. Farina added three strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings, while Winge struck out two to close out the seventh.
The all-around performance by Satunas, meanwhile, was particular satisfying after he missed his entire sophomore season last spring due to an injury to his right elbow.
“Drew just does everything for me,” DalPonte said. “He’s catching and blocking pitches and he’s throwing out runners. He’s a great teammate, and he’s always doing things for us on the field.
“He was the same way last year, even when he couldn’t play.”
In his return, Satunas has underscored versatility for an impact on winning, according to Lockport coach Scott Malinowski.
“A left-handed-hitting catcher who can swing the bat like that is a coach’s dream,” Malinowski said. “He’s a tireless worker. He can do a little bit of everything.
“Having a catcher who’s that solid defensively and being able to handle the pitching staff is very special.”
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Satunas combines a physical frame with excellent instincts. Navigating the psychological contours of the game is just as crucial as his interaction with his pitchers.
“I always try to stay positive,” he said. “If you’re in a bad mood, everybody else might act the same because of your body language. I go out there and try to have fun.
“As a catcher, I like to see the game. When it comes to game time, I just swing away.”
Satunas’ open and generous outlook helped offset the pain of not being able to play last season. He also had the foresight to realize the injury wasn’t permanent.
He avoided surgery but required a six-month rehabilitation.
“It was hard when it first happened, but I stayed in a positive mindset,” Satunas said. “I think the hardest part was watching all the success from the dugout, even the failure, because I felt I could have made a difference.
“I never really got down. I came back knowing I’d be a better player than I was before.”
When he’s not on the baseball field, Satunas prefers to golf or fish, sports that are by their nature solitary and challenging. But baseball is something that runs deep in his family.
His father, Andy, played at Lewis and previously coached at Lockport. His mother, Amanda, played softball at Lewis and was Drew’s first coach when he started out in baseball at age 5.
But even on the worst of days, it’s baseball — and that’s good enough for Satunas.
“It’s an outdoor sport and you have tough days sometimes,” he said. “Overall, it’s beautiful. I’m fortunate to play in great places, see different diamonds, build relationships with my teammates.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
