Versatility.
That was perhaps the most important trait of this year's Deseret Morning News 1A baseball Most Valuable Player.
Regardless of the task placed in front of him, Panguitch senior Zac Orton never complained or said he couldn't do it.
Instead, he'd go out onto the field and consistently turn in outstanding performances.
A solid control pitcher and offensive star, Orton helped lead his Bobcats to an emphatic state title at the 1A baseball tournament last month.
For his efforts, Orton has been selected as the 2005 Deseret Morning News 1A baseball MVP.
"The great thing about Zac was he did whatever was asked," said coach Clint Barney. "He had a rubber arm — he could take the ball anytime you wanted."
Whether he was on the mound or playing at shortstop, Orton was an enormous threat at the plate, compiling one of the best 1A offensive seasons in recent memory. The three-year starter batted .594 with 47 hits and 55 RBIs. Orton scored 40 times and belted 10 home runs.
"Zac had the finest offensive season I've ever seen anyone have," said Barney.
During one incredible stretch this season, Zac Orton knocked out home runs in eight-straight games.
"In my time," said Barney, who's been around 1A baseball for 11 years, "I've never seen a kid put up those kind of numbers."
Interestingly, Orton's arm remained dormant through most of the playoffs. As it turned out, teammate Cameron Leach notched pitching wins in the semifinal and championship game and threw the bulk of the playoff innings.
Barney planned to use Orton during the later stages of the championship game, but the Bobcats throttled West Ridge 13-0 and Orton was never needed.
Even so, Barney pointed out part of Leach's pitching success was due to Orton's willingness to eat up innings during the regular season.
"A lot Cameron's success was due to the number of innings during the season that Zac threw," he said.
Orton finished the year with a 12-2 record and Barney estimated he threw twice the amount of innings as Leach.
All in all, Barney heaped credit on both of his stars for their role in convincingly winning the state championship. The Bobcats outscored opponents by a whopping 46 runs in three state tournament games.
Leach was selected by coaches as a first-team pitcher, and the junior will back next season.
"He's strong, fast and intelligent," said Barney. "Cameron will have a huge season next year."
As for Orton, it's unclear whether he'll be able to play collegiate baseball. Because 1A schools play in the fall, players wind up getting little attention from scouts.
"We're going to try and get the word out on Zac," said Barney.
E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com