The 2009 season has been a nice surprise for Albert Lea junior left fielder Jordan Mondeel.

Mondeel played sparingly as a sophomore, but he did have a big moment early in the season. Against Faribault last season, the Tigers trailed 2-1, but Mondeel delivered the game-winning hit with the bases loaded with a full count and two outs.

Mondeel was the only player on this year’s team that didn’t play baseball in the summer, but that hasn’t seemed to make a bit of difference.

Mondeel has hit .393, second on the team, through 17 games, drawing seven walks and scoring 17 runs from the leadoff position.

Instead of playing baseball during the summer, Mondeel plays softball and if you ask him he’ll tell you he prefers softball over baseball.

“I’d say it’s a little more faster paced,” he said.

Mondeel lives in Maple Island and grew up playing softball with his family. He started playing in a league a few years ago and plays all summer long in tournaments with the team.

Although he prefers softball he’s fit in nicely with the baseball team this spring at the top of the order.

Mondeel never suspected that he’d be put in an important position like the leadoff hitter at the start of the season.

“I was expecting to be more toward the end,” Mondeel said. “I’ve never really been the greatest hitter. I think it’s my speed they want at the front.”

It is his speed that Albert Lea head coach Joe Sczublewski wants at the top of the order, but Mondeel has provided more than that thus far.

“He’s a real pest working the count and fouling off pitches,” Sczublewski said. “I told him his responsibility isto work the count. A walk is as just as good as a hit for him.”

His speed has been a factor for the Tigers as he is 6-for-6 in stolen bases, tied for the team lead, and also is second on the team in doubles with five.

The year of experience has benefited Mondeel as well. Last season he had 11 at-bats and mustered just two hits. His only two RBIs came in the game against Faribault.

“He’s a little stronger, he’s a little more comfortable,” Sczublewski said. “He’s just more comfortable with this group of guys. He’s got a lot of potential.”

His defense has been a real asset for the team in left field. He’s turned in a number of dazzling defensive plays including one in Faribault. With the Tigers clinging to a one-run lead in the bottom of the seventh Mondeel sprinted for a foul ball that nobody thought he’d reach. He did and it helped Albert Lea earn a split against the Falcons in a doubleheader.

Although his speed put him at the top of the lineup, he’s continued to stay there with he ability to get on base.

It’s doesn’t look like he’ll be toward the bottom of order anytime soon.

“He’s a catalyst for us right now,” Sczublewski said.