Thursday, April 2, 1998 | 7:14 a.m.
Ten years ago, Russell Cleveland's career behind home plate started as something of a whim.
"When I was 8-years-old, I played with my dad on a team and we didn't have a catcher, so I volunteered," the Chaparral High School senior recalled.
From the very start, everything about the position appealed to Cleveland, who relished the opportunity to call pitches one minute and gun down a baserunner the next.
"It's a perfect fit for me," he said. "I've always liked equipment, I like snuffing someone out at the plate when he tries to slide at home and I like throwing people out."
More than anything, Cleveland liked the idea of becoming a professional baseball player someday. And after hearing that catchers and left-handed pitchers have the best chances of making it to the major leagues, he developed a work ethic that has him on the verge of realizing his dreams.
"He's dedicated himself to being first in everything he does," Chaparral coach Richard Ebarb said.
Generally regarded as the Las Vegas-area's top catcher, Cleveland has drawn the interest of major league scouts throughout the spring. In a recent mock draft, he was projected as a top-five round choice.
"My favorite movie is 'Bull Durham,' and my dream since I was a kid was to play minor league baseball," Cleveland said.
Whoever ultimately does draft Cleveland will wind up with a young man who seemingly has all the tools to play one of baseball's most demanding positions at a high level.
At 6-3, 205 pounds, Cleveland is an imposing figure for runners considering trying for home. He has a rocket arm, which has caused most opposing area coaches to opt against trying to steal against Chaparral.
As a hitter, Cleveland has developed from a somewhat streaky batter during his first two seasons into a consistent force. Last season, he hit over .475 with 30 RBI and 10 HR, and he's on pace to shatter those totals this year.
And, after spending the entire American Legion summer season calling his own games, Cleveland has become more comfortable with his role as the club's on-field pitching coach.
"He's starting to be able to identify what type of hitter comes into the box, and he's doing a better job understanding where his pitchers are coming from and what they need to do to be consistent," Ebarb said. "He's a pretty complete player for his age."
"This year, I know it's my responsibility to keep the pitchers under control if things aren't going right," Cleveland said. "I've taken a lot of pride in improving that part of my game."
Although Cleveland admits that his size and natural abilities have a lot to do with where he is today, he credits Ebarb -- who took over the team's head coaching position prior to last season -- with much of his recent development.
"Everything started falling together when he got here," Cleveland said. "He teaches us how to be able to let all the outside stuff in your life stay outside the gate when you step between the lines."
For Cleveland, that means trying not to think about the scouts who come out to evaluate his every move.
"I just have to block all that out," he said. "Everyone in school is coming up to me, asking me if I'm going to get drafted,' he said. "But I'm not playing for everybody else. I'm playing for myself and my team, and I have to block everything else out."
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