The Barometer Online

Issue date: 7/8/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Cory Reed Cory Reed - The Summer Barometer

For some it almost appears as a joke; in fact, last year when asked about his greatest baseball memory, Corvallis Knights utility man Billy Clontz answered with a joking-yet-true response.
"Playing four years at Mt. Hood," he replied.
Clontz did not exactly play four seasons for the community college located in Gresham, Ore., but the 2004 graduate of Corvallis High School did spend four years at MHCC. More than anyone on the Knights roster Clontz knows Corvallis and is able to see positives in seemingly tough situations.
"Billy is our franchise guy," said Corvallis Knights head coach Brooke Knight. "He does things the right way, carries himself the right way, loves to play and is always perceptive to advice. He is always trying to get better. He loves being on the field and spending time with his teammates."
The rising senior at Western Oregon counts the hardships that left him at Mt. Hood for four years as a blessing.
Prior to his time at Mt. Hood, Clontz was a three-sport athlete at Corvallis High. Outside of Oregon State sports, the next most well-recognized name in sports for Corvallis might be Richey's Market - not the store but the American Legion baseball team. Drawing from high schools throughout Corvallis and the surrounding areas, the legion squad is a traditional powerhouse - one Clontz was good enough to be a part of for four seasons.
"I grew up dreaming about playing for Richey's Market," Clontz said. "You felt lucky to be part of the team. It's funny, wherever I've gone whether at Mt. Hood or Western Oregon everybody is always like, 'Dude I can't believe you played for Richey's Market. They were so good.' So that is pretty cool to hear."
Given the opportunity to play baseball beyond high school, Clontz found himself at Mt. Hood, set to join the Saints' strong baseball tradition. Joining the Saints on the field was a delayed event for Clontz, who was forced away from the field due to a back injury.
Clontz made his on-field debut for Mt. Hood during the 2006 season. As the starting center fielder for MHCC Clontz hit .365 and earned the team's award for hustle.
After a stellar freshman season, Clontz would make his debut with the Knights, who at the time were known as the Aloha Knights and played their games in Gresham at MHCC. For the Knights, Clontz hit .216 for his first season of collegiate summer ball.

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