Middle’s Jimmy Versage Earns First Team All CAL

His coach says that when his name comes around in the line-up, there’s always the potential for a game-changing swing. The coach is Middle Township’s Chuck Dougherty and the player is Cape-Atlantic League National Division First Team catcher Jimmy Versage.
“He hits the ball so hard,” said Dougherty. “There’s always that chance that when he comes to the plate one swing could change the game.”
The Ocean View resident pounded the baseball at a .360 clip in this, his junior season for the Orange and Black. His performance earned him a prestigious Carpenter Cup roster spot as a designated hitter for the Tri-Cape squad where he belted three hits in four plate appearances. “It was fun playing with the best players around,” said Versage of his Carpenter selection. “It was a good experience and I met a lot of people.”
Coming off of a sophomore campaign where he hit .397, Versage was overcoming injury this spring before catching fire at the dish. He was also noticed for his strong throwing arm. “Nobody runs on us after they see him throw the ball to second,” said Dougherty. “His ball can catch up to most runners. His arm is really strong and he’s developed into a good catcher.”
The son of Jim and Sue Versage, Jimmy also uses his powerful 6-1, 200-pound frame and above-average speed to patrol the gridiron as an All CAL First Team linebacker and a 20-catch tight end for the upstart Panther football squad. As a multi-sport athlete with an eye toward collegiate baseball, Versage tries to maintain balance. “The schedule is sometimes conflicting,” he said. “Working out and having your body healthy is the key. You try to find time for rest and you have to make time for school work.”
Panther head football coach Frank Riggitano feels Versage should have earned league recognition for his offensive accomplishments and not just accolades for his work on the defensive side of the football. “He’s in a unique situation with athletic prowess in two sports capable of competing at the college level,” said Panther head football coach Frank Riggitano. “He has an opportunity to participate in one or both sports at the next level. That level is yet to be determined with another full year to play. He gives us versatility on offense because we can split him out wide or call screens with him. He has excellent hands. His time in the weight room this summer to get bigger and stronger will be a huge factor going forward.”
Growing up in Dennis Township, Versage’s Little League baseball team captured a championship. He was an outfielder back then. He first donned the “tools of ignorance” in the seventh grade. “Moving to catcher took some getting used to,” said the 17 year old. “You get a little bit beat up back there.”
A former basketball and roller hockey competitor, Versage spends the off season in weight training as well as playing for his summer team, the South Jersey Sandsharks.
His strength is not lost on the coaching staff. One of Dougherty’s long-time assistants is his brother, Frank, a retired educator and baseball lifer. “Jimmy is the strongest player, physically, we’ve ever had,” said Frank. “He has all the tools. He can run, hit, throw, hit for power. He’s got the quickest bat we’ve had. He’s got a good, quick swing.”
All agree that Versage has worked to overcome being too hard on himself. His impressive physical skills are now steadily accompanied by a better mental approach to the game. “My biggest improvement is staying composed when I’m doing poorly,” he admitted.
Frank Dougherty concurred. “He’s too hard on himself,” Frank said. “He wants to go four-for-four every game. That mentality is fine, but if you don’t accomplish that you have to go on to the next time up and the next game. He’s got an absolutely great future if he handles himself right.”
The Internet has not overlooked Versage’s prowess as a ballplayer. The Web site “Perfect Game” chronicles up-and-coming high school underclassmen. New York Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman calls the site, “A leading resource for anyone interested in amateur baseball.”
Perfect Game scouts Versage as, “A tall, strongly built outfielder/catcher who ran a 7.32 in the 60-yard dash. He makes consistently hard contact and has the power to drive the ball out of the park. He has significant power potential and good bat speed. He shows above-average arm strength and flashes carry. He makes online throws and moves through the ball. Very good student.”
Versage approaches next spring with an eye toward achieving 100 career hits while remaining healthy. He’s 29 shy of the century mark. “Opposing teams hope he’s not coming up with men on base,” said Chuck Dougherty. “He’s that kind of hitter. For now he’ll be lifting weights, working on blocking the ball and continuing to hit the ball down. His passion is baseball and he’ll only get better and better.”
Versage takes it one day at a time with training and preparation for the season ahead. “We’d like to make it to the playoffs again,” he noted. “And I’d like to have a good year and see what happens next.”