Derrick Smith shines on White Bear Lake’s baseball team
WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn. — While White Bear Lake had an underwhelming year for their high school baseball team, junior Derrick Smith’s season was something they could hold their heads high about.
The Bears ended the season with a 4-18 record, finishing ninth out of 10 teams within the Suburban East division. They were shutout by Stillwater High School in the quarterfinals before being eliminated in the first round by Cretin-Derham Hall in a 10-6 defeat.
White Bear Lake was outscored in nearly every statistical category by their opposition. Here is a list of a few in comparison to their competition:
BATTING:
| RUNS | HITS | RBI | AVG | SO | HR | |
| White Bear Lake | 4 | 22 | 3 | .214 | 26 | 0 |
| Opponents | 114 | 120 | 91 | .369 | 54 | 4 |
PITCHING:
| RUNS | HITS | ERA | PC | BAA | AB | |
| White Bear Lake | 32 | 44 | 7.91 | 195 | .000 | 0 |
| Opponents | 41 | 89 | 2.11 | 549 | .423 | 26 |
FIELDING:
| TC | PO | ERRORS | FP | |
| White Bear Lake | 0 | 0 | 3 | .000 |
| Opponents | 113 | 79 | 11 | .905 |
Despite all these mishaps, White Bear Lake had a bright spot throughout the season. Smith (now a senior) was a rising star on the team. Smith has been a leader and playmaker when in the pitching position.
When asked about his production, White Bear Lake head coach Steve Henry had positive remarks regarding Smith.
“Derrick has had an outstanding year,” Henry said. “All of our wins have resulted with him pitching.”
In the Bears’ win over Park High School, Smith struck out 12 batters, hit one home run and only allowed two hits as a pitcher.
Bears take down the Park Wolfpack 4-2 behind 12 strike outs for Derrick Smith, 11 team hits, smith 1 hr, and a flawless game in the field. Roseville is up next on Monday at The University of Northwestern, St. Paul! #bearsbaseball #gobears pic.twitter.com/C0fS5YV52K
— White Bear Lake Baseball (@WBLhsbaseball) May 8, 2021
Smith has been admitted to North Carolina’s baseball team as their right hand pitcher. He will begin attending the school in the fall semester of 2022. In addition to his success within White Bear Lake, he also has a list of accomplishments in the realm of the baseball world:
- WWBA Prospect Meadows national champion (2019)
- PG West MLK Championship’s All-Tournament team (2020)
- Top 500 national rank (No. 417)
- No. 1 state rank and No. 1 state position rank
The White Bear Lake Bears are hoping for Smith’s high level of play this upcoming spring season as they look to improve from their 2021 season.
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