A fine work in progress

Photo courtesy Fife High School

CAM BOOSER SHOWN EARLIER THIS YEAR WITH HIS PARENTS ON SIGNING DAY.

Baseball is a game that has always come naturally for Cam Booser. He was taught at an early age by his father, to whom he gives much of the credit for his development.

“My dad has worked with me my whole life and has instilled in me a real work ethic that I take with me to every game I play,” Booser said before a recent game. Fife head coach Shane Nixon has also seen that same work ethic that drives Booser.

“He is a hard, tireless worker who is a tough, smart baseball player. He knows the game inside and out. He has been a joy to work with the last three years.”

Minor arm injuries have prevented Booser from pitching this year, but followers of Fife baseball have seen him routinely throw in the 95 miles per hour range.

That will draw the attention of many a college recruiter and baseball scout. The most attention came from Oregon State, who had assistant coach Pat Bailey track the progress of Booser during his sophomore year. Earlier this year Booser decided to attend Oregon State and play for the Beavers.

“Oregon State had shown the most interest in me and stayed on me for three years, ever since summer ball in my sophomore year. I’m looking forward to playing in the Pac 10.”

Booser has been a starter since his sophomore year. At Oregon State, he will be tried at more than one position.

“He probably will be tried at first base, in the outfield and on the mound,” said Nixon, who said that the Beavers took notice of his all around athletic ability during his sophomore year.

When he does get back on the mound later this year, Nisqually League hitters will have to look at a considerable arsenal of pitches.

“I can throw a mid-90s fastball to go along with a curve, a change up, and on rare occasion a knuckle-curve that hitters will not be looking for.”

Good, successful starting pitchers from high school on up need to have at least three good pitches to have a chance at winning.

“With his velocity and makeup, and if he can stay healthy, the sky is the limit for Cam,” Nixon said.

He’s no slouch at the plate either. Although hovering around the .200 mark this season, Booser has shown signs lately of coming out of this mild slump.

One glance at Booser in the batter’s box reminds a longtime observer of baseball of Kansas City great George Brett, with that wide-open stance with a short, compact swing that can drive the ball to all parts of the park, and with power, too.

Early in his career there was a problem with emotions, but that has been solved.

“Coach Nixon has kept me going. I’ve learned how not to let my emotions get the best of me and it’s helped me become a better player,” Booser said.

When asked what he would like to accomplish the rest of his senior year at Fife, he replied, “winning the state title would be great and I would love to go out on top.”

As for Oregon State and possibly professional baseball, he says he will “give it all I’ve got each and every time I am out on the field. Leave it all between the white lines.”

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