There is something special about Christin Stewart’s ability to hit homers. The Providence Christian senior holds Georgia’s single-season home run record and is getting closer to setting more state, and even national, career records with each new blast. Stars coach Adam Cantrell is pleased with the way Stewart and his team have responded this season.
Last year, Stewart and the Stars saw their season end with disappointment when they fell short in the state championship game to Hebron Christian. Stewart had one season left to put an exclamation point on his record-breaking career with a state title. Cantrell says the strength of his team is having players who can adjust and step up when their names are called.
The team’s consistent hitting around Stewart has given plenty of run support to this year’s improved pitching staff.
“The pitching has been one of the main differences in this year’s team,” said Cantrell. “Our pitching staff and rotation are flexible, and we have guys that are ready to step up when they are needed. We have plenty to throw at the opposing teams and we can locate and pitch to where we want in the zone.”
As catcher, Stewart has had a front row seat, or perhaps a backstage pass, to pitching changes and improvements this season with his role behind the plate. The demands of catching are well known and certainly made more difficult when a bullpen’s strength is its variety.
Stewart’s ability to adjust with each pitcher is only part of his defensive skill set, which also includes being able to play in the outfield and at first base when needed. Cantrell credits Stewart’s offensive and home run-hitting abilities with his great eye for the strike zone.
“He see’s pitches very well and he forces pitchers to give him the pitch he wants.”
When asked if being behind the plate on defense has improved Stewart’s ability to see pitches and wait for the pitch he wants, Cantrell couldn’t come to that conclusion.
“It certainly doesn’t hurt his abilities,” he said. “He is just a smart hitter.”
Cantrell’s squad has made it to the state semifinals in large part due to the enormous success of its power-hitting catcher. The Stars beat Savannah Christian last night 11-5 and will have to win one of two games today to advance to the state finals.
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