DANVERS — St. John’s Prep outfielder Noah Schott became the 10th member of the current Eagles roster to solidify his future plans. Earlier this month, Schott announced his commitment to continue his baseball career at Division III Union College in Schenectady, New York.
Schott also drew interest from Salem State, Curry, Mass. Maritime, Plymouth State, Clark and St. Lawrence.
“It was kind of a combination of things,” Schott, a Lynn resident, said. “I really liked the location, I really liked the campus. I think their baseball team’s very competitive in a good conference. I really feel they can compete. The school, the campus and the people made it seem like a really good fit for me. I really like the area because I’m super into fishing and the school’s right near the Mohawk River.”
A 2-year varsity player, Schott’s also a member of St. John’s varsity indoor track team. He runs the 55 meter dash, 4×200 relay and the long jump. He was among the top long jumpers in last year’s Division 1 all-state meet.
“I think it’s a huge factor in my baseball career,” Schott said of his success in indoor track. “I’m known for being a speedy outfielder. I think I was taken as a pinch-runner on the varsity team initially. It plays a huge part in my game. I steal a lot of bases. That’s one of the main aspects of my game. My speed helps me in the outfield, covering gaps and getting to fly balls. It’s a big help.”
Eagles coach Dan Letarte has seen the advantages that Schott’s speed brings to the diamond.
“Noah made several nice catches in the gaps, preventing runs from scoring,” Letarte said. “He’s the fastest runner on the team and he has a very strong arm. He creates positive situations for the offense and uncomfortable situations for opposing pitchers with his speed.”
As a junior last spring, Schott batted .250, scored 10 runs and swiped 12 bases. He helped the Eagles reach the final of the Division 1A ‘Super 8’ tournament, where St. John’s season ended with a loss to North Andover.
With his college commitment no longer lingering, Schott can focus on enjoying his senior year and making the most out of his final high school baseball season. St. John’s knows it’s loaded with talent and the goal remains to bring a state championship to Danvers.
“This team’s extraordinarily talented,” Schott, who plans to study environmental science, said. “It’s kind of a testament to our coaching staff and our work ethic. We have a long tradition of talent. You come to St. John’s to compete for a state title. Inevitably, that brings a lot of talent from all over the North Shore. When you mention the name ‘St. John’s’ the majority of coaches know that name. I think having that name to back you up gives you an advantage.
“We’re hungry to win a state title. Last year’s loss in the state championship really motivated a lot of us. We have a lot of returners in our senior class and a lot of us played last year. We’re going to do everything we can to win. We have great offense, great defense and a great pitching staff. We have the equation to win it all.”
