CENTER TWP — With snow on the ground and cold temperatures holding a firm grip on the region, it may be difficult for some people to think about baseball.

But it's never far from Brandon Fleeger's mind.

The resident of Center Township is currently training with the Beaver Valley Baseball Club in preparation for the program's 14-under Red team's travel season, which begins in April.

Fleeger first earned elite status when he was named a Travel Ball Select All-American with Beaver Valley's 10-under team in 2011. Since then, receiving the honor has been an annual event for him. His fourth and latest accolade was announced last September following his 13-under season.

Every year, only 35 players per age group from across the country are named All-American.

“There are tens of thousands of travel players around the country,” said Beaver Valley coach Brian Smith. “It's quite an accomplishment and it speaks volumes about the work he's put in.

“Obviously, I have a high opinion of Brandon, but coaches from across the country have to vote on who is named All-American. These are coaches whose teams have played against Brandon. They've seen how good he is.”

Possibly the best aspect of the recognition for Fleeger is that he's simply doing what comes naturally for him.

“It's a great honor,” he said. “Playing baseball is what I love to do and I love to travel. For me, it's all about getting better.”

Fleeger plays multiple positions for Beaver Valley, including first base, third base and center field. But it is his effort on the mound that has opened the most eyes.

Last season, he struck out 88 of the 214 batters he faced. Fleeger throws five pitches with confidence — four-seam and two-seam fastball, cutter, curveball and change-up.

“His fastball is almost 80 miles-per-hour,” said Smith. “For a kid his age, that is very fast. He can change his location and has unbelievable arm strength and a knowledge of the game.”

Not surprisingly, Fleeger prefers to be pitching when he's in the field.

“My favorite thing about being on the mound is that you can control the pace of the game,” he said.

He also is dangerous at the plate, belting 18 home runs and collecting 95 RBI in 2014.

“He has hit 350-foot home runs multiple times and can hit one out of any park we have played in,” Smith said.

Fleeger's power was on full display in 2011 when he won the King of Swat Home Run Derby Tournament at Cooperstown's Dreams Field. That competition included over 80 players.

The big numbers in travel play are one thing, but it's who they have come against that makes Fleeger's play even more impressive.

Beaver Valley has competed in tournaments in Cleveland, Myrtle Beach, Omaha and Baltimore, among others cities.

“Brandon has played against some of the best competition in the country,” Smith said. “And he is used to team success. It's nothing for us to play in 12 tournaments in a season and make the championship game in eight or nine of them.”

In fact, Fleeger has helped Beaver Valley go a combined 101-12 over the last two seasons.

“The competition is very good and it makes you play harder,” he said. “Our team has been awesome the last few years and we should be pretty good again this season.”

Fleeger said he hopes to play baseball in college. Smith sees no reason why that dream can't become a reality.

“We have been able to tap into his God-given talent, but he also has a great family,” Smith said. “He has great guidance from his parents (Brian and Heather). They've been very supportive.”