Defending Home Plate and our Nation

by Joseph Kuykendall

The United States Military Academy’s mission statement is as follows, “The United States Military Academy's mission is to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army.” Nowhere within that statement does it talk about developing professional baseball players. Although it is not a primary goal, West Point did in fact succeed in “training” a young cadet into a professional baseball player.

Courtesy of John Corneau/Lowell Spinners

J.T. Watkins a 6’0’ catcher out of Army was drafted in the 10^th Round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft by the Boston Red Sox. With his selection, he became the tenth Army player to be selected in the MLB Draft since 2005 and just the 3^rd player out of West Point to be drafted in the 10^th Round or higher in that same time span.

Watkins wasn’t projected to be picked that high but that doesn’t mean he’s going to short himself for the accomplishment, “I always had confidence in my abilities especially as a catcher but it was a surprise to me to be taken so high and it’s an honor.”

What sets Watkins apart from the extreme majority of pro ballplayers out there is not an unseen skill set or odd talent but rather his service to our great nation. Being a graduate of the United States Military Academy, Watkins can’t just jump right in and be a professional baseball player for the rest of his life. He still has some time of duty. Following three months in the Red Sox system (he is with the Lowell Spinners now in Short-Season A), Watkins will depart to complete his nessecary time with the Armed Forces. That means no baseball games, no instructional league…just service.

While this might seem as a huge blow to someone who finally achieved their childhood dream, Watkins is taking it in stride and accepting his call. He calmly said, “I think it’s a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills off the field. At the same time it’s an opportunity for me to be able to serve. Hopefully I can do a good job.” Simply by that comment it is easy to see how Army turns old teens into mature young men.

It gives Watkins a unique chance to follow in the footsteps of many great former baseball players who left their life as they knew it in the baseball world to accomplish bigger and better things for our country. The one that comes to mind in Red Sox history and is probably the most notable is Ted Williams.  The Red Sox famed left fielder played from 1939-1942 with the Red Sox then took three seasons off to serve in the Marines during WWII and later the Korean War. He then played fifteen more seasons in a Red Sox uniform to cap off his playing career.

Much like Williams, Watkins should be celebrated more for his work off the field--accepting their duties to keep our country safe and free.

The U.S. Military Academy wasn’t always on the Alabamians radar as a college choice. It took a call from Head Coach Joe Sottolano that initially got him interested and eventually hooked, “I didn’t know much about the academy before Coach Sottolano gave me a call and I’m certainly glad he did,” said the 2012 team captain, “I really appreciate the opportunity [the coaches] gave me and for them to believe in me all four years behind the plate. It was awesome.”

With all that is taught and preached at West Point, Watkins already has a great foundation for a career in baseball as well as his life. He did his best to learn everything he could at the USMA to help him in his future endeavors. Watkins talked about everything he will take away from the prodigious institution, “I think there are great things that can be taken away from West Point. Getting a great education, being a member of a team, working hard day-in and day-out. Its not a nine-hour-a-day job, it’s a 24/7 job—I think that was probably my biggest takeaway, understanding that people are always watching. There’s never an off day per say. You’re always working towards a goal and for me that was graduation and I was lucky enough to do that. “

Courtesy of John Corneau/Lowell Spinners

Because professional sports are so revered in America and young kids look up to athletes, Watkins is already well on his way to being an incredible role model to young baseball fans because of the principle he spoke about above.

In addition to all the attributes already mentioned, in my three+ years of covering professional baseball, I have never seen a harder working, more determined ballplayer.  On Tuesday night, Watkins was the starting catcher for the Lowell Spinners against the Tri-City ValleyCats. Well before the game was even starting, Watkins was already in the bullpen all by himself warming up and practicing blocking the ball even before the starting pitcher ventured out to the bullpen. Then, while the pitcher was doing his personal warm-ups, Watkins was working one-on-one with the Red Sox Catching Coordinator, Chad Epperson, who just happened to be in town as the interim manager for the Spinners while the Spinners “actual” manager Bruce Crabbe was out with walking pneumonia.

Watkins understands what it’s going to take for him to reach the next level. He doesn’t take his standing for granted but rather epitomizes what it means to have grit and determination.

Part of the reason Watkins may have been out so early blocking imaginary balls was because that is what he really wants to improve on this season. Although already known for his skills as a backstop, he understands there is still room for improvement and not just at catching but in every facet of his game, “I’d really like to improve everything, my biggest focus will probably be receiving, I’d like to receive the ball a little bit better. I think the work we’re putting in everyday is helping. “

Courtesy of John Corneau/Lowell Spinners

The Academy should be proud for who Watkins has become and for what he still has in store for the Army come this fall. He is the definition of a cadet and the Red Sox should feel privileged to have him in their system beyond just his playing ability.

He’s not quite the everyday catcher for the Spinners but in his first game he went 0-for-5 at the dish. Then Tuesday night as if the baseball Gods saw him out on the field early warming up, he knocked two solid singles to finish the game 2-for-4. Even though he is only here three more months before his hiatus, Watkins is definitely a player to watch for his willpower and hard work. He obviously wants to shoot through the system as fast as possible but understands it takes some time and he is content as long as he is still with the organization by seasons end,”[At the end of the season, I want to be] behind the plate somewhere, if its still [in Lowell] that’s OK. I understand that there’s a bigger picture in mind and sometimes that picture doesn’t include me.  I’m going to still work toward my goal, its not going to change the way I go about my position."

Like Father Like Son

In addition to finally playing professional baseball, a kids dream, Watkins has the rare opportunity to work in the same organization as his father. His dad, Danny, is an area scout for the Red Sox. Most father-son relationships are strengthened or formed with baseball and that makes it all the more special for J.T. to be working in the same ball club that his dad works in, “If I told you it didn’t mean more I’d probably be lying to you. I think its pretty special that we both happen to work for the same organization,” said the hard-working catcher, “It’s pretty neat, its one of those father-son kind of things. Its special to be a part of and I certainly appreciate every opportunity they’re giving me.”



Kuykendall can be followed on Twitter @JoeKBSU18 and contacted at JKuykendall@BostonSportsU18.com