Coe’s Tyler Elliott makes the most of his final baseball season

CEDAR RAPIDS — Tyler Elliott’s childhood is filled with baseball memories.

He recalled playing baseball, going to practices and running the bases, following the Mount Vernon High School teams coached by his dad, Jeremy.

The memories are going to stick with Coe’s senior right fielder long after he’s done competing.

“I’ve just grown up around it all the time,” Elliott said. “It’s going to be hard to leave it. I love it. It’s going to be a part of me for the rest of my life.”

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Elliott is playing his final season, emerging as one of Coe’s offensive and defensive leaders. He ranks among the Kohawks’ best in multiple batting statistics after Wednesday’s American Rivers Conference doubleheader against Luther at Bill Quinby Field at Daniels Park.

Elliot had two hits and reached base on a walk against the Norse, giving him a .369 batting average, which is fourth on the team. He is tops with 21 RBIs, nine doubles, a .569 slugging percentage and 11 extra-base hits, including two triples. His 24 hits and 37 total bases are third-most of the Kohawks.

“It’s been fun to watch,” Coe Coach Steve Cook said. “He’s a kid that works hard and goes about his business the right way. He leads by example day in and day out. To see him have success on the field his senior year and have the contributions he has, it has been good as a coach. He’s a great kid.”

Cook was quick to point out that Elliott was poised for a breakout season a year ago but broke his thumb and tore his ulnar collateral ligament on the turf at Millikin (Ill.) University during the opening weekend.

“He really battled that last year and did the best he could with what he had going on,” Cook said. “He’s a tough kid and that’s the type of kid he is for our program and our lineup.”

Elliott gutted out the pain and discomfort, playing with a tape cast and opting for summer surgery to repair his thumb. The desire to compete and contribute pushed him to play.

“I was playing through it, the adrenaline was pumping and it really didn’t bother me too much,” Elliott said. “Anything for my teammates and to help the team out. I would do anything.”

The source of his toughness comes from his parents, specifically his mom, Carrie. His dad may contest that claim.

“I would say more from mom,” Elliott said with a slight laugh. “At least once a week, she says she grew up on a farm and she did this. Stuff like that, so I’d say more from mom than dad. He might be a little upset about that.”

Elliott has been a stalwart in the outfield for Coe but has made a bigger impact at the plate. His numbers are improved, including the power numbers. Elliott worked with coaches to make some technical tweaks, making his swing more linear to the ball, and letting his hands do the work.

“I’m trusting my coaches more,” Elliott said. “We changed up my swing a little bit in the offseason, so trusting that a little bit. I’m seeing the ball better. There are some cues up at the plate that I work on and that’s been a big deal for me.

“Also, being tough with two strikes and having a good two-strike approach, too. I’m just battling up there.”

The effort has paid dividends in his final campaign. Elliott said he wants to make the most of each moment, inning and game. Create more memories to file with those from the past.

“I’m going to enjoy it while I can,” Elliott said. “Play every game like it’s your last and having fun, too.”

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