Delphi softball catcher Airy Lattimore credits older brothers for toughness behind dish
FLORA, Ind. — Delphi sophomore catcher Airy Lattimore is used to taking her share of bumps and bruises.
Getting knocked around while playing sports is the side effect of being the youngest of eight brothers and sisters Jersey, Jordan, AJ, Dallas, Emma, Evan and Isaac. Lattimore has gotten used to the occasional bruising from competition.
"I played with my brothers in the backyard and they have made me tougher as the years go by,"
The reckless abandonment she showed playing rough with her brothers in the backyard has translated to the softball field.
Lattimore on Thursday chased after a tailing flyball over her head, reached out with her glove and caught the ball just inches from the chain-link fences, smashing chest- and head-first into metal.
Lattimore instinctively got the ball back into the infield knowing there were runners at first and second before taking a moment to catch her breath. The catch made by Lattimore encapsulated a day where Delphi secured key hits, made defensive plays and hammered Carroll 16-4 in five innings on the road.
"I just got up really fast and tried to get to the ball," Lattimore said. "It hurt a little bit but I just got up and tried to fight through it."
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Lattimore has become a reliant piece of Delphi's softball success since winning the IHSAA Class 2A regional title in 2023. Lattimore hit a walk-off single in the eighth inning to stun Seeger 1-0 in the sectional semifinals and persevered a complete game, 16 strikeout perfect game by returning senior Lexi Miller.
"(Lattimore) has matured a lot," Delphi coach Mark Schock said. "I think all of our girls are maturing each game. I love the way they are receptive to what we want to teach. She's just passionate. Softball is her sport."
Lattimore's been playing softball since she was in fifth grade and competes for Intensity 16/U out of Francesville. But she didn't start catching until her eighth-grade season. The hard-contact nature of the position, plus carrying a leadership role on defense motivates her.
"I just love going to practices, going to games," Lattimore said. "Everything about the game I just love."
While Schock likes to keep a quiet and humble demeanor, he shouldn't hide the joy he felt watching Lattimore.
"It was an ESPN moment," Schock said. "She gave everything she could, sacrificed her body up against the screen, held onto the ball and concentrated on it. It was good to see."
Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@gannett.com, on Twitter at EthanAHansonand Instagram at ethan_a_hanson.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Delphi catcher Airy Lattimore credits brothers for softball toughness
