For Boswell High School sophomore Tracer Rutledge, varsity baseball is as much about brotherhood as it is about box scores.
“What I love most is how we all get along with each other,” Rutledge said. “My team supports me as much as I support my team. We always find a way to have fun and use that to our advantage. My coach is someone you want to play for and he’s always supportive.”
Rutledge, a right-handed pitcher and catcher, has already carved out a key role for the Scorpions’ varsity squad. Balancing two demanding positions means he has to be as strong mentally as he is physically.
“As a pitcher some days are good, some are bad,” he said. “For me it’s making sure I’m mentally strong to pitch and physically healthy to catch. Overall, staying healthy.”
Baseball runs deep in Rutledge’s family. His father, a former collegiate player, remains his biggest inspiration and daily standard.
“My dad,” Rutledge said when asked who inspires him. “He played collegiate baseball, and every day pushes me to be the best version of myself on and off the field. He wants me to be better than he was and supports me no matter what.”
Representing Boswell is personal for Rutledge, who grew up in the town and now wears its name across his chest. “It’s my hometown and I grew up here,” he said.
He also carries pride in his heritage as a member of the Choctaw Nation. “I’m proud to be [a] Choctaw Nation member,” he said. “It reminds me of my heritage.”
Rutledge points to former teammate Keller Shockey as someone who helped shape his path early in high school. “Keller Shockey took me under his wing as a freshman, encouraged me and was a good role model,” he said.
On the field, Rutledge leans on his arm while working to become more complete at the plate. “My strength is pitching and every day I try to improve my hitting,” he said.
Looking ahead, his goals are straightforward: keep playing, keep improving and keep representing Boswell.
“Go to college and play baseball,” Rutledge said.
