Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Trout and Andrew McCutcheon…baseball enthusiasts know the correlation between the major league greats as some of the best to ever play centerfield. While not to major league status to date, Zac Carroll continues to create game changing results on the diamond for the Ada Cougars worthy of recognition.
Using his speed to defensively cover the outfield gap-to-gap or take an extra bag while running the bases, the 2021 senior takes a methodical approach to playing the game he loves. “Even though you don’t get the ball a lot, I love playing centerfield. It’s a position that requires a player to always be ready to be able to make big plays and have my pitchers’ backs,” said Carroll who also takes his turn on the mound for the Cougars. “I think that my ability to think the game at an advanced level is a real plus for me.”
The methodical approach to playing baseball draws praise for Carroll from the Ada dugout. “He understands his role, not only as a player but also as a leader on our team,” confirmed Ada skipper Shane Coker. “He makes those around him better through his leadership and work habits. His on and off the field example makes others around him work hard and strive to be their best. In my 30 years of coaching, Zac is the best when it comes to the mental side of the game. I’d take a lineup filled with players of his skills.”
Making the best of his defensive talents up the middle, Carroll also gets a rally started at the plate where he continues to produce a .400 plus batting average and lead the team in stolen bases. Did you know another centerfielder Ty Cobb, who owns the MLB career best .366 batting average, was also the best base stealer of his era?
In addition to being a four-year starter in Ada’s baseball lineup, Carroll shared the spotlight on the football gridiron the past three seasons playing quarterback, wide receiver, defensive cornerback and safety as well as linebacker underneath the Friday night lights. Defined as being competitive and energetic, “Z-C” thrives on hard work. “My dad taught me that you can do anything you invest yourself in,” explained Carroll who will play college baseball at the next level on scholarship at Cowley County (KS) Community College. “He showed me the importance of good character and to never finish something with regrets. Give everything to what you do so you don’t look back and wish you had done something different.”
Fans of the Cougars as well as Ada coaches including Coker and head football coach Chris Berus wish there was one difference…another year of eligibility for Carroll. “Zac is a young man with great integrity. His character and consistency to process is what allows him to be successful,” said Berus. “Zac recognizes the value of time and he invests it intentionally mentoring younger athletes as well as his peers while he excels in the classroom and sports.”
As he rounds third heading for home on his high school career, there’s one thing that matters most for Zac Carroll and his legacy as an Ada Cougar. “I want to be remembered as someone who never passed anyone without saying hello. When we return in a few years for a reunion, that I’ll be known as someone who worked hard, invested and always did what was best for my team.”
