Flastohlers Headline Union Christian Baseball

This year's baseball season couldn't arrive soon enough Union Christian Academy's Dustin Flastohler — and not just because the second baseman returns for his junior season. The fact that doctors have released him to play baseball after rehabilitation from a Medial Collateral Ligament injury will give him even more reason to enjoy the fruits of his labors. It won't be quite the same for him with the Eagles this year, however. Since breaking into the starting lineup midway through his freshman year, Dustin played side-by-side in the Eagles' infield with older brother Devin Flastohler. Dustin at second, Devin at first — and little brother Dalton Flastohler on his way to join the team in just a year. Devin is gone now, graduating last year and presently attending University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and taking his senior leadership with him after last season. That leaves the role of "voice of the infield" to Dustin — a role that coach and UCA athletic director Bryan Fry says is perfect for him. "He's got good hands, good feet, good lateral movement and he's a natural second baseman," Fry said of the "middle" Flastohler. "He's still growing, knows the strike zone really well and always has a high on-base percentage. He's the kind of kid who you put in the one- or two-hole in the lineup because you can trust his judgment and know he will perform. "It's the same thing with showing leadership. He's one of those who is always encouraging his teammates, talking to his pitchers, doing his best to help both on and off the field. He has a great sense of humor, is a really good student with a 4.0 GPA and is well-liked by his teammates. "He has the instinct. He will continue to improve and I believe he has a chance to play on after high school if he wants to. He is very coachable — and if his injury is healed, then he can have a good season as we try to get back to the state playoffs." Dustin knows the heady feel of battling for the state championship. As a freshman, he played on the team that finished runner-up to Armorel in the Class A tournament. Last year's edition of the Eagles stumbled in the second round of the district tournament, so Union Christian hopes to return to the battle for the title this year. As the Eagles' quarterback, Dustin was injured in the third game of the football season last fall. He missed the rest of the year and then was forced to sit on the sidelines because he was not able to play basketball while he rehabbed the MCL injury. The weeks and months of work have paid off as he is able to return to the baseball diamond. Next year as a senior, he will again have a brother on the Eagles' team with him. The "Third D" from Bill and Melba Flastohler's family, Dalton, will be a freshman at Union Christian during the 2009 baseball season. "We've been fortunate to have Devin and Dustin here at Union Christian through the years," Coach Fry said. "They are great kids and a credit to their parents. I know that Dalton is going to continue that and I'm looking forward to having a Flastohler in an Eagles' uniform and in the infield for years to come!"