Cameron a huge reason Alabama is in US Final Four
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Case Rasmus understands Brooks Cameron as much as anyone.
The Phenix City, Alabama manager also understands how valuable Cameron is, but how many may not notice that quality. Like Cameron, Rasmus was a catcher his entire baseball life, playing in the St. Louis Cardinals farm system.
He knows from experience that catchers often are like football offensive linemen. They sometimes toil in anonymity but ultimate team success depends on how well they embrace those roles and play their positions.
Cameron does both exceptionally well. And that was a major reason Phenix City reached the U.S. Final Four entering Wednesday night's game against Ohio.
"As a former catcher myself; catchers kind of get a little bit of the short end of the stick sometime, so to speak, because all of our pitching success goes to this guy here," Rasmus said following Phenix City's 6-5, seven inning win against Pennsylvania Monday night. "He really helps (the pitchers). You see him on video. I've gotten so many messages about how great this guy is."
On a team full of stars, Cameron is the glue holding the Southeast champions together. A stalwart defender, Cameron does all the little things which lead to big wins. He is smart, relentless and an elite defender.
Oh yeah, he is pretty clutch, too. Cameron proved it again Monday when he scorched a walk-off single which lifted Phenix City to a thrilling comeback win. Phenix City rallied from five runs down to win that game and made it three straight elimination days when Cameron walked and scored in a 4-2 win against Washington.
A player who often lurks in the shadows burst into the spotlight in front of a worldwide viewing audience against Pennsylvania. Facing the team's ace with the bases loaded, Cameron took a first-pitch ball before sending his screaming grounder up the middle and lifting Phenix City to one of the most dramatic wins in league history.
"It feels great. It's once in a lifetime," Cameron said. "I was just grateful to be in that situation. It was coming for me. I knew that was a great time for that to happen. My teammates were hyping me up and got me through it."
Cameron played the hero there, but ask any of his coaches and teammates and they will gladly tell you he has performed heroic deeds all summer.
After helping his regular season team, the Cardinals, win the league's championship, Cameron has caught every game, often in searing heat, while forming a wall behind the plate. Possessing a sharp mind, good instincts and a hose for an arm, Cameron has become a defensive weapon and that impact shows in all the times Phenix City has held down strong offenses.
"You talk about heroes; Brooks has been a hero all summer, every single game," Rasmus said. "Anything we have done positive, pitching-wise is because of Brooks. He's an absolute dude behind the plate. I'm super glad he's here."
So are the team's pitchers.
Kinley Rasmus has become an International superstar at the Series, not allowing a run in 18 1/3 innings pitched at regionals and in South Williamsport. Urijah Berklite has shined on the mound; Jerry Taylor threw a gem against Washington and Cedric Harrison closed that game with a clutch save.
Cameron has helped those pitchers every step of the way. Whether framing pitches, pumping confidence into the pitchers and/or guiding them through tough situations, Cameron has been the unseen extension of those arms.
"It helps a lot. He can block everything and keep everything in front," Taylor said. "He can throw anyone out if they get on and make sure we get that next out."
Like any team, Phenix City features pitchers who throw different speeds and possess different styles. Cameron can handle them all. He is the common denominator in all their success and his trust in them has become contagious.
Rasmus values Cameron's input so much that he consulted him before deciding who would pitch against Washington. Cameron gave his endorsement and that helped Taylor produce the performance of his young life as threw five brilliant innings.
"I asked Brooks earlier (because) I trust Brooks a lot," Rasmus said. "I asked, who do you want in this game? The first thing he said is 'I want Jerry.'"
When it comes to who Phenix City wants catching the answer is unanimous. They want the player who has been a well-kept secret but whose impact cannot be denied.
They want Cameron.
His story continues evolving but Cameron has written quite a spectacular chapter this summer. Take his story away and the Phenix City book may not have become so long. That is how important he is.
That is how good Cameron is.
"He doesn't get the credit that he deserves. He's worked his butt off however many years to get to this spot," Rasmus said. "I couldn't be more proud of him.
"This team wouldn't be where it is without Brooks Cameron."