Stephen Malott Going for Gold at Canadian Softball Championships
Ridgetown's Stephen Malott Pitching for Highgate - Submitted Photo
From a small town pitchers mound, to a National stage, things are about to get interesting for Ridgetown’s Stephen Malott. The 15-year-old Ridgetown District High School student, and Highgate Junior Rocks pitcher recently won a provincial title with his Highgate team and has been selected to play for the Kitchener-Waterloo Colts at the Eastern Canadian Championships in Newfoundland this month.
Malott, who pitched in Highgate’s 8-3 win over Domville in the OASA provinical final, was noticed by the Kitchener-Waterloo squad after competing against them on multiple occasions this season, and now, the young pitcher is excited for his opportunity to win a National Championship,
“I felt very honoured that a team had noticed me and that I would have another chance to go play for gold at the Canadian Championships,” said Malott.
Malott’s stats have been impressive all season, pitching 137 innings recording 228 strikeouts, only 59 walks, and an ERA of 2.73. In five games at the Ontario Amateur Softball Association finals, Malott pitched 37 innings, striking out 49 batters and walking only 6.
Taking place in St. John’s, Newfoundland from August 25 to August 28, Malott recognizes that he’ll be a long way from Ridgetown and Highgate when he throws his first pitch, and that he’ll be facing unique challenges at the Eastern Canadian Softball Championships.
“It will definitely be a different atmosphere than playing in Highgate. My main focus will be to play at the top of my game and not let the team down.”
Malott, who is quickly becoming recognized as one of the top pitchers in the OASA, wants to continue building off his recent success,
“I would like to try getting a softball scholarship in the States or play men’s ball,” stated Malott.
Malott, who credited a slew of past coaches including Jeff Caron, Darrly Smith, Derek Edwards, and Rob Konecny for his softball success, also talked about his love for other aspects of sport, including umpiring, high school athletics, hockey, and possibly coaching in the future. Malott was also a member of Wallaceburg Lacrosse’s midget team this year and is considering playing Field Lacrosse this Fall.
According to Malott, he’s thankful for the opportunity he’s been given to compete at the Eastern Canadian Fastball Championships, and despite being only 15-years-old, he shows maturity in his recognition of the support he’s been given, and of the lessons he’s learned through sport, including eventually giving back to other young athletes through coaching.
“Well this tournament is a great place to show your skill and have fun,” said Malott about travelling to Newfoundland for the Canadian Championships this August.
“Sports have allowed me to meet many people, form many friendships, taught me to be responsible and to be a team player and I’ve gotten to travel to many places that I otherwise probably would never go to. Sports in general teach you many life lessons and skills that you will take with you all through life. I hope to always be involved in sports and know that I will be a coach when I get older.”
For Malott, this journey of success continues August 25 to August 28 as he competes with the Kitchener-Waterloo Colts at the Eastern Canadian Softball Championships in St. John’s, Newfoundland.