Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Matt Berst exemplifies toughness, leadership qualities of a catcher

CEDAR RAPIDS - Many young baseball players dream of becoming the pitching ace, playing shortstop or even making spectacular grabs in the outfield.

Matt Berst likely shared the same aspirations when he started to learn the game, venturing outside to play catch or hit pitches from both of his parents, Mart and Jen Berst.

Few are enamored by the dirty, tough and thankless job of a catcher. Berst, on the other hand, was sold when he first set eyes on shinguards, a chest protector and face mask.

'I'd say I was in Kindergarten or first grade, my uncle had a set of catcher's gear,” Berst said. 'I was fascinated by it. I put that on and my dad would throw to me, and I just fell in love with the game right there.”

The result has been an all-state career behind the dish for Cedar Rapids Kennedy. The senior catcher has thrived for the Cougars since he entered the program and has continued to be one of their defensive and offensive leaders.

'To be an all-state catcher, you have to be pretty talented in both the defensive area and the offensive categories, which he was last year,” Kennedy Coach Bret Hoyer said. 'He was pretty good also as a sophomore.”

Berst turned heads during his junior season, hitting .355 with 49 hits and four home runs. He also had 14 doubles and 29 RBIs, ranking among the team leaders in multiple categories.

Hoyer said he knew Berst had potential when he was a freshman, playing him in the championship game of the 2014 Bob Vrbicek Metro tournament at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Berst responded with a two-run hit, contributing to a 19-run outburst over two innings against Cedar Rapids Jefferson.

'For a freshman to come in to the Metro tournament championship at the stadium and the moment wasn't too big for him,” Hoyer said, 'it spoke volumes about what we had on our hands.”

The moment still ranks as Berst's favorite in high school. He recalled late Kennedy coach Bill Herkelman say, 'How's it feel to be a Cougar?” in the dugout after that first varsity hit. It also gave him the confidence that he could compete at that level.

'I smiled from ear to ear,” Berst said. 'That is a memory I'll never forget.”

The baseball memories started early, becoming hooked on the sport at an early age playing with his parents. They were there whenever he wanted to field some ground balls or swing the bat.

'It made me love it,” said Berst, praising the support he receives from his sisters, Megan and Maddie. 'It wasn't over the top. I enjoyed every bit of it.

'Having their support behind me is one of the greatest things. Mom and Dad always took me to tournaments and showcases. Just being here early for games to get a seat, that's something special when you can look out and see your parents supporting you.”

Their message of hard work and toughness has meshed well with his role on the diamond, becoming a formidable and reliable backstop that has started 92 games for Kennedy. He doesn't shy away from doing all the little things if it means big results for the team.

'You don't have to be the top guy all the time,” Berst said. 'You can be the guy doing the little stuff that makes your team better.

'In baseball, I like blocking balls, being active every play or doing things that are tough. I like the toughness aspect of the game, selling your body out for the game you love.”

His willingness to sacrifice his body to make a play nearly cost him the rest of his senior season. During a game at Dubuque Hempstead, Berst chased a foul ball and collided with the fence as he tried to make the catch. He suffered a shoulder separation and cuts to his ear and face.

'He was trying to make a play,” Hoyer said. 'He was going all out and hit it hard. It was a significant impact.

'If he's going to get on his teammates, they are going to respond because they know he's going hard every time. He's selling out. No question about it.”

The injury caused him to miss more than a week of action and has relegated him to designated hitter duties as he mends. The injury hasn't slowed his production. Berst is hitting .429 with 21 hits, including three home runs and three doubles. He has 16 RBIs and a .509 on-base percentage.

Between his bat production and his ability to handle pitchers and direct fielders, his presence was missed offensively and defensively. The team may have missed him on defense more, according to Hoyer.

'He's so balanced,” Hoyer said. 'He does so many things so well it's hard to say one area is superior to another area in terms of his individual game.”

Berst struggled with being sidelined. He wanted to be involved every play, which was another factor in becoming a catcher. The team raised his spirits, so he returned the favor, accepted the advice of Hoyer and demonstrated leadership by being a good teammate on the bench.

'I couldn't thank them enough. You just have to battle through it,” Berst said. 'It was pretty depressing, to be honest. It's hard not being out there with your teammates, especially your senior year. You just want to compete with them every day.”

Berst will extend his baseball career, playing for Illinois State. He is excited for a chance to play college baseball, achieving a goal that was set in those early games of catch.

Berst expects his parents to catch a few Redbird games as well. They will probably arrive early for good seats.

'I love their program,” Berst said. 'I think I'll fit in pretty well. I know I will have to work really hard.”

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com