Pryor shortstop Gavin Roberts has built his game and his reputation on work ethic, leadership and a deep love for the sport that fills most of his days. The Pryor High School multi-sport athlete has already collected signature baseball memories and is focused on expanding his impact this season.
Roberts, who plays shortstop for the Tigers, embraces the responsibility that comes with patrolling the infield. “I play shortstop, and I think the most difficult part of the job is controlling the infield and making sure they are on the same page with everything,” Roberts said. That mindset reflects a player who sees his role as both a defender and an organizer, making sure every pitch is played with purpose.
Chemistry is a defining part of Pryor’s clubhouse culture, and Roberts said the group’s bond sets the tone for everything else. “What I love most about my teammates at Pryor is their willingness to work. The team really feels like a family,” he said. That family feel, he added, helps the Tigers push through long practices and pressure moments alike.
Roberts points to his mother as the central figure behind his approach to sports and life. “My mom inspires me she has always worked for everything she has got in life and that has inspired me in the same way,” Roberts said. He channels that example into his game, especially at the plate, where he has focused on driving the ball to all fields. “I think my biggest improvement going into the new season is being able to hit gap to gap at a high level,” he said.
His favorite baseball memory so far came early in his high school career. “My favorite moment was winning the regional championship my freshman year. That was the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball,” Roberts said.
A three-sport athlete, Roberts also plays football and basketball but admits most of his free time still circles back to baseball. When he does step away from the diamond, he is likely playing golf or spending time with friends. Around the team, he credits vocal teammate Clinton Stohler for keeping the dugout loose with impressions and constant chatter.
Roberts says the game has already delivered lessons that extend beyond the field. “It has taught me that when things go wrong to anchor down and keep pushing through it. No matter how I feel I need to get my job done every day and I feel like that’ll carry later in life,” he said.
