The Cardinal Dougherty baseball team may not have a winning record this season. But they have a lot of heart.
The Cardinals are currently 0-9. But they’ll never quit giving 100 percent, they say.
A big part of their motivation comes from the team’s catcher, Jon Swing. Without a doubt, he has a great baseball name. His coach likes the leadership capabilities of his senior team captain.
"He’s a great leader for the team," said coach Steve Carr. "He’s one of the guys that I rely on for that. He’s the vocal leader and he’s very good at keeping the team motivated."
Swing does not take that responsibility lightly. One of his favorite parts of the game is getting his teammates pumped.
"I’m a big guy for motivation," said Swing. "I always tell the team to keep their heads up and keep trying. We’re a good team. We’re a really young team, but I know things will turn around because the team cares a lot. And since I’m leaving, I want to leave them on a good note."
The Oxford Circle resident has been catching for the Cardinals for four years. And at 6-feet tall, he very well could find spending two hours a day squatting behind home plate a bit uncomfortable, even painful. He brushes off such suggestions.
"My knees are fine," he said. "I’ve been doing this for a while, so I know how to take care of myself. Practice days, I don’t squat as much, but I still have to keep myself in shape."
Swing exercises daily, practices alongside his teammates when it’s not a game day, and keeps busy on the football field during the fall season.
"I played football for Dougherty, but I definitely like baseball more," he said. "Baseball is my passion."
Swing will usually catch two to three games per week because of the new Catholic League schedule, which has teams facing each other in three-game series.
"I love the new schedule this season," said Swing. "It gives us a lot more opportunity. It allows an average team the chance to beat a better team. Plus you get more games in, so I get to play more often," he added with a smile.
Swing has been seeing a lot of playing time, as has fellow senior and pitcher Mark McGuinn. The dynamic duo play two of the toughest positions, but they do it with ease.
"I’ve been catching with him for four years, so you get used to it after a while," said Swing. "Mark has made me a better catcher, and I think I’ve made him a better pitcher as well."
McGuinn has three primary pitches, including a 75-mph fastball that is sure to keep Swing on his toes.
"I’m thinking about the game from the moment I wake up," said Swing. "I’m getting psyched for it all day, and mentally prepared. I think about the pitcher and go over everything I know. Like today I knew the pitcher, I’ve been playing with him for four years, so I knew everything he was throwing."
The senior pair have created a lot of memories during their four years with the Cardinals. And with their last season now in progress, they’re enjoying every moment they have left before graduation.
"I can’t wait to graduate," he said. "I’m really excited."
Swing won’t have much of a summer break. The straight-A student received a full academic scholarship to La Salle, where he plans to study education. He’ll be taking summer classes there as well, starting three weeks after his graduation from Cardinal Dougherty.
"I’m really interested in working with special education," said Swing. "My mom works in the business, and I see the effects it can have firsthand."
He’ll have a busy fall. But when next spring rolls around at La Salle, his thoughts will turn once more to baseball.
"I’m definitely going to try to play ball for them, too," said Swing. "I love baseball, and I want to continue playing as long as I can." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com