Esteban Perez exhibits hustle and heart as a leader for Cornell baseball

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MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's Esteban Perez doesn't mind getting dirty.

The senior catcher takes pride in having one of the Rams' dirtiest uniforms after a game. Perez earns all that diamond grit and grime from his hustle, durability, toughness and leadership.

“I love it, man,” Perez said. “I grew up and I was that kid playing in the dirt anywhere I went. I love it, dude. I like laying out. I like getting dirty.”

Perez’s jersey and pants were caked from his effort, contributing to the Rams’ 19-8 win over No. 22 Coe Monday in the Bremner Cup Series at Ash Park. He did a little bit of everything, tallying three hits, scoring four runs, driving in a run, stealing a base, throwing out a baserunner and diving for throws.

“He just plays the game so hard and plays it the right way,” Cornell Coach Robbie Dombrowski said. “He's hustling everywhere he goes. He's caught about every game for us. His legs have got to be shot. This is his fourth game in three days. And still, he's the hardest working guy in the field. It's a special player.”

Interestingly, Perez was recruited as a shortstop and started as a middle infielder at the beginning of last season. When the Rams needed someone to take over behind the plate, he offered to make the switch to help the team. Perez made a similar move for his junior college team.

“They didn't know that and they kind of gave me a shot,” Perez said. “I just worked hard for that catching spot.”

Perez has taken over as the program’s backstop ever since, starting all 27 games behind the plate. Dombrowski said the original move was done out of necessity but Perez’s ability made it possible.

“He can play all nine of these positions and you'd think he's the best defender you've ever seen at every one of them,” Dombrowski said. “He’s just a ballplayer and that’s the best way to describe him.

“He does whatever we need him to do and, this year with this team, we need him to catch about every game. He does it. He is just a selfless player.”

Perez developed versatility in youth baseball. He said he had a club ball coach who encouraged players to learn every position. Perez never stuck to one spot, moving between spots from game to game. The approach has served Perez well.

“That started at an early age,” Perez said. “I really liked that because I got introduced to being able to play everywhere. I feel like it just opened me up to so many new doors and I really like that part of the game.”

Perez was perfect at the plate, reaching base in all six plate appearances. He went 3-for-3 with an RBI single in the six-run second, a double in the four-run third and a base hit un the fourth. Perez drew the first of his three bases on balls in the seven-run sixth.

Add in the defensive plays and he produced a strong all-around performance.

“It's just a lot of staying locked in, like every pitch,” Perez said. “You can't really take one off, especially catching. You're involved in every play, so you’ve got to stay locked in for every pitch and then expect something to happen or make something happen every time you get a chance.”

Dombrowski said Perez had been 0-for-10, entering the Coe game. He said he witnessed Perez working on hitting between classes at noon, instead of resting. It was a prime example of his relentless work ethic and leadership. Perez and the Rams reaped the rewards.

Perez has raised his batting average to .315 this season. He ranks among the team leaders with 23 RBIs, 34 hits, 26 runs and .427 on-base percentage.

“He’s done a great job being a leader for this team,” Dombrowski said. “I'm so happy for him when he gets a night like tonight because catcher is a thankless job, his body is exhausted. He's a great hitter and sometimes all that work can take a toll on the offensive side, but he doesn't stop working.”

Cornell (10-17) battered Coe pitchers, recording 18 hits. Cade Parks, Brendan Alvarez and Seth Beals also had three hits apiece. Alvarez led the Rams with four RBIs, while Lincoln Greasley, Sean Alvarez, Parks and Beals each drove in three runs. Greasley, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, belted a three-run home run to highlight the second.

The victory could provide a much-needed springboard into the remainder of Cornell’s season.

“It’s the type of win that can change your season,” Dombrowski said. “Obviously, we had high expectations for the season and it hasn't worked out quite the way we envisioned it. I tell the guys I never question your effort, and if you keep playing this way, the game will reward you. It's hard when you're not getting the results. It's hard to show up and do that every day … that says a lot about their character.”

Jon Wille had three hits and three RBIs, while Tyce Johnson had two hits with two RBIs for Coe (21-6).

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