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| Stephen Smith |
Going from the college tournament to a more sedate environment is just fine with the native of Wolfforth, Texas “The Keene Swamp Bats is a great organization; they make it easy for us, I am glad to be here. “
He hit the ground running, arriving in Keene on Monday, June 23rd and making his debut against Laconia the next night. In his first game, Smith made a nice catch in sunny left field and had two hits in four trips to the plate.
Baseball is baseball no matter where you play. But
both Smith and teammate Darick Hall, also from the southwest, quickly observed
differences on the New England field and sky. First, summer in New England is
not nearly as hot as Lubbock, Texas. (Apropos of nothing, Lubbock is the
birthplace of the great Buddy Holly.)
Southwest heat makes for hard ground. In the northeast,
ground moisture makes for a softer playing surface, a surer first step, more
power generated from the legs to chase down fly balls.
At other times, an outfielder has to wait for a fly
ball. At Alumni Field, a left fielder looks up and sees blue sky, just as anywhere.
The difference between Texas and Keene are the New England pines. A fly ball can hide for a moment. “It’s pretty tough with the sun going
through the trees,” Smith says. Then, just like any other outfielder, “I
just have to concentrate and find the ball. “
Smith stands six-foot and is listed at 225 pounds. There’s
a lot of power in his swing* so he’s not over-coached, he’s just reminded to “stay inside the ball and squaring the ball
up,” In golf they say, swing easy, hit hard.
Smith was All-State football player at Frenship High
School near Lubbock, Texas, and had multiple offers to continue playing
football. The best opportunity, the best fit, was nearby Texas Tech, where he
plans to major in business. “Having
family and friends close by who support me a 100% is wonderful.”
He’s gaining friends up here, too.
*I owe you readers and Mr. Smith a
picture of him at bat.
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