NATCHEZ — Andrew Moroney’s switch from outfield to infield hasn’t been easy.

Especially since Moroney’s infield position is catcher, a position that’s quite hard to learn, Moroney said.

The Trinity Episcopal senior made the switch after roaming the Saints’ outfield since his freshman year. Although he played catcher in Dixie Youth, Moroney said he was surprised at how much more you have to know about the position if you’re playing it in high school.

“I was surprised at how different it was, how much it changes from sixth grade to varsity baseball,” Moroney said. “It’s a whole different game behind the plate. You just have to know so much more and be so much more prepared.”

Moroney has no problem retaining knowledge, however. He currently has a 3.7 grade point average and scored a 25 on the ACT.

“Grades always come first,” Moroney said of his studies. “Without grades, I can’t play. Of course, sports are very important to me. I try to do my best in everything.”

Having head knowledge is not the only thing that goes into playing catcher, Moroney said. There’s always a need to be constantly alert, no matter what the situation.

“You definitely have to be mentally aware every single pitch,” Moroney said. “It’s a tough position; you have to be smart. You have to know the game, know everything that’s happening and know exactly what to do.”

The different aspects of playing catcher include learning the proper signs as far as which pitches to call, Moroney said. He also said it’s important to know all the runners you’re playing against, how much speed they have and what they can do on the basepaths.

“You have to learn how to block balls, and playing catcher is really hard on your legs,” Moroney said.

Which is why Moroney opted not to participate in track this spring after running track since his freshman year.

“I just wanted to focus on baseball more and focus more on catching,” Moroney said.

As hard as it is to get used to catching, Moroney said he’s very grateful for head coach Mitch Ashmore working with him and easing him into the position.

“He’s done a really great job teaching me how to catch and showing me everything I need to do,” Moroney said.

Throwing runners out and keeping runners in check are also a big part of a catcher’s game, Moroney said.

“You have to have good fundamentals, good timing, and you have to be quick,” Moroney said. “You have to be accurate.”

You also have to be able to work with the pitcher in keeping a runner in check, Moroney said.

“The pitcher’s job is definitely to keep him close to the base,” Moroney said.

“You have to check him back every now and then and keep him close. Once the pitch is thrown, it’s the catcher’s job to catch the ball, block it up, keep him at the base or be quick and throw him out.”

With all of the different things to learn, Moroney admitted to being hesitant about playing catcher at the start of the season.

“At first, it was really tough, and I couldn’t stand being a catcher,” Moroney said, “but as the season progressed, I enjoyed being behind the plate, so I’m thankful for the opportunity I’ve had this year to play catcher.”

Moroney said he enjoys the position because he likes the feeling of being in charge on the field.

“Just knowing how important the position is makes me feel good about playing it,” Moroney said.

Moroney also ran cross country this past fall. He is the son of Curtis and Anette Moroney.