It may be that baseball is not Adam Shoemaker’s first love or passion. But he’s a competitor, a fierce one.

And when he competes, Shoemaker puts his heart – and every other part of himself – into his pursuit.

On Friday afternoon at Elco’s Lyle Krall Field, Shoemaker, a senior right-hander, pitched on his home mound for the final time in his career. And he made it a memorable one, even going as far as to not wanting to leave it until the job was complete.

Shoemaker tossed a complete game, as the Raiders edged Garden Spot 3-2.  ‘Shoe’ scattered seven hits and five walks and struck out two.

He also stranded 13 Spartans on the base-paths, as his teammates played stellar defense behind him.

It may very well be that the conclusion of the current 2013 spring season might be the last baseball that Shoemaker ever plays. And if it is, Shoemaker enjoyed an outstanding career for Chris Weidner’s program.

Shoemaker, who is headed to Division Two Shippensburg to play football in the fall, has not ruled out playing Lebanon County American Legion baseball for Myerstown this summer.

 – Jeff Falk