Baseball season has been in full swing for area high schools since February. Finally, the weather is cooperating, and teams all across the Chattahoochee Valley are counting down the days until the playoffs. One team, the Calvary Christian School Knights, is gaining respect in the region for their winning record and growing baseball program. Evidence of the enthusiasm at Calvary can now be seen in a very tangible way. A new baseball complex is being built on the campus of the school, and the first two phases are now complete. Head baseball coach Steve Smith graciously allowed In The Game to take a look at his program and the plans for the new field in this edition’s Sports Connection.
In the Game: How long have you been coaching baseball?
Steve Smith: My first experience with coaching came in 1995, when I was 15. I volunteered as a pitching coach for a youth team in between my high school and American Legion seasons. I began coaching my oldest son Stephen’s Little League teams in 2006.
ITG: When did you begin coaching at Calvary Christian School?
SS: The 2014 season was my first year coaching at Calvary.
ITG: What sports/teams do you coach for the Knights?
SS: I oversee the baseball program at Calvary for sixth through 12th grade, and I am the Varsity head coach.
ITG: Are you a teacher at Calvary in addition to a coach?
SS: No, I work for Eastman Kodak Company.
ITG: How many athletes do you have in your baseball program?
SS: This season we had 34 players make our teams between the middle school, JV and varsity. That is almost a 30 percent increase in roster size from previous seasons. Our program is growing and moving in the right direction. This year, we expanded our fall/winter arm care and long toss program to allow future Calvary Knight baseball players who are in the fifth and sixth grades to participate. This was in preparation for their Little League and travel ball seasons, but also gave them exposure to our program.
ITG: What was your record last year?
SS: Last season our varsity record was 14-8, including an undefeated 8-0 record in region play. After securing Calvary baseball’s first region title in 13 years, we advanced to the State final four.
ITG: How many returning players do you have?
SS: We have 21 players that played last season returning across our three teams.
ITG: Any athletes to watch this season?
SS: We have a talented group of players this season that will be led by our three captains.
Jackson Sellers, Sr. (P, 3B) was named to the All-Region and All-State teams after hitting .467 with 19 RBI’s, 26 runs and 16 stolen bases. He also helped to anchor the pitching staff, going 4-2 with a 2.07 ERA and threw a no-hitter in the opening round of the playoffs.
Cole Parker, Sr. (P, CF) was a key contributor last season until he suffered an in-game injury that sidelined him for the final nine games. He batted .350 and was 2-0, 1.83 ERA. He provides terrific defense in centerfield and will be a valuable arm out of the bullpen.
Cody Russell, So. (SS, P) was named to the All-Region team as a freshman after hitting .449 with 20 runs and 11 stolen bases. He was also 1-0 with a 1.34 ERA with a 19:1 k/BB Ratio on the mound. He provides exceptional range up the middle and leadership as an underclassman.
Key returning players: Tim Thomas (Sr.), Garrett McGlamory (Jr.), Kyle Mass (Jr.), Jon Jon Brown (So.), Crawford Ledbetter (So.), Kyle Ammons (Fr.), Brandon Wright (Fr.), and Hunter Duke (Eighth Grade)
2015 key additions: Landon Rush, Tyler Hostilo, Cody Barnes, Mason Henderson, Nick Baker, Chris Wright, Tred Wilburn, Jason Whearley and Hunter Qualls
ITG: Calvary is in the process of developing a new baseball facility. Give us an overview of what the plans are and the current status on the field.
SS: We have a two-phase project that calls for a complete renovation of our baseball facilities. Phase one, which was completed in February, includes infield conversion from base cutouts to a skinned field, home/away brick dugouts, storage rooms, 700 sq. ft. attached home clubhouse with bathroom, public restrooms, concession stands, press box, warning track installation, infield irrigation repair, new 9-inning scoreboard and 4,000 sq.ft. indoor hitting facility.
Phase two, which is scheduled to begin at the conclusion of the 2015 season, will include grading and installation of new grass in the outfield, outfield irrigation repair, completion of warning track, addition of the visitor bullpen area, and re-installation of field fencing.
ITG: What is the best thing about coaching baseball at Calvary Christian School?
SS: I have always been in awe of how God works through the carious Calvary ministries in our community. CCS is no different. The leadership and vision that Headmaster Dr. Ricky Smith brings to our school can be seen every day as the school carries out the mission of “Teaching the whole child the whole truth.” We have a terrific group of parents that are supportive of our baseball program and coaching staff. They are always willing to help whenever and wherever it is needed and they are completely invested in their teenagers’ lives. Most of all, I enjoy competing side by side, every day with a great coaching staff and a group of kids that we genuinely care about both on and off the field. As coaches, we have a unique and rewarding opportunity to impact the lives of dozens of kids each season.
Personal Bio
Name: Steve Smith Jr.
Age: 34
Hometown: Granby, Massachusetts
Resides: Cataula, Georgia
Education: Business Administration Management, Troy University
Family: Married to Heather Smith; three children, Stephen III (14), Bradley (11), and Sydney (8)
Athletic background: Played four years of varsity baseball and two years of varsity basketball at Granby High School in Massachusetts. Played baseball in parts of two seasons at Holyoke Community College. Played two years in the semi-pro Independent Tri-County League.
Favorite past time: I look forward every year to spending time with my family on our summer beach vacations. I love anything with baseball. I watch most Red Sox games or any other MLB game that is on. I play in a Men’s Fall Baseball League, help coach Little League for my son Bradley’s team, and even play fantasy baseball.
Person you most admire: The person I most admire is my dad. He is one of the most consistent, patient, and godly men I have ever met. He has been a great example for me my entire life.
Columbus Valley/Sports Connection/April 2015
Steve Smith
Calvary Christian School
Columbus, Georgia
By Beth Welch
Photos by Beth Welch
