One of the hardest things Brendan Beesley has ever had to do is watch his team march toward a state championship.

St. Aloysius’ senior spent most of last year’s playoffs on the bench after he was ejected from a game and suspended for two more, then watched as his replacement caught fire.

During the Flashes’ drive to their second consecutive berth in the Class 1A finals, Beesley had no intentions of being anywhere but the field. He’s proven to be an invaluable cog in the St. Al machine, providing both a strong defensive presence behind the plate and plenty of pop at the bottom of the lineup.

“He’s done better than expected. He’s taken on the role of a leader. Talk about refusing to lose, he’s done that,” St. Al coach Clint Wilkerson said. “He’s done it behind the plate and offensively. I’m as proud of him as any player I’ve been around as a coach.”

A few ill-timed words all but ended Beesley’s 2009 season.

During Game 1 of a second-round series against Cathedral he was called out on strikes and said something the umpire didn’t like. Beesley was ejected, and MHSAA rules mandate a 14-inning suspension on top of that.

While serving the suspension, his replacement in left field, Regan Nosser, stepped into the lineup and earned a starting spot with a series of good games and clutch hits. Other than a few token appearances as a courtesy runner, Beesley never got back on the field.

Beesley wasn’t resentful about losing his spot, though. After seeing how well Nosser — and the team — was playing, he did his best to support his teammate while working to get back into the lineup.

“I was definitely fighting to get back on the field and Regan was fighting to stay on. He got hot and earned his spot,” Beelsey said. “I was behind him the whole time. He knew the situation. We were both staying after practice getting cuts in the cage, taking extra batting practice.

“It was tough not to (sulk). But everyone had one goal in mind and that’s what we’re all thinking about. Everyone was still on the same page.”

Wilkerson praised Beesley for the way he handled what could have become a major distraction to the team.

“I can’t say enough about him then,” Wilkerson said. “He got ejected and said, ‘It’s my dumb fault.’ He was mature about it and understood the situation.”

Not long after the Flashes celebrated their 2009 Class 1A championship, Beesley voluntarily gave up any chance he had of being a starting outfielder again.

One of the big holes on the team heading into the 2010 season was at catcher, where five-year starter Sean Weaver had graduated. Beesley had been an outfielder for as long as he had played baseball, but his tenaciousness and team-first attitude led Wilkerson to try him behind the plate.

Beesley played most of the summer schedule at the position and learned quickly from teammates and coaches who had caught. He said the mental and physical demands were an unexpected challenge.

“I didn’t realize how much went into playing catcher,” Beesley said. “All you see is a guy strap on the gear and catch the ball. That’s not even the start of it.”

Beesley has shored up what was a major question mark before the season.

“He’s starting to be a legitimate catcher in the state. I have confidence that I can throw every pitch in every count and he’ll get it,” St. Al pitcher Stephen Evans said.

In addition to his defense, Beesley has been a huge offensive factor for the Flashes. In three previous varsity seasons he never hit better than .320. This year, batting in the No. 9 spot in the order, he’s up to .378.

His increased production has set the table for the top of the order, allowing the Flashes to “flip” the lineup. The Nos. 1 and 2 hitters, Pierson Waring and Blake Haygood, have combined for 56 RBIs this season. Beesley, who is occasionally lifted for a courtesy runner, has scored 24 runs.

“I can’t say enough about what Brendan has done for us. He can get on base and steal bags. It’s like a double leadoff right there,” Wilkerson said. “We just don’t think about the No. 9 guy hurting you, but he can.”

The end of the 2009 season is now just a bad memory for Beesley. All the extra work has paid off handsomely in a shot at another title — one he can relish being a bigger part of.

“I worked a lot in the offseason and I’m really focused on it. Knowing this is my senior year, I want no regrets,” Beesley said.