Putting in the work

by Matthew Ondesko: Managing Editor

Everyone takes a different path to where they want to be eventually.

Not all players will sign on to play Division I ball right out the gate during their high school. Some will take a different route. Whatever that route maybe, the end game is still the same.

For catcher Dominic Pasek the recruiting process was long and it didn’t really spike until his junior year of high school. He was talking to a few Division II, Division III and JUCO schools but was looking for that right fit.

A fit that would allow him to play at the highest level, while working on his education. That fit came in the form of Niagara County Community College. NCCC is one of the premier JUCO teams in the country - and after his visits - Pasek felt right at home.

“Recruiting process really spiked up during school ball, I was talking to a couple DII’s, DIII’s and JUCO’s. Talked to plenty of coaches but really wanted to take my time to really figure out where I belonged,” stated Pasek. “SUNY Niagara wasn’t really ever an option early in the recruiting process so I was planning on another JUCO, maybe a 4-year school. Went on a few visits none of them really felt like home or place I’d be happy at. Then coach Cling over at SUNY Niagara showed interest in me, and got me up on a visit. Off the bat I felt good about it, it felt like home.”

While going through the process, Pasek learned a lot about himself as a person and player. As a player gets recruited they start to see what others see in them. At times, it could be easy to question themselves - and their ability to play the game they love art such a high level.

Pasek took what the coaches gave him and used it to better himself on and off the field.

“I learned a lot about my self in the recruiting process such as maturing as person not just as a player, and realizing there’s a lot more to my self outside of baseball - which I never understood when I was younger,” stated Pasek. “As a player I realized that if I truly was going to play in college I have to up my work ethic even more. Also, I realized I’m going have to push my self harder and harder everyday to compete at the next level.”

Pushing him harder on a daily level is coach Jeff Helmbrecht, Helmbrecht has been a successful baseball wherever he has gone. He is a proven winner and just doesn’t teach his players about baseball, but about life as well.

Being able to be mentored by Helmbrecht has been a highlight of Pasek’s baseball career.

“Coach Jeff is a great guy and great coach, best coach I’ve played for. He’s taught me a lot. Taught me that to win games you really have to do the little things to almost a perfection,” stated Pasek. “He puts a big emphasis on communication, two strike hitting, moving runners, just overall playing the game clean. About life he taught me if you want something you really have to earn it. Nothing will ever be handed to you. If you want you have to take it, that applies not just life but baseball too.”

On the field, Pasek plays the most grueling position. As a catcher, Pasek is the middle of everything. He is expected to call a great game, makes plays behind the plate, and add to the offense.

The biggest part of his game, though, is making sure he is on the same page as his pitchers, which isn’t easy during a condensed high school season. That might mean putting extra work in during bullpen sessions just so he knows what a pitcher might want to use during a certain situation.

“Catch a lot of bullpens, talk to your pitcher and ask them what do they fell and help them adjust,” stated Pasek, on making sure he’s on the same page. “Biggest thing is always building that trust with each other. That’s big for me I hang out with the guys get to know them and build that relationship with them because it’ll translate into games and trust will be there.”

Pasek has always worked on his release from behind the plate. There aren’t many base rummers who are testing the arm of Pasek these days. He has a quick release from behind the plate, and guns down runners a pretty good rate.

He credits Brett Helmbrecht, who was a DI player at Coppin State. Helmbrecht knows a little about catching, having played the position at St. Mary’s before going to NCCC and Coppin State.

“All winter working with Brett Helmbrecht we always put emphasis on transfers and getting the ball out quick, and it’s why I look at him as one of the best catching coaches I worked with,” stated Pasek. “When you gun somebody out stealing there’s nothing better in my opinion that’s the greatest feeling when playing.”

As he gets ready to finish his high school career, Pasek knows he still has room to grow his game. When he steps on to NCCC next year, he just isn’t going there to get some at bats and reps.

He is looking to take over the starting job, and compete at the highest level.

“As I get on campus next year I’m going there to compete and win a job that’s goal number one,” stated Pasek. “After two years see where I end up DII, DI or the draft I really don’t know. I can’t control that but I can control the work I put in day in and day out and to continue living out this baseball dream.”