Heath Hachkowski has the type of arm that will catch the attention of scouts at a number of levels.
His velocity was recorded at 92 when he was still in high school at the St. Joseph’s Academy.
But Heath isn’t one to simply spend his time on the mound. He likes being a two-way player whether it’s playing in the outfield or even at third base when called upon.
He played outfield as well as pitched during his first year at Big Bend Community College in Washington, but played mainly in the outfield his second year.
“I had a rib injury and we had a lot pitching depth so I didn’t pitch my second year,” said the six-foot-five, 235-pound 20-year-old.
That’s also been the case with the Red Deer Riggers.
“I’ve got to throw some innings but we also have a lot of good, experienced guys,” he said. “But I do hope to throw a few innings in the playoffs.”
The Riggers open their best-of-three Sunburst League and provincial senior AAA semifinals against the Calgary Rockies Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Great Chief Park. Game two goes Wednesday in Calgary with the third game, if necessary, Thursday at Great Chief.
Heath has been playing mainly in the outfield for the Riggers, although he played third base during the Riggers tournament.
“I was looking and we had about five guys who could have played third, but there were some injuries, another guy was pitching and another catching so I got a chance and I had a good time there,” he said. “I did play first base and third in high school when I wasn’t as mobile as I am now.”
Hachkowski played hockey and baseball growing up, before switching to baseball full time in Grade 11.
“I had what I called a hockey build, but once I decided to switch full time to baseball I worked on a baseball build. That gave me more mobility to play in the outfield.”
Heath’s decision to play baseball has paid off.
“I like both sports but felt I had a better opportunity to get a scholarship to the States in baseball,” he said. “I could have played hockey, but probably junior B, so this has worked out.”
Heath’s desire to be a two-way player was a major reason he accepted a scholarship to Benedictine University in Mesa, AZ.
“That was one of the reasons I decided on going to an NAIA school in that I could still be a two-way player. Some of the other opportunities I had only wanted me as a pitcher.
“Now if it came down to pitching or nothing, I would pitch,” he said with a laugh.
‘But I want to be a two-way player for as long as I can and play as long as I can.”
Hachkowski has had an opportunity to play more often of late with the Riggers, which has shown, especially at the plate.
He not only continued to see his batting average rise, but he’s slugged a pair of long home runs.
“It’s good to get the extra at bats … consistent at bats,” he said.
Hachkowski has enjoyed his time with the Riggers, as he’s among a group of younger players who have attended St. Joe’s Academy and played U18 AAA with the Carstar Braves.
“My last year with Big Bend I kind of lost my groove,” he said. “But coming home and playing with the Riggers I’m playing with a lot of my buddies and (head coach) Jaret Chatwood was my teacher, so there’s a lot of familiar faces and familiar ball parks.”
Although he’s been used mainly in the outfield with the Riggers, Heath has also been spending time working on his pitching.
“I’ve been throwing bull pen and I still throw in the low 90s,” he said. “That’s something I hope to consistently work on so I’m always in the 90s.”
While his fastball is impressive Heath also has a curve and slider.
“I work on those three,” he said. “I feel comfortable … it’s best for me and I just want to keep it simple.”
After spending two years at Big Bend. Heath looks back and appreciates what he learned while at St. Joe’s Academy.
“Getting the development I needed, that was the biggest thing,” he said. “They give you an approach to college, set you up for college so that when you arrive there you’re prepared and you seem to have an upper hand.”
While baseball is big, Heath has never shunned the academic side.
“I got an associated degree in Arts and Science at Big Bend and while I haven’t finalized my classes at Benedictine yet I plan on working on a business degree so when I’m done baseball I hope to own a business.”
Hachkowski is also a good friend of Nate Flewelling, who was a third round draft pick (94th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2024 MLB Draft.
“So glad for him … he deserved it,” said Hachkowski. “I got a chance to go over to his place that night and it was crazy.”
Heath isn’t sure when he will have to leave to go south, but wants to stick around until after the playoffs. The Riggers go into the playoffs as the top seeded team with a good opportunity to advance to next year’s Nationals.
“I hope we all stick around and see this to the finish line,” he concluded.
Danny Rode is a retired Advocate reporter and member of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame who can be reached at danrode@shaw.ca.
