Tyler Hatesohl traps an over-the-shoulder pop fly against Shawnee Mission South in this April 29 photo at FSHS. Hatesohl has proven over the years to be one of the most committed players on the FSHS roster.

Tyler Hatesohl used to be just like everybody else he ran around with.

Soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter and baseball all spring and summer.

Then one day he blinked, and he was the only one still standing.

“I know exactly when it happened,” the Free State High senior said. “We had a rough summer (of baseball) after my freshman year where we won like five games and hated it. After that, everyone quit.”

Seriously. Everyone.

A few members of Hatesohl’s summer team that season continued their baseball careers in high school. But those guys were stationed south of 15th Street and therefore went to Lawrence High. All of his Firebird-bound friends chose to hang it up, leaving Hatesohl as the only member of his class still playing baseball.

Not that you can tell by watching him. During his three-year FSHS career, Hatesohl has perfected the art of becoming a chameleon. Whether it has been by blending in with teammates — older and younger — or by changing his spots to fit in at a new position, the lone senior on this year’s team has done it and done it well. He may be a man without classmates, but he’s hardly a man without a country.

“Last year, those guys took me under their wing, and I kind of felt like a senior,” said Hatesohl of playing alongside 11 seniors a season ago. “This year, I’ve built relationships with the younger guys, and I don’t even think about being the only senior out here. I do feel a little old out here at times, but it’s great for the team to have all these young guys playing. It’s going to help them a lot next year.”

Part of the reason for his dismissive attitude toward the rank and serial number of those around him has been the success of the Firebirds during Hatesohl’s tenure.

During his sophomore season, FSHS finished 16-5 and was one game shy of a trip to state. Last year, the Firebirds finished 19-3 and earned the No. 1 seed at state before falling in Round 1. This year, Free State is off to a blazing 11-1 start, and most on the team will say Hatesohl has had plenty to do with that.

“He just shows everyone how to do everything,” junior Ryan Scott said.

Added Free State coach Mike Hill: “We don’t go 19-3 and get nationally ranked a year ago without Tyler. And we’re certainly not 11-1 this year. He’s been a real steadying influence on the rest of the kids and he’s willing to do whatever’s necessary to help the team be successful.”

That includes three position changes in three seasons. As a little leaguer, Hatesohl grew up playing shortstop and center field. He has yet to play either position as a Firebird.

Last year he primarily played first base. This year he’s moved to second.

“Right now, I think it’s my favorite position even though I’ve never played it before,” Hatesohl said. “I like that you don’t have to throw it all the way across the diamond.”

So far so good there. Hatesohl has played the entire season without making an error.

At the end of the season, Hatesohl plans to leave baseball behind, choosing instead to attend Kansas University and become a regular college student.

“I think I’ll call it a career,” he said. “Maybe play some slow-pitch softball in the future.”

Before he does, he still has work to do with the Firebirds — on and off the field. There’s a tradition within the Free State baseball program where Hill meets the seniors for breakfast the day following what’s known as “Senior Skip Day.” After footing the bill for 11 seniors a season ago, Hill’s wallet will catch a break this season.

“At 6 a.m., coach Hill and Tyler hanging out having breakfast,” junior Michael Lisher said. “That’s going to be funny.”