Pat Limerick is a very flexible and resilient 17-year-old baseball player who’s competed for King Philip Regional and for Freedom Baseball, the American Legion team that’s sponsored by Norfolk Post 335.
The 6-foot, 175-pound Limerick, who’ll be a senior at KP this fall, knows what it takes to adjust to changing situations and to overcome physical setbacks.
Last summer, the Wrentham native played second and third base for the Legion squad that was coached by Bill Lagos. This summer, Limerick finished his second season playing for a different coach and playing a different position. His coach was Brendan Carty and his position was centerfield.
At KP as a sophomore in 2016, Limerick played half of the season for the Warriors’ varsity as a designated-hitter. As a junior last spring, he alternated between centerfield and leftfield for coach Pat Weir. Next spring he’ll be competing for a new coach and his position is far from settled.
When Limerick was a sophomore, he was elevated to the varsity football squad and suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder. After six months of physical therapy, he opted to focus on baseball. Unfortunately, the gritty Limerick is scheduled for right elbow surgery in two weeks to repair a nerve problem that’s believed to be linked to his labrum injury.
In spite of all the adjustments and the injuries, Limerick still swings an impressive bat. And, his speed and strong arm make him a very capable outfielder. He hit .310 for the Legion last year and had one home run, and this summer he hit .400 and had 15 RBIs. His junior season on the KP varsity wasn’t eye-popping as far as statistics go (.230 batting average and 10 RBIs), but his potential surfaced in the Warriors opener last spring when he went 2-for-4 (double, single) and had two RBIs in an 8-0 triumph over Attleboro.
“I don’t mind change,’’ Limerick said. “I’m not afraid of it. If it’s a new coach, then it’s a matter of adjusting to a new way of doing things. If it’s a new position, then you just have to familiarize yourself with it quickly. Sometimes the adjustments take time but you just have to go out and compete.’’
Limerick played this summer with tingling and some numbness in his right hand. He’s hoping surgery will end the discomfort. “Surgery should help,’’ he said. “I did experience some pain while playing but you just shrug it off. The surgery should also help me mentally.’’
Lagos, who’s now the general manager of Freedom Baseball, is a fan of Limerick’s willingness to put his team first and to play wherever he’s needed. “Pat always strives to improve,’’ Lagos emphasized. “He’s a terrific team player who’s very coachable and who is quick to sacrifice for the welfare of the team. He’s got the ability to become a good role player at the college level.’’
Limerick’s Legion team has failed to earn a playoff berth during his two seasons, but at KP, he’s been to the tourney twice. “We lost both times in the first round,’’ he noted. “Last spring we lost to Marshfield, 8-0. I went 1-for-2 with a single and walk.’’
A make-things-happen type of player, Limerick relies on being aggressive at the plate and capitalizing on speed and a strong arm on defense He started two double plays for KP in the outfield last spring, thanks to a powerful throwing arm. “My goals as a senior will be for us to get back to the tourney and win our opening-round game. And, I’m going to strive to hit .350.’’
An honor-roll student, Limerick, who started playing baseball at age seven, isn’t sure what college is in his future or what he’ll major in. He does, however, want to continue to play baseball. “Schools like Endicott, Roger Williams, Merrimack and Southern New Hampshire are possible choices,’’ he indicated. “I think I can play at the Division 2 or 3 level.’’
Although the Legion team struggled this summer (1-17 record), Limerick still enjoyed competing and liked having David Morganelli and Steve Murray as teammates. “They also were teammates at KP,’’ Limerick said. “They’re competitors, they’re dedicated and they’re leaders.’’
Playing for Carty also was a plus. “Coach Carty is high intensity when needed and low-key when it’s necessary,’’ Limerick said. “He’s a good motivator.’’
Limerick’s favorite situations on offense and defense are not surprising. “Delivering a clutch hit in a close game is enjoyable,’’ he said. “On defense, I like throwing a runner out who tries to stretch a hit.’’
Limerick may not be the most dominant player in terms of statistics but he’s a solid, versatile competitor with a team-first mentality. “I firmly believe there’s no ‘I’ in team and I don’t need to be a priority,’’ he said. “Promoting team spirit and goodwill are the keys.’’
Pat Limerick has been a plus for the teams he’s played for and he’s dealt with change and physical problems in a classy fashion.
Issue Date:
August, 2017
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