DOC ESTES-MUSKOGEE
Since VYPE last visited Muskogee’s Doc Estes over a year ago, a lot has changed for the now senior. He’s now in a leadership role for the Roughers and he’s set up his future.
“Doc has been around our program since sixth grade and he’s starting his fourth year as a starter although I did have an umpire recently ask me if he was a fifth-year player because he’s been around so long,” laughed Rougher head coach John Singler. “He’s a great kid and has been a productive member of our team for a long time. He’s part of the early college program here at Muskogee so he’ll have an associate’s degree from Connors State as well as his high school degree when he gradates this spring so I’m very proud of the way he’s balanced academics and athletics.”
After a bit of a rocky junior season on the mound, Doc has worked hard to improve this year.
“I struggled some last year trying to throw strikes and there was a lot of pressure throwing in district games against bigger teams like Bixby. So, during the summer playing for The Grays, I worked on my mechanics and threw a lot of innings. I concentrated on slowing down a little and really focusing on the strike zone and I think it’s helped me throw more strikes and better competitive pitches this season and one my goals is to issue fewer than 25 walks.”
Estes has also embraced his role this year as a senior leader.
“If I see someone struggling, I try to pick them up and mot be too harsh and give them a positive talk because I’ve been in that position myself my freshman year when I struggled and the seniors were there to pick me up.”
As his senior season draws to a close, Doc thinks back on a couple of Rougher highlights.
“I remember my sophomore year when we played Stillwater and I went four-for-four with two doubles and two singles and then my freshman year when we beat Broken Arrow in the regionals.”
As for his post-high school plans, Doc will play baseball at Seminole State next year.
“I know they have a strong baseball program that could help me get to the next level”
