Lakeside senior a classy player
Perhaps the ultimate compliment any young athlete can receive from a coach is that he or she plays the game the right way, meaning in effect that in competition one demonstrates respect for self, respect for opponents and respect for the traditions of the sport.
And when the compliment comes from an old-school guy like Lakeside High School baseball coach Matt Sullivan, who himself played the game the right way, it means even more.
The recipient of Sullivan’s kind words is Lakeside senior Cody Reeves, who this season helped the Eagles as far as the State 2A quarterfinals, where they eventually lost an 11-9 thriller to perennial power Ephrata. It was Lakeside’s third trip to state during the past four years.
“Cody has a fire, a passion for the game, and he just has a baseball idea at a time when there are lots of high school kids who don’t really understand the game,” Sullivan said. “It’s great to have a guy who understands what needs to be done both offensively and defensively, in any situation, and who asks the question, ‘What can I do right now to help us win?’
“He lives and breathes baseball. I’ll never forget right before our first game of the season this year against Shadle, the last thing he said to the other guys was, ‘Let’s get up – I’ve been waiting nine months for this.’ “
Reeves was a two-year varsity starter after a sophomore year during which he practiced at that level but played his games with the JV. He was first-team All-Great Northern League as a junior.
“It was great to go as far as we did this season,” said Reeves. “I remember how awesome it was when I was watching the older guys get the chance to get to state. Those upperclassmen showed me a level of maturity to model, and taught me that as I got older I’d have the responsibility to carry my team.”
If this sounds like a young man with an extraordinarily mature view of athletics, he comes by it naturally. His father Mark played at Spokane Falls Community College and Whitworth, but lost a chance to play at the next level after a shoulder injury.
Cody’s older brother Grant also played collegiately, and during his senior year at Mead in 1997 drove in an astounding 46 runs, a Greater Spokane League RBI mark that still stands.
“My dad taught me to play the game with class,” Reeves said, “and to know what to expect in a situation, look ahead to what may happen and not just react to what does.
“I wrestle, too, and I’ve been told that I bring a wrestling mentality to the baseball field. I think everybody knows that wrestlers are mentally tough, and I try to bring that mental toughness to key situations in baseball.”
Losing a player like Reeves presents a challenge for Sullivan, who hopes that some of Reeves’ enthusiasm and understanding of the game has rubbed off on Lakeside’s younger players.
“For me, Cody’s been a guy who brings it to the office every day,” Sullivan said. “The other day we were looking for him at the hotel, and he was in uniform in the lobby at 7 a.m.”
Listen to him describe some of his favorite things and you won’t be surprised that he plans to play at the next level:
“I love the sound of the crowd after a great play or a game-winning home run. I want the ball coming to me when the game’s on the line. I love the excitement from making a big double play.”
He appreciates those who’ve helped him rise to the level of success he’s enjoyed: his dad and Sullivan, of course, but he also mentions Shadle coach Ron Brooks and the Mollett family, including brothers Brandon and Marcus, both of whom played collegiately.
“I can usually get answers from my dad, but it’s nice to know I can count on others for advice, too. I’ve made friends for life through baseball.”
And what has he given back to the game he loves? His answer is no surprise.
“I’ve always given the game respect, and I’ve always tried to play the right way.”