By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– Stayton, and Chemeketa-grad Cody Leming has worked his tail off to this point where he’s at now playing with the Marion Berries and preparing to head to Mississippi Valley State to continue his playing career.
Battling through a hamstring injury, staying healthy has been a crucial part of his development, Leming said in his longevity in the sport. It was hard for sure, as he wanted to be out with his teammates, but he found a way to make that happen.
The result? It helped him get a Regional Gold Glove as a freshman with the Storm and both a Regional and All-NWAC Gold Glove honors this past Spring at Shortstop
“Staying healthy has always been a big thing. I’m a big guy in longevity, so just being able to play and be there for your team at all times has been huge for me,” starts Leming. “Healing was the tough part for me, but being able to play every game at Chemeketa that I was able to was huge for me.
“I was able to scrape out a regional glove glove my freshman year and luckily this year i was able to get the Regional and All-NWAC and that was a huge confidence booster for me going into the Summer and moving onto my next school. I’m really excited to go with confidence in my fielding ability.”
This Summer had seen Leming play with the Portland Gherkins, an affiliate of the Pickles, to start. The squad was like a family away from home for the middle infielder that led towards him getting in those extra reps in between School Ball seasons.
“The Gherkins, they’re my family. Ever since before, I started playing at Chemeketa, so it was cool to have that opportunity to play for them again,” Leming said of his time with the Gherkins.
Then. An opportunity came knocking for Leming.
Some injuries to the Marion Berries lineup had the squad looking for some players to step up and step in during their late season push for the West Coast League Playoffs.
They reached out to Leming to gauge his interest. Leming said that he was in.
The Berries reached out and said, “we need a guy.” They’ve been battling through a few injuries, they had a few big players go down and said that they needed a guys and I thank them so much for the opportunity to come out here and play, it’s a blessing,” said Leming.
“It’s some of the best baseball you’re gonna play in a collegiate summer league . The West Coast League is awesome. You look at the (Portland) Pickles, all those West Coast teams, they’re all awesome. So, being able to have a brand new team this Summer, even on my hometown field here at Chemeketa, it’s really awesome to come back and really humbling to play with a good squad.”
Entering Tuesday’s game with the Willamette Wild Bills, Leming has played in three games with the Berries. He’s drove in a run and had two hits and drew two walks.
All great reps in preparation for joining the Delta Dragons this Fall.
Mississippi Valley State reached out to Leming, saying that they needed a Shortstop and showed interest in Leming. Eventually, it led to the opportunity that he had today.
“I’m truly humbled,” said Leming. “If 10 year old me would’ve looked at myself now, I would like to tell myself that he would’ve been super proud. I give all the credit to my parents to help me get here . I’m really humbled to go play for a Division-I school and live my dream out.”
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
