When you’re the “new guy” on the team where sports is a big deal at the school and the entire community, finding your role in the lineup can create challenges. But at Red Oak, where sports are a big deal, the addition of Chase Pair to the starting lineup for the baseball team has been seamless including a 30th consecutive trip to the state tournament, fall and spring seasons combined.
“The small town feel here is really awesome. Our team and community are like family,” explained the Eagles third baseman and pitcher who joined the tradition-rich baseball program when his father, Cody, was hired as the new head baseball coach. “Red Oak is a baseball town. I love the fact that we play in the fall and spring.”
The move from Coweta to Red Oak also continues a unique relationship between the father-son, player coach combination who traded orange and black for the Eagles’ stylish purple and gold uniforms.
“Even though we butt heads a lot more than the average player and coach, it really has helped me find what’s best for the team as we can see it from both perspectives,” replied Chase.
Growing up around ballparks and having played the game since he was four years old, the 2022 senior credits that as a player’s advantage.
“Being raised around the game has made me a better player. Without a question, it’s given me knowledge of what to do in any situation. Being around the kids my dad has coached has also inspired me,” Chase confirmed. “As a guy who loves playing the infield, there’s no better feeling during a game than turning a double play.”
Choosing words like dedication, responsible and humble as a self-description, Chase points to the importance of character, on and off the field.
“Character is what a person’s actions and how they carry themselves says about them. Good character in sports and life affects any contact you have with another person, and it speaks volumes about you without you saying a word,” said Pair, who still wears the number-3 jersey, the same number he’s worn since putting on his first uniform. “I don’t say much if anything, so I try and let my attitude and effort speak for themselves.”
And just like every other player on the Eagles baseball team, Chase Pair prepares to take the field with high expectations for continuing the Red Oak tradition of winning baseball by adhering to the words from his coach’s book of advice.
“Confidence breeds success and success breeds confidence, and you’re always one step away from getting both. It really shows how simple it is to achieve things. So walk like you’re unstoppable and you will be.”
