This season, Evan Reed is certainly happy to be behind the plate for the Catasauqua Rough Riders.

He has missed the last two seasons due to injuries incurred during the wrestling season, Reed missed the entire baseball season, Instead, he spent most of his time with rehab sessions.

His catching career has a unique story behind it.

“I played second base up until eighth grade,” recalled Reed. “Once I got to high school, I tried catching as a joke. I threw the first kid out who tried to steal on me, and I have stayed there since.”

Fortunately, Reed’s baseball season is in its final chapter, as the senior is relishing the remaining moments. He was honored along with teammates Reece Lopez and Luis Collazo at the team’s Senior Night Monday against Salisbury at Limeport Stadium.

For Reed, it has been a long journey.

“I started playing in T-ball,” said Reed. “I have to make it count this year and make up for missing last year.”

Reed has played in over half the games this season, and he has shared time behind the plate with Steel Martell. He has been solid defensively, but has struggled at the plate.

Whatever the outcome, Reed is enjoying the moment.

“Baseball is going good,” said Reed. “We’ve had our ups and downs. I need to work on my throws but getting back into catching has been fun.

“I’m seeing the ball a lot better than in the beginning of the season. I’ve just tried to keep the team in check while they do the same to me.”

Head coach Steve Bradley has been appreciative to have Reed back as a mainstay on the team.

“Evan is a great teammate and player,” boasted Bradley. “He brings tons of positivity to our program and he plays 100 mph every pitch. He brings everyone around him up with his personality.

“We are really grateful to have him. He recently threw out two more runners, and is now starting to hit the ball. He missed the last two years due to wrestling injuries, but has made a huge impact for us this year.”

Reed has been impressed with the Roughies’ pitching staff and their development.

“We have some underclassmen like Cody (Roth) and Trever (Hartzell) who have shown a lot of potential and will be used frequently in the coming years. It’s also going to be great for the team to have juniors Alex Bolmer and Reese Savercool back next year as their two main pitchers, who do very well in whatever situation they’re put in.”

Reed plans to become an electrician in the fall, and his baseball career likely will be over.

“I don’t think I’ll play next year,” said Reed. “I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do with the rest of this season.”