Chase Jones became a catcher at 4 years old.

The Wright City senior was in the right place at the right time when his tee-ball coach realized the team needed a catcher.

“He told me to get behind the plate,” Jones said. “And I’ve been there ever since.”

Jones leads an experienced Wright City program looking to break through into the Class 3 sectionals this season.

Last year, the Wildcats finished 21-6 and lost to Lutheran St. Charles in the district championship, 5-2.

Jones hit .435 and had a team-high seven home runs last year while leading a pitching staff that posted a 2.93 earned-run average.

The Wildcats are the favorites to win the Eastern Missouri Conference, and Jones expects to see Lutheran St. Charles again in the district championship.

Wright City will need solid pitching to reach its goals, and Jones is excited.

“I think we have some sophomores and juniors that can contribute this year in the rotation,” he said. “So I think we can get past districts this year.”

Jones said he enjoys coaching the younger pitchers on the Wright City roster, pitchers like junior hurler Justin Bote.

Bote had a 7.00 ERA last year, but will be expected to produce as a junior.

According to Jones, his job is part player, part coach and part psychologist.

“Some guys might need to be yelled at,” he said. “And with others, you might have to just ease them through their struggles.”

It was a trait he learned from watching St. Louis Cardinals Gold-Glove catcher Yadier Molina, who he calls one of his role models in the game.

Jones said he will go to Cardinals games and watch how Molina controls the pitching staff, as well as the other seven men on the field.

He tries to do the same at Wright City.

“Chase is going to be huge for us this year,” Wright City Head Coach Shannon Wells said. “With a younger pitching staff, we’re really going to need him to step up and guide the younger players this season.”

Jones is committed to play baseball at St. Louis Community College-Meramac next season, but says he is shocked by how fast his high school career went by.

“It’s crazy because I remember my freshman year and thought it would last forever,” he said. “Now it’s my senior year and it’s just about over, but I’m thankful to have one more year.”

The Wildcat pitchers are likely thankful to have Jones for one more year, too.

But with a batting average that was second-best on the team last season, Jones hasn’t just left his mark with a glove and mask.

He credits playing catcher for his improvements with a bat.

“I feel like with catching there is less pressure on me to hit because I can have a big impact behind the plate on defense,” he said. “I think that has helped my hitting because I feel a lot more relaxed at the plate.”

Jones said he wants to improve on his arm strength while continuing to master the mental aspects of catching.

He his expected to play at least two more years after high school, but he is in no hurry for his Wright City career to end.

“We’ve got most of last year’s lineup back with plenty of seniors,” he said. “So I think we can make a run.”