Davenport High School sophomore Chase Mitchell is already making his mark on the diamond, but the young pitcher says his biggest motivation comes from well beyond the foul lines. Mitchell points to his older brother as the person who has shaped his work ethic and purpose in the game. “My older brother, I have looked up to him my whole life,” Mitchell said. “He is my why, and I wouldn’t be anywhere without him.”
On the field, Mitchell anchors Davenport as a pitcher, embracing both the demands and responsibilities that come with standing on the mound. He understands that the position takes a toll physically and mentally, and he takes pride in the preparation that allows him to compete. “I am a pitcher and the most difficult part is the energy it takes out of you, and the most important part is taking care of your arm,” Mitchell said. At the plate, he knows exactly what he is looking for, adding that his favorite pitch to hit is “for sure an inside fastball” because he simply feels more comfortable attacking that pitch than any other.
In the classroom, Mitchell enjoys history and credits teacher Mr. Case with making the subject come to life. He describes Mr. Case as a good teacher who is also hilarious, bringing the same blend of structure and fun that Mitchell appreciates in baseball. As a sophomore, he is still early in his high school journey, but he is already collecting lessons that he expects to carry with him long after graduation. “It has taught me that you’re going to go through ups and downs, but you just have to stay positive through it all,” Mitchell said of athletics.
Mitchell says the best part of Davenport baseball is simply being around his teammates, whether they are at practice, in a game or just passing each other in the hallway at school. “I just enjoy being there with my teammates no matter if it’s a game or practice or even in school,” he said. “I just like being around my guys.” He loves how competitive the group is and how much they trust one another, qualities he believes separate this Davenport squad. “The thing I love the most is how competitive we all are; everyone wants to win, and the trust we have in each other is really important,” Mitchell said.
Away from baseball, Mitchell spends much of his free time with family and friends, especially when he can be outdoors. He enjoys fishing and duck hunting with his brother, another way the two continue to build the bond that fuels Chase’s passion on the field. In the dugout, he is surrounded by personalities, noting that teammate Brody Robison is the most vocal, while Trevor Edwards keeps everyone laughing. When he pulls on his uniform, Mitchell says there are two unwritten rules he swears by: an untucked jersey and no belt.
