Recruited as a pitcher out of high school, Neal McDermott did not get to show his defensive skills much at Seton Hill.
But on Friday night, the converted outfielder flashed his glove for all of America to see.
The grad student out of Greensburg Central Catholic made the No. 1 play on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top Plays — a running, diving, belly-flop of a catch on the warning track to rob Clarion’s Tim Irons of a gap shot — as the host Griffins won Game 2 of a doubleheader, 4-3, in nine innings.
“It’s a childhood dream,” McDermott said. “My dad would always throw me diving catches when I was a kid and I would always picture myself being on the top 10.”
YES HE DID‼️‼️ #️⃣1️⃣ #SCTop10 @NMcD11 @SHGriffBaseball @GriffinsSports pic.twitter.com/XZ9r2qnWD0
— Westmoreland Sports Network (@WestmorelandSN) April 9, 2022
Between former star Derek Orndorff and now, McDermott, center field at Seton Hill is becoming known as a boneyard for fly balls.
“He covered a ridiculous amount of ground to catch that,” Seton Hill coach Marc Marizzaldi said. “Any over the should grab is tough, let alone one you have to go 100 feet for at full speed.”
Orndorff, now playing at Liberty, made the SportsCenter Top 10 twice, including the No. 1 play this season with a highlight snag against Florida.
He made a spectacular grab last season against IUP.
McDermott ran down a high fly ball with no outs in the top of the seventh with the game tied 3-3. He made the over-the-shoulder catch, then raised his glove from a seated position as Kline ran over to celebrate with him.
“I saw it off the bat and knew I had a chance,” McDermott said. “Brandon Kline communicated really well and he said go for it, so I knew I had room. I was shocked when it hit the glove but it was an unreal feeling. I never pictured I would be doing anything like that when I arrived here, but God is so great and has led me on a path that I am so grateful for.
“I’m just so blessed to be able to play this guy with the guys I love.”
Been talking about this moment since we were kids… congrats turning your dreams to reality! #SCTop10 https://t.co/wH7kGnbWRd
— Owen McDermott (@11Owenmcdermott) April 9, 2022
What most don’t know is that @NMcD11 is a 5th year guy who spent his first 4 years as a PITCHER. He’s found a new & really big way to contribute to our team.
— Marc Marizzaldi (@Maz1Nine) April 9, 2022
Don’t EVER quit. The passionate & elite competitors find a way to impact the group!
Setbacks ⏩ comebacks! https://t.co/XtrwtXpzyI
Unfortunately on the wrong end of this highlight but hats off to McDermott on a tremendous catch. https://t.co/ysW6xmodNU
— Doc Neiman (@DocNeiman) April 9, 2022
