Athlete Profile – Nick Wheeler

Nick Wheeler, Truman High School class of 2018, shares a few stories that illustrate why some consider him one of the nicest players at Inside Edge. Nick, who plays catcher, first base, and outfield, also tells how the motto, “Break it down to what you know,” has helped him earn a spot on the Varsity team every year that he has been at Truman.

Let’s start with your motto, “Break it down to what you know;” where did it come from and how does it apply to baseball?
My dad told me those simple words when I played little league. It stuck with me and I use it in everything I do, especially things that are a struggle. It has taught me to not overthink things and to keep everything simple. Baseball is a complicated sport, so keeping game scenarios simple–thinking only about the current play, the next pitch–helps to keep the game from getting out of control.

That’s a really good lesson. You’ve been seen around IE helping the younger players. Do you share this idea with them?
Absolutely. I give this advice to any young player that is into the game. Baseball is a grind. The game is designed for you to fail, so every time you don’t succeed, you have to keep grinding. Keeping it simple starts with focusing on fun. As a young player, you can’t let the bad outcomes keep you down; get back in the box and go after it. If you strikeout to end an inning, go on the field and make a play. I’m telling the young players to have fun and give every game all they’ve got because the next play is the greatest opportunity for success.

Have you seen the Inside Edge video Focus on Fun?
Yeah, that’s one of my favorite videos! It made me smile the first time I watched it. I love that Todd directs the academy with that mindset.

You’ve played on the Truman Varsity team every year. That’s quite the accomplishment that has surely given you a lot of great opportunities. Is there one that stands out?
The most memorable would be playing in my first varsity game as a freshman. We were in Columbia, Missouri playing Hickman Mills High School. The score was tied and I was called in to pinch hit as the lead-off in the 7th inning. I took the first pitch for a strike and then I got a fastball that I could handle. I lined it over the shortstop and rounded first. The adrenaline was rushing through my veins. Later in the inning, I came around to score and met all my buddies in the dugout. It was the best feeling I’ve had in a baseball game.

Nice job! Is there anything that would top that game situation?
Well, as a hitter, I still dream of getting up to bat in a tie game, with the bases loaded, 2 outs and a 3-2 count. That situation gets my blood pumping and fuels my fire to play the game. That is my dream situation and I’d take that situation over any situation in the game.

Has anyone else, other than your dad, inspired you to play the game?
Ken Griffey, Jr. I’d love to see him play. He’s on my ‘Field of Dreams.’ It would be a dream to watch him, to see how he played the game and how much fun he had playing it. Seeing him have success so quickly at a young age makes me believe I can put in the work and produce great results on the field.

You mentioned your Field of Dreams. Is there something behind that?
That’s my favorite movie, has been since the first time I saw it. I love the part where the couple and the little girl can see the players on the field but the man coming to take their farm couldn’t see anything at all. He thought the ball field was a pointless waste of valuable crop land. It was funny because the man thought the couple was crazy, but really he was the crazy one.

Do you have any other favorites?
I love steak, pasta, pizza and I recently found sushi. Friends has always been my favorite TV show because of how funny it is. And classic rock and roll! Bands like Guns ‘N Roses, Nirvana, Journey and AC/DC. And, of course, Kauffman stadium. It is the best place to watch a baseball game. The Royals have been my favorite team forever, even during the rough years. Seeing them not succeed for so many years has made the wait that much sweeter.

In closing, what would you say about playing at Inside Edge Baseball Academy?
Inside Edge means a lot to me. It has given me opportunities that I would never have a chance to do if I hadn’t played with this baseball club. I’ve met so many great people, coaches, and teammates, all of whom have become close friends. I’ve had the opportunity to play at colleges that I had no idea was even possible to play at while still in high school. I’ve made memories with this organization, from traveling to tournaments, to winning the big games. IE is a part of me. It’s a chapter in my life that I’m still writing and I look forward to keeping it going, to keep writing memories.