Senior pitcher and shortstop David Bhend has grown up around Joplin baseball, but his motivation starts at home. The Joplin High School senior credits his parents for pushing him toward success on the field and in the classroom.

“My parents, they make me want to be successful,” Bhend said. “They’ve always told me that if you want something, you have to work for it.” That message has echoed through long practices and pressure-packed innings as Bhend has become one of the Eagles’ key leaders.

Bhend, a 12th grader who lists chemistry as his favorite class, said he still remembers his favorite teacher, Mr. Beezley, from fourth grade. Away from baseball, he enjoys playing video games, sitting down at the piano and unwinding with YouTube videos.

On the field, Bhend splits his time between the mound and shortstop for the Eagles, who compete in the Central Ozark Conference. He said both positions come with their own challenges. “The most difficult thing about being a pitcher is trying to throw strikes when you aren’t feeling it,” Bhend said. “The hardest part about being a shortstop is having to throw the ball all the way across the diamond.”

Superstitions creep into his routine as well. Bhend follows one simple rule every game day: don’t step on the foul line. At the plate, he doesn’t hesitate when asked about his favorite pitch to hit, the fastball.

Bhend said he loves the game most because of the people around him. “The thing I love most about my teammates is how supportive and fun they are to be around,” he said. One teammate in particular, Jacob Porter, stands out for always keeping the dugout loose and “keeps everyone laughing,” Bhend added.

Over the years, baseball has shaped how he approaches life beyond Joplin’s diamond. “Sports have taught me how to work hard to get what you want,” Bhend said. “Things won’t just come to you you have to work at it.”