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player ready...Being called up to be the starting catcher on the varsity as a freshman might seem like an experience that would bring on some nerves.
For Oak Lawn’s Justin Canvin, however, it’s an escape from everything else that is scary about being a new high schooler.
“It’s a great feeling,” Canvin said. “Starting the first year of high school, you have all that stress with your grades, new teachers, everything new.
“Coming up and getting to play baseball on varsity, it’s so much fun.”
Canvin’s immediate success has made it even more enjoyable.
He came up big again Monday, producing three hits and setting the stage for Jack McGlynn’s walk-off double as the host Spartans outlasted Reavis 2-1 in an 11-inning South Suburban Red classic.
McGlynn threw 7 2/3 innings, allowing just one unearned run. He also delivered the winning hit for Oak Lawn (15-12, 12-5). Cristian Ruiz threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings for the victory.
Nathan Montalto was terrific on the mound for Reavis (16-15, 11-6), allowing just one run over 8 2/3 innings and striking out eight. Jose Gonzalez had an RBI double.
The Spartans maintained control of their own destiny for at least a share of the SSC Red title. They’re locked in a battle with Evergreen Park (20-9, 13-5) and the Rams with two games remaining — a Tuesday rematch with Reavis and a Thursday finale with Bremen.
McGlynn made sure Oak Lawn’s title hopes would stay high, ending the marathon game by ripping a double into the right-center gap.
“I’m lightheaded after all the pitching,” McGlynn said. “I’m dehydrated. All the emotions are going through me. Staying calm was definitely the biggest thing we needed to do to finish that one.
“I’ve been working on staying with it and hitting the ball to right side. It finally paid off. I’m glad I did it against Reavis.”
McGlynn’s heroics came after Canvin led off the inning with his third hit, a single. His courtesy runner, Christian Torres, scored the winning run.
“It was a great feeling,” Canvin said of his hit. “I was pumped. The second pitch was obviously a strike and I was like, ‘OK, this is the one I’m hitting.'”
McGlynn has come to expect big things from Canvin.
“Oh my God, I love this kid,” McGlynn said. “Justin stepped up in a big way. He’s a freshman coming up to the big leagues, and I wouldn’t want anyone else catching me. He’s a huge part of the team.
“His stick is hot, and behind the plate, he’s got a gun.”
Oak Lawn coach Bill Gerny
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called Canvin up to varsity a couple weeks into the season. Canvin missed some time after suffering a hand injury in mid-April, but everything else has gone smoothly.He’s hitting .533 while impressing with his defense behind the plate.
“He’s not your average freshman,” Gerny said. “He looks the part back there. He’s gunned a couple guys down out there. He frames the ball well.
“I forget he’s a freshman. Then I have to pinch myself and say, ‘I’ve got this guy for three more years.’ That’s a pretty good feeling because that’s the most important spot on the field.”
Canvin, who had a double which led to Oak Lawn’s first run in the fourth inning, hit in the third spot Monday in the Spartans’ lineup. He’s been given some big responsibilities, but he is prepared for them.
“I’ve been going to the cages a lot,” he said. “I ask my dad to flip to me and throw. I have a personal trainer on the side. I’m doing catching on the side.
“At first, I was a little bit shaky, but I’ve gotten used to it now.”
Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.