Athlete Spotlight: Kevin Caughman

Kevin Caughman isn't always sure of his batting average, but he knows it's better than .400.

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The Evans senior doesn't keep up with any of his numbers except the one kept by coach Ricky Beale.

Beale uses a system that awards each player positive and negative points, based on how each performs during games.

Caughman is always among those at the top.

"Basically, if you help your team out, you get points for it," Caughman said. "That's what we look at more."

Caughman has been helping the Knights since he was a sophomore. He and senior teammate Jeff Rice have anchored the Knights middle infield.

Last season, Caughman played second and Rice shortstop. They have flipped places this season, but they share the same connection.

"We definitely know what the other's next move's going to be," Caughman said. "We know where we like the feeds both ways."

Beale described his senior as a quiet leader, who doesn't shout much but leads by vacuuming groundballs and driving in runs at the plate.

"It's a big pick me-up," Beale said. "The guys see him up and they feel real comfortable with him there. And they feel like the ball's hit, he's going to give it everything he's got and make a play."

Caughman and Rice are paired in the infield, but also have been paired in the lineup since Caughman moved from the second spot to third. The move has given Caughman more opportunities to drive in runs -- he led the Knights with 10 RBI through March 25 -- and gives Rice the opportunity to drive him in.

"With people on base, it opens up more holes, gives me opportunities for hit-and-runs," Caughman said. "I like doing that."

Caughman has another season of travel ball ahead. He and Rice had played with the Stars, but now travel with the Augusta Barons. The extra play has given Caughman exposure to college coaches.

He said he doesn't know which college path he'll take. He said he has the option to walk on at Furman in Greenville, S.C., and has the academics to back it up.

He's been accepted at Clemson, of which he has been a lifelong fan.

"I don't want to sacrifice my education to play baseball, but if I find a school that has both, I'd definitely like to try that," Caughman said.

And if Caughman had his choice of where to play, it would be middle infield.

The last time he played anywhere else, besides a year at third base, was back in recreation league.

"You can't hide at shortstop," Caughman said. "You're always on your toes. It's not boring."