Whiz Kid: Dave McInerney

Dave McInerney had a passion for two sports as he entered Upper Moreland High School.

When McInerney was a freshman three years ago, he played both baseball and hockey. However, he soon realized he had to choose one of the two sports, and decided the baseball diamond was where he belonged.

“Baseball started getting bigger once I got to high school,” said McInerney. “After my freshman year, I did well. I thought I had a better chance of going to college for baseball than hockey. I made the switch after my sophomore year, and so far, it’s paid off.”

McInerney’s decision has paid off for both himself and his teammates. The senior is the starting catcher for the Golden Bears and recently helped lead his team to a . 

The Bears are now getting ready for the upcoming PIAA District One Playoffs, and McInerney is hoping another championship run is on the horizon before his graduation.

While McInerney no longer deals with the punishment of bone-crushing checks on the ice, he still takes his hits as a catcher, as he deals with the everyday grind of working behind the plate. McInerney also has complete trust from the coaching staff, which lets him call all of the pitches.

“I like doing that,” McInerney said. “I know the pitchers well, and what they can and can’t do, so that makes it easier calling the game.”

McInerney is part of a veteran squad that has now won two conference titles over the past three years. He believes the strong chemistry on the Bears began long before his senior season.

“It’s awesome,” said McInerney. “It’s a great team. We have confidence [in] each other, and the way we handle things is amazing. It helps that we’ve known each other since we were little, and we have each other’s backs.”

McInerney has established himself as one of the best catchers in the area, and he is just as dangerous a hitter as he is a pitcher.

McInerney’s strong play earned him a trip to the prestigious Carpenter Cup last season, where he had a chance to face some of the top players in the Delaware Valley. McInerney also had the chance to play with some of the players from rival schools that he has battled against throughout his high school years.

“It was cool,” McInerney said.  “The best part was playing in Citizens Bank Park.  Playing with the guys you play against is also pretty cool. You get to know them, and you get to play with them.”

McInerney had several college options to choose from.  Last fall, he made a commitment to attend the University of Cincinnati.

“I like the Big East conference,” said McInerney. “The coaches are really cool. I went to visit, and I loved the campus. They gave me a good offer, and I pretty much couldn’t turn it down.”

McInerney is more than willing to give back to younger baseball players. He serves as a coach with the Upper Moreland Little League, and he also works with players from his brother’s middle school team.

“I really like that,” McInerney said. “Kids come watch me, and I try to help them out.  I go watch their games. It’s good to see that they like it so much.”

McInerney’s time at Upper Moreland is coming to a close. He will be picking up his diploma next month as he prepares for the next chapter in his life at Cincinnati.

McInerney knows graduation is coming, but he is trying to stay focused on one more championship run.

“I’ve thought about it,” said McInerney.  “But I’ve tried to not think about it too much. I’m trying to win a district title right now.”