Hampshire shortstop Dominic Borecky was already excited about heading into his senior season.
It’s his final go-round, plus he’s slated to be a major part of the team. But the fact that he gets to do it with his father, Anthony, on the coaching staff makes things even the more special.
Dominic has been coached by his dad since he was 5 years old, so Anthony has had a front-row seat to his son’s three-year run on the varsity for the Whip-Purs.
“It really helps out,” Dominic said. “If I start to struggle a little bit, he always knows what to say or what to do to get me back into it. Even if I’m doing well, he’s always there to bring me up.”
Anthony, a former professional baseball player and college coach, loves every minute of it.
“It’s indescribable,” Anthony said. “I can’t tell you all the memories and what it actually means. All parents watch their sons and daughters, but to watch him grow and be a part of some of the ups and the downs, I think where it’s been so beneficial is watching the growth.
“It’s an incredible honor.”
Anthony witnessed his son reach the varsity level as a sophomore, which is still quite the feat.
Hampshire shortstop Dominic Borecky (10) takes batting practice at Hampshire on Friday, April 5, 2024. Trent Sprague / The Beacon-News)
Then, the Winona State recruit paid his dues last season and learned behind a senior-laden team before becoming Hampshire’s stalwart offensive producer and starting shortstop as a senior.
Considering graduation losses, the Whip-Purs (6-0) are off to a surprisingly strong start, with Borecky as a big reason for the success. Batting second this spring, he’s hitting .529 with 13 runs, six-extra-base hits, two home runs and nine RBIs.
Last season, Borecky tied for the team lead with 10 doubles.
“He gives us those good at-bats,” Hampshire coach Frank Simoncelli said of Borecky. “He’s seen a lot of good pitching in the Fox Valley, so now he’s not fazed by that. He knows what to expect.
“You have to bring it every single day.”
Hampshire shortstop Dominic Borecky, right, and his father Anthony, an assistant coach, take a minute during practice at Hampshire on Friday, April 5, 2024. Trent Sprague / The Beacon-News)
Borecky learned behind the likes of Dominick Kooistra, Austin Leonard and Evan Spenk last season. He’s done his best to take that into this spring — as the Whip-Purs don’t have a ton of experience in the field — and put his stamp on the program.
“I was really close with a lot of the seniors,” Borecky said. “They kind of took me under their wing and had me come and work with them. I think it’s a natural thing for me, but it’s also helpful with the guys who graduated because they prepared me to do this with the younger kids now.”
Borecky prides himself in being an all-around player for the Whip-Purs.
While Hampshire has a bunch of pitching back from last season with Anthony Karbowski and Jack Schane, Borecky has turned into a stabilizing force at shortstop.
“I think that my stronger suit is my fielding, but I also think that I have some sneaky power from the two spot,” Borecky said. “I think I bring a lot of energy to the dugout, keep them in the game.”
Hampshire shortstop Dominic Borecky (gray shirt) waits for his turn during drills at Hampshire on Friday, April 5, 2024. Trent Sprague / The Beacon-News)
Simoncelli is happy to have Borecky leading the way.
“He gives us that pop early in the lineup,” Simoncelli said. “He’s got some speed. He’s got a good arm. He plays good defense at shortstop.
“I that’s huge for the IQ of the team when it comes to cuts and relays. He knows what to do. He makes the routine play, but he’s got the ability to make the ESPN plays.”
Although Dominic still has some baseball left after this season, his father is trying to soak it all in.
“I cherish every moment,” Anthony said. “You wish it never ends. It will be an emotional ride for me, but I’m grateful I got the opportunity to coach not only my son but all of these kids.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
