Versatility as a Competitive Edge
Reid Schmal, a sophomore utility player for the Ames baseball team, has emerged as one of the most versatile athletes on the roster, routinely logging time at catcher, second base, third base and even taking the mound in relief.
At the plate he batted .352 last season, adding nine doubles, a triple and 24 RBIs while also recording 194 putouts and 18 assists with just six errors at second base.
His defensive reliability shone when he served as the personal catcher for ace pitcher Jackson Kepley, and he proved his pitching chops by holding Waukee to a single run over 2 ⅔ innings in a recent matchup.
Coaches rewarded his adaptability by moving him to the No. 3 spot in the lineup during a doubleheader against Waukee, a position that could unlock even more power as he looks to expand his hitting repertoire for the 2026 campaign.
Ames has compiled an 80‑45 record over the past three seasons, capturing two Iowa Alliance Conference North titles, and the senior‑laden squad, anchored by veterans Jackson Kepley and Erik Anderson, is now chasing a state tournament championship in Iowa City.
Schmal’s unselfish approach and willingness to fill any role have made him a linchpin for a team that blends tradition with a promising future.