CLINTON, Iowa - Ashford University's senior third baseman, Brian Cummings, has admirably filled many roles in his last season as a member of AU's baseball program. The versatile senior has been busy in his final encore, playing the role of senior leader, the catalyst behind a surging offense and defensive vacuum at the hot corner.
As a homegrown Clinton native, he didn't have far to go to the AU campus, but ask him about how far he's come towards his increased confidence at the plate, and you'd never guess by the way he carries himself on and off the diamond.
The unassuming and humble Cummings is quick to pass the credit for his personal success to others, not realizing he was in the midst of a 12-game hitting streak.
Yet, if you placed Cummings' imposing 6-6 frame in a shopping mall of an NBA basketball market, there would be at least one curious fan who would inquire if he's Dallas Mavericks' seven-foot superstar Dirk Nowitzki, modeling the All-Star forward's sandy blonde hair and goatee to perfection.
An argument could be made that Cummings has been the hottest offensive weapon in the MCC for some time, culminating with a pair of three-run home runs and six RBI in Tuesday's effort against Waldorf College.
His eye-popping numbers have been sustained over the course of the season, recording a hit in 21 of the team's 24 games. He leads the Saints in just about every statistical category including batting average (.405), hits (32), runs (18), RBI (23) and home runs (six).
"A lot of things have really been coming together this year," said Cummings. "Not so much my swing, but my confidence has grown. There are some days you feel good and others you don't, but you go out there and put the bat on the ball and hit it where the defense isn't playing."
"I've learned the less I try to hit for home runs, the more I'll likely get one," he added. "I'm not really a power hitter because I go for a lot of line drives in the gaps. There have definitely been a few times I've gone up there swinging a little too hard."
But it hasn't always come easy as Ashford labored through a rough 2008 campaign that included a 3-43 record and really began to take its toll on Cummings and the rest of his teammates.
He pulled double-duty last year, appearing in 13 games as a pitcher, starting nine, while getting the nod at third with mixed results.
"I didn't mind relieving, but starting was pretty tough on me last year," said Cummings, who was 1-8 on the hill in 2008. "It was the hardest season I've been through. It was just one of those things you couldn't explain, but for whatever reason, it didn't work out."
By his own admission, Cummings is thankful for the roster that second-year Head Coach John Govek has stocked to allow him to focus strictly as a position player this season. He has appeared in just one game out of the bullpen this year.
Cummings has been a stabilizing force at third and his defensive improvement is a big reason the combination of "5-3" to sophomore glove wizard Adam Wojciechowski at first base has been routine.
"I still have to focus on staying low to the ground because I tend to pull up charging the ball on slow rollers," said Cummings, who has cut his errors in half from last season's total.
As one of three seniors on the roster, Cummings with Jake Steve and 2008 All-MCC Honorable Mention selection Tyler Sukut have taken it upon themselves to lead a team that has 20 underclassmen.
"I try to lead by example more than anything, but Jake (Steve), (Tyler) Sukut and I try to balance things out and motivate the guys because it's easy to track of your four years and it hits you when it's over," said Cummings.
Programs like the University of Dubuque and Loras College were vying for his services out of Clinton High School, but the commitment went to former AU skipper Bob Koopman, who coached Brian's older brother, John, a 6-8 pitcher.
Cummings would like to leave a lasting impression with Ashford, his teammates, and a city that he endears before pursuing his master's degree in accounting in hopes of becoming a CPA.
"There's still a lot of season left and I want to accomplish goals as a team and keep building on the chemistry that we have here," said Cummings. "I hope if there's one thing we leave behind as seniors, it's that this program can win and the future is in their hands to make the most of it."
*NOTE* Cummings left Wednesday's game against Waldorf College in his second at-bat after being struck by a pitch. He suffered a fractured his cheekbone and his status is unknown for the remainder of the year.
