Dayton Dragons outfielder Zack Shields has a love and passion for the game of baseball that can be seen in his graceful speed on the base paths.
“I picked up a baseball when I was four. That was my first love,” Shields said. “Once I picked it up I knew baseball was the sport I wanted to do.”
Growing up in Florence, South Carolina Shields had unwavering support from his mother Owida, who is his only parent. It is her support that has had the greatest impact on his life.
“My mom was there a majority of the time being mom and dad at the same time for me,” Shields said “She was at every game supporting me. It was her who impacted my life the most.”
“Even if she was tired after a long day at work she would want to see me play. Seeing her in the crowd cheering me on gave me a passion to love the game even more.”
“The thing that motivates me to come out here everyday is my mother. I just want to make her proud.”
After two seasons at Spartanburg Methodist junior college Shields transferred to UNC Wilmington. Against LSU in the 2015 NCAA Regionals he made a spectacular catch in the outfield by diving and extending his glove. The play would make it onto the Sportscenter top plays.
While playing for the Reds rookie league affiliate in Billings, Shields outdid his catch in college by sprinting toward the wall, climbing it and making a juggling catch to rob the opposing batter of a home run.
Shields’ ability to run down fly balls that appear uncatchable and lightning speed on the bases has drawn comparisons to the base running and fielding prowess of Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton.
For the 23-year old Shields, who has only been in Dayton since April, playing in the minors is something he is still adjusting to.
“It is a great experience. You learn more about the game as you grow. It’s different from college because here you play everyday. You have to learn to maintain your body, get sleep and food and be able to come out here everyday,” Shields said.
Shields envisions himself playing in the outfield at Great American Ballpark for the Reds one day. Wherever his baseball journey carries him, it is probably safe to say he will take his unrelenting love of the game with him. Just a brief conversation about his baseball career brought a smile to his face.
