It’s the bottom of the first inning on April 11. MHS’s first baseman steps up to the plate to face Northwest’s Clayton Meyer. He writes a short message in the dirt for good luck as Meyer prepares himself on the mound. The remnants of DMX’s “Party Up,” number seven’s designated walk-up song echo toward both dugouts as Charlie Kreh, junior, readies himself for the pitch.

First pitch fastball; Kreh wasn’t going to let that one go by. He loads, cocks back and delivers a frozen rope clear over MHS’s right field fence.

Charlie Kreh just hit his first varsity homerun.

“It really felt amazing,” Kreh exclaimed as he relived his most memorable baseball moment.

He plans to add more moments like this to his memory as the Mustangs head toward the end of the season with a record of 13-4.

“Hopefully it will be winning the State Championship at T.R. Hughes Ballpark this year,” he said.

Kreh hopes to win the Suburban West Conference this season and have his senior laden team go deep into the playoffs.

“Personally, I want to learn a lot from this group of seniors,” he added.

Kreh first started playing baseball at 5 and since then he knew it would be an important part of his life. He’s always enjoyed the mental part of the game and the skill it requires to play at higher levels.

“I’ve always had a chance to play for some really good teams that have pushed me to improve as a ballplayer,” he said.

He added that he works hard to stay disciplined and keep sports and school separate.

If given the chance, Kreh said he would like to continue his baseball career into college.

“I’m looking for schools that could offer me baseball and the major I want,” he said.

Before he looks forward to his next seasons, Kreh, who’s batting .364 with 12 RBIs, 20 hits, and one homerun, is focused in on this year’s team.

“My mindset before every game is where I get focused and block out everything except for baseball and getting the job done.”