Caden Sheridan has loved baseball for as long as he can remember.
As a kid growing up in Thornville, Ohio, he was on the diamond every chance he got — whether it was playing an organized game or just tossing a ball around with friends.
As he grew older, Sheridan kept working on his game. He was playing travel ball, starring for his high school team, and eventually looking for where he could continue his athletic career at the collegiate level.
Sheridan wanted to find a place that felt like home. He wanted to know he could make an impact on and off the field while playing the game he loves.
For Sheridan, that place was Morehead State.
"Morehead just felt like home the moment I stepped foot on campus," Sheridan said. "I'm from a small town, so I never wanted to be on a huge campus in a huge town. From the baseball aspect, I really fell in love with the coaches from our first conversation, and they always made me feel like a priority. I also love the winning culture that has been built here, and I wanted to continue that tradition."
As a catcher, Sheridan knows the impact he can have on a game. He's responsible for calling pitches, keeping his teammates locked in, and making plays to keep opposing runners from advancing.
It can be a lot of responsibility, but for Sheridan, it's just another way to stay involved in the game he loves.
"One of the best feelings has to be throwing a runner out," Sheridan said. "Something happens, and your pitcher either gives up a hit or a walk, and to be able to help your guy out on the mound and get that runner off the bases is pretty electric."
While he's loved his time playing for Morehead State, Sheridan will never forget where it all started.
Playing high school sports in Thornville, Ohio, is special for Sheridan. He comes from a small town, and he knows the community has always been supportive of him and his teammates.
"Playing sports in high school is always special, especially in Thornville, Ohio, where everyone knows everyone, so people come out and support you and have a reason to cheer and be excited for the team's success," Sheridan said. "High school ball is special because you are playing with the people you have grown up with all your life. The relationships will always be what I take away the most when I look back at high school baseball."
There are so many memories that are created as kids grow up, and there are usually specific baseball memories that most young kids will always cherish.
One common memory that many baseball players share is remembering the days when team moms would pass out snacks after finishing a game.
For example, he's got a favorite snack from his travel ball days that he recalled instantly.
"A mom on one of my travel ball teams used to make these things she called "energy balls", and I would absolutely destroy them; they were awesome," Sheridan said.
Sheridan also has a favorite MLB player he tries to model his game after. It's a former Cincinnati Reds star who knows how to put the ball in play.
"I would have to say Joey Votto back in the day when he would choke up a lot and do everything he could to not strike out because I pride myself on not striking out and putting the ball in play," Sheridan said.
In a recent interview, Sheridan was asked what major league ballpark he would enjoy playing whiffle ball with his friends at.
"I would have to go with the home of the San Francisco Giants. I love that park because it sits right next to San Francisco Bay, and I think it would be a very beautiful park to play ball at," Sheridan said.
Sheridan's love for the game of baseball started at a young age, and it can be attributed to a lot of things.
But the one person who always pushed him to be the best he could be? His dad.
"He has always pushed me to be the best I can possibly be, and that is something I look up to because I want people to bring the best out of me," Sheridan said. "He can challenge me and critique me in a way very few are able to do."
Having a dad who challenged him, supported him, and made him a better man and athlete means the world to Sheridan.
It's a big reason why he's playing Division I baseball at Morehead State and why he's living out his dreams every single day.
