Issac, Will and Sam: Lawson brothers a triple threat for Edgewood baseball this season

On April 12 at Bedford North Lawrence, Edgewood baseball coach pulled out his lineup card and made a little bit of history in ink for the Lawson Family.

Senior Isaac at shortstop and batting fourth, junior Will in center and batting ninth. And in the 7 hole, freshman Sam at catcher. Baseball has always been a family thing for the Lawsons, but never like this. All three played in the second game of the season, a 10-2 win over Norwell, but this was the first for all three to start at the same time.

"Me and Will grew up playing together," Isaac said. "(Will's) played up two years, one year, always. But I've never been able to play with Sam. So just being able to have all my brothers and especially my dad here, it's a big family.

"We've got the team family and us inside that, so it's fun. I'm going to miss it but enjoy it while it lasts."

It's fun but Sam is there for a reason, with the Mustangs needing a backup catcher and someone to work the plate when starter Brayden Ault takes to the mound.

"We feel very connected," Will said. "And we like to keep each other in check. We're having fun hanging out with family, but we're also here to get a job done."

The Mustangs will take an 18-5 record into their sectional opener at home on Thursday, so the next job is to take down South Vermillion and then win a title on Memorial Day.

Baseball is in the Lawsons' blood

The Lawsons consider a baseball diamond to be their second home and a good day includes sore hands and plenty of grass and clay stains on their clothes.

"Ever since we could walk, we've had a ball and glove in our hands," Isaac said. "We found an old camera and look back at the videos when we were super young. There's not a time I can remember that baseball was not a part of our lives."

"It's every day, 24-7," Will added.

Sam's role is small at the moment, but any experience he gains will be big down the road and the older boys are expecting great things from him. Which is why they'll give him a hard time or chirp playfully at him.

"Me being here four years, I have the experience I have with the pace of play, I know for Sam it'll be a big jump with how quick the game goes," Isaac said. "Have him here, we tell Sam as a freshman, he's got nothing to lose, so go out there and have some fun.

"I've always said growing up Sam will be the best one of all of us. He may be small now, but he'll definitely be the best one. He's been thrown into a role that he wasn't expecting and we're excited to see what he makes of it."

And they are always helping each other out or picking each other up when necessary.

"I was struggling with my swing at the beginning of the season," Will said, "And he just would give me advice, reminding me about keeping my back foot strong and waiting on the ball, because I really get out in front. Just his experience helps me.

"We keep each other in check. If Isaac's struggling, I tell him to pick his head up and go to the next."

They're three different players

Each of the boys brings something different to the table for Edgewood.

Will plays center and fills the No. 9 hole in the order as a .339 hitter who has walked more than he's struck out, can lay down a bunt and has 10 stolen bases. A pre-leadoff hitter, if you will, each time the batting order resets. He's made just one error for a .976 fielding percentage.

"He makes us dangerous," Isaac said.

Isaac is batting .420 with eight doubles, 14 RBIs and 24 runs scored and has been hit by a pitch eight times. He also has 10 steals. He's fielding at a .910 clip with just seven errors and has helped turn eight double plays.

"Watching him, he's getting every ball (at short) and it's a sparkplug for the whole team," Will said. "I like watching how aggressive he is and I try to be as aggressive as he is. Especially running the basepaths. He's super fast so I like to try and compete with him."

Sam has been perfect in the field so far while hitting .286.

'We're friends and teammates and we're also family'

One thing about this team is how improved the leadership has been this year. Part of that is due to the fact the Mustangs seldom lean on any one or two people to carry the load as pitchers or hitters.

"Everyone plays a part," Isaac said. "Not one person doesn't have a job that contributes to the team. Everyone plays a part."

"I feel like we're more connected," Will said. "Everyone knows they have a role and everyone is important. No matter what, you can impact the team without making a herculean effort."

Edgewood is on a roll and they'll look to keep the momentum going through two sectional games and beyond.

"All of us are leaders," Isaac said. "Me, Will, Sam, we bring that to the team. We're friends and teammates and we're also family and we act like a family."

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: IHSAA baseball: Lawson brothers triple threat for Edgewood this season