NILES — It’s the dream of every baseball fan to be on hand to witness his favorite team win the World Series.

It’s the dream of every baseball player to one day reach the Big Leagues and play for his favorite MLB team.

Mahoning Valley Scrappers catcher Chase Heath already achieved his goal from a fan’s perspective. Now he is aiming to make his dreams come true from a player’s point of view.

Heath is a native of O’Fallon, Missouri, which is just 30 miles outside of St. Louis.

A lifelong Cardinals fanatic, Heath was at Busch Stadium to witness his team win World Series championships in both 2006 and 2011.

Heath was just 3 years old in ’06, and has very little recollection of Game 5 of the World Series in which St. Louis defeated Detroit 4-2 to claim the title.

“All I really remember about that year was playing in the kiddie section during a rain delay,” Heath said. “The game was eventually rained out, and I know we returned the following night to watch the Cardinals win it all.

“Even though I don’t remember details about the game itself, I know just being there helped instill the love of baseball. My mom and dad always tell me that I’ve been throwing a baseball since I was 2 years old. From as long as I could remember, I could never take my eyes off the TV when the Cardinals were on.”

As an 8-year-old, Heath has vivid memories of literally having a front-row seat as St. Louis defeated Texas 6-2 in game seven of the ’09 World Series.

“There was just a huge crowd of people standing all around me ready to erupt, and this usher comes over and says, ‘This little kid isn’t going to be able to see the Cardinals win the World Series,’ and he moves me and my dad up to the front row,” Heath said. “Afterward, they would show the game on TV and I’d be able to tell people, ‘Look, there’s me and my dad watching St. Louis win it all.’

“It was a really cool experience. I’ll never forget that night.”

Nearly 14 years later, the game still inspires Heath. As for his admiration of the Cardinals? Well, it just got stronger. In the recent MLB Draft, Heath was selected by the Cardinals in the 20th round (600th overall).

Heath recently completed a stellar career at the University of Central Missouri, where he earned a degree in Marketing. On the diamond, Heath earned a wealth of honors and awards while he compiled a four-year batting average of .349. As a junior Heath batted .378. He followed that up by hitting .368 this past spring. During those two years, Heath hit 25 home runs with 121 RBI.

“Even though it was a Division II program, the coaches were amazing, and I loved every aspect about the college and the baseball program,” Heath said. “We were the number one seed in our region every year, and we had 40-plus wins every year that I was there.

“To me, it’s all about winning as a team. Being able to contribute to a program where they set a high standard, that’s a rewarding experience.”

Growing up, Heath played numerous sports. He was a kicker in football, he played basketball and was passionate when it came to soccer.

“I was playing select soccer and select baseball, and I knew I had to make a decision,” Heath said. “I really love soccer, but ultimately baseball has always been my favorite sport, and I knew I had my best shot of playing at a higher level with baseball.

“No doubt, I made the right decision. I love this game.”

Heath was an infielder until his junior year in high school, when his coach mentioned that he needed someone to suit up and head behind home plate. Heath quickly volunteered his services, and he quickly evolved into a full-time catcher.

“When I was playing the infield, I’d stand at second base or shortstop and I’d study things,” Heath said. “I’d watch the batter and say to myself, ‘You need to throw the ball there.’ It was like I was calling the game from a catcher’s perspective.

“I love it, because as a catcher you have to be locked in on every single pitch. There’s never a dull moment. I enjoy the interaction with the pitchers. I want them to know I have their back.”

Heath’s success at the collegiate level carried over with the Scrappers. During the first half of the MLB Draft League season, Heath batted .310 with two home runs and 12 RBI. He’s hopeful that his time in the Mahoning Valley will result in a long career at the next level.

“Right now, I’m just having fun, I love winning and I strive to be a good teammate,” Heath said. “This league has been great. Fans have been supportive in the Mahoning Valley and everywhere we’ve gone.

“But certainly the Draft League is all about showcasing your talents, hoping to get that call from a pro organization. That’s always been my ultimate goal. My ultimate dream is to play in the Big Leagues.”