By Patrick MacCoonRecord Sports EditorAirk Rader just finished out his sixth and final season of playing for the Warrenton Senior Legion baseball program, one which he enjoyed more than any other.Not only did he play in his first district tournament as a part of Post 122, but he also appeared and started a game as well in the Zone 1 Tournament.In helping his team improve its win total from last summer from one to 14, Rader posted a .298 batting average while driving in 10 runs in 16 games.With Warrenton trailing 1-0 late against Pacific on July 13, he provided a spark to help avoid a loss that would have finished his team a spot lower in the regular season standings than St. Charles.Rader led off the fifth inning with an infield base hit and then scored with two outs on a single by Ben Stephens to mark the first of 15 runs plated by Post 122 in the final three innings. He also doubled in the seventh inning and reached base safely all five times.While he was crucial with his bat at certain points throughout the memorable campaign, he was also a stopping force with his glove and arm.In a 4-2 extra-inning win at Wentzville, Rader made two major plays in the field to help win yet another game.In the sixth inning he threw out a runner at home plate and also made a leaping grab at second base to prevent another run from scoring.Defense was a strongsuit for the utility player, who started several games at second base and right field. He even started two games at catcher when starter James Dotson needed a rest.Rader finished second amongst all position players for Post 122 with a .957 fielding percentage and only committed three errors in 70 total chances.His love for fielding makes sense as his two favorite players growing up won 16 Gold Gloves in Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen.
Q: How did you develop your love for baseball?“I started playing with my uncle whenever I was 4 or 5 years old. When I was about 7, I joined a rec team. Then when I was 11, I joined a Warrenton and Wright City select team that Doug Stephens started, which is how I became good friends with Ben and a lot of the Legion players I’ve played with over the years.”
Q: What was the most memorable part of your season?“When Ben struck out the last batter for Washington in our 4-3 win at home. His pitch count was really high and he had been battling, so it was good to see him finish off a big win for our team.”
Q: What was your favorite part about playing for the Warrenton Senior Legion baseball team that made it to zone this year?“Just how bought in (Scott) Butler was from the very beginning. He knew before the season even started and before our first practice how good we were and how good we could be. He was able to transform pretty much the same team from the year before from a one-win team to a 14-win team that advanced to zone.”
Q: What do you hope the younger players who will return next year to the Post 122 program will take from you?“No matter how much we are losing by or what our record is to just keep playing and have fun. If you do that, you will get out what you wanted out of baseball in the end.”
Q: What mindset will you take from baseball that will last with you the rest of your life?“Don’t bunt, drop dingers.”
Q: What is your favorite food?“Pizza.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant?“Steak ’n Shake or Applebee’s. Our favorite place after games to go eat was always Steak ’n Shake.”
Q: Favorite TV Show?“First Take.”
Q: Favorite Movie?“Any of the ‘Fast and Furious’ movies.”
Q: Favorite Music Genre?“Rap.”
Q: Favorite college team?“Mizzou.”
Q: Celebrity you would most like to meet?“Alex Morgan.”
Airk Rader hit .298 this summer and also posted the second best fielding percentage for the Warrenton Senior Legion baseball program. The six-time Post 122 player leaves on a bright note.
Derrick Forsythe photo.
