Fry leads Mustangs by example, attitude

The Grapevine baseball team started with some challenges this season. With a new interim head coach and five new starters, the Mustangs have had to work a little harder to find their stride. One player has helped ease the transition and continues to strive for success on the field and with his teammates.

“David Fry is a good leader and is very vocal,” said head coach Jeff Harp. “He tries to pick everybody up if they are down and he just gets it. He understands how the game is supposed to be played and really leads by example.”

Fry has played baseball for most of his life, and is starting for the second of three years on varsity. That experience is a valuable guide for the many new starters and underclassmen.

“On the field he is a great defensive player,” Harp said. “He has made a couple of plays this year that just a couple of kids could make. He has a tremendous arm.”

Fry’s skills may be obvious on the field but his infectious energy is even more so.

“He is fun to be around and always has a smile on his face,” Harp said. “He is very well liked by his teammates and they also respect his ability.”

“I like getting to lead the guys,” Fry said. “I like showing them the right way to do things and how to get better as a team and to help us win games.”

For Fry, the best part of playing baseball is pretty simple.

“I like being able to compete against the best players in Texas,” he said.

The Mustangs are well acquainted with that tough competition.

“A few years ago we went to the second round of playoffs and last year we went to the third round. This year I want to make it at least to the fourth round,” Fry said. “I’m very competitive and I hate to lose.”

Harp is looking ahead to the playoffs as well.

“We want to make it to the playoffs because once you get there, everybody is 0-0,” he said. “All the records are the same so we just want to get to that point.”

Fry should be a big part of the team’s ability to reach that goal.

“He’s hitting really well and he is just a good all-around player,” Harp said. “I’m glad he is on our team.”

Fry has agreed to play baseball for Northwest Louisiana after he graduates but is keeping his final season as a Mustang in perspective.

“It is the last year I get to play with the guys I’ve played with since I was three,” he said. “We have a lot of good leadership this year with three or four seniors that are doing a good job showing the new guys what to do.”

Fry intends to leave behind a legacy of success. He also has some words of advice for the underclassmen.

“Stay relaxed,” he said. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to win a job or prove yourself to new players or coaches.”

With athletic skill, charisma and the support of his fellow teammates, Fry is well-described by Harp, who laughingly said, “Life’s good if you’re David Fry.”

The Mustangs continued district play Tuesday against Euless Trinity. Game time is 6 p.m.

This story was originally published March 24, 2014 at 2:58 PM with the headline "Fry leads Mustangs by example, attitude."