©2006 The Chestnut Hill Local

GFS catcher’s power extends past plate
by Drew Lazor

Nate Gemberling-Johnson

Nate Gemberling-Johnson is a big kid. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, the Germantown Friends School graduate’s sheer mass and grit-in-your-eye play evokes thoughts of classically oversize catchers like Johnny Bench and Darren Daulton.

“Sometimes my size works against me because I’m not as quick as some of the smaller guys,” he admitted. “But I’m a wider target for pitchers to hit, which works to my advantage.”

The Wyndmoor resident, however, is more than just an intimidating physical force behind home plate. He was an integral part of a GFS squad that secured its third straight Friends Schools League championship this season. “It’s his willingness to be involved in every bit of the game, wanting to know and appreciate the game on a deeper level,” said GFS head coach Dean Graham, a former catcher .

Although he played an important part in the Tigers’ impressive offensive output (GFS put up double-digit runs in seven games between April and May), the team captain’s most valuable contributions came on the defensive end. For example, the Tigers stole 55 bases on the season, while giving up just 10. “Nobody ran against us because of Nate’s arm,” Graham said. “They saw his strength, and didn’t run. It’s not something people see; they don’t necessarily notice the impact Nate has on the game.”

The student’s penchant for making a mark doesn’t stop there. Graham recalled his team’s spring training trip to Florida earlier this year. “When we’re [practicing hitting], we have a lot of guys pitch for us,” he said. “I had Nate pitching, and he had a sore arm. I found out he was throwing curveballs to kids in the [batting] tunnels to help them out. He’s always willing to sacrifice himself to help somebody else.”

Gemberling-Johnson’s selfless nature was displayed further through his charity work south of the border. From May 26 to June 3, Gemberling-Johnson and several other GFS students (including co-captains Sam Biddle and Marc Schwartz) did their part to organize a Little League program in Zacatzontetla, a small village in central Mexico. The trip was organized by Cultural Convergence International, a nonprofit founded by GFS alumni that aims to foster understanding through athletics.

Last year, a group from the school brought down equipment and laid the basic groundwork for a Little League. This year, the students put the plan into action, working long hours to improve field conditions and teach youngsters fundamentals such as hitting and catching. “I felt like I had a responsibility to spread the knowledge I gained here,” said Gemberling-Johnson, who gives credit to the Pennsylvania-based All-Star Baseball Academy for piquing his interest in the sport. That was the main reason I wanted to go.”

“Even though we really couldn’t communicate that well with each other, we connected through sports,” he added. “It was working on a level that both sides could understand. Baseball is baseball, no matter where you go. You may not speak the same language, but you can always show a kid how to it. You don’t need to speak a word of Spanish – just show them, and they’ll understand.”

Gemberling-Johnson’s on-field play was recently recognized through a nomination to the Carpenter Cup. Sponsored by the Phillies organization, the cup is an all-star tournament that gives local players a chance to perform in front of college scouts. Although his inter-league team lost in quarterfinal play to the perennially stellar Catholic League squad on June 19, Gemberling-Johnson viewed the experience as a positive one. “It was a great chance to showcase the talent our league has,” he said. “While it might not be as plentiful as the Inter-Ac, we showed that the Friends League has good players too.”

At the end of August, Gemberling-Johnson will enter the College of Wooster, a liberal arts school in central Ohio. The Fighting Scots have long been one of the top teams in Division III baseball. For Gemberling-Johnson, who will attempt to earn a walk-on spot on the team, it’s yet another challenge he’s ready to tackle. “I’m going there expecting to be competitive,” he explained. “They’re not messing around when it comes to baseball. I’m definitely a little nervous. I have to prove that I can play.”

Graham has high hopes for his player, who has truly proved himself both on and off the diamond. “Hopefully, the coach will realize that Nate would be a great benefit to the program,” he said. “You’re not going to find a kid who works harder or loves the game more. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him.”