Oak Lawn’s Justin Canvin didn’t just move up in the batting order. He changed the tone.
Shifted into the leadoff spot, the senior shortstop immediately became a spark plug for the Spartans, setting the table and igniting the engine of a lineup that feeds off his energy.
“I batted third last year and had been second every game so far,” he said. “But I just felt like going to the leadoff meant more at-bats and more opportunities to score more runs.
“It’s good to be the person who lifts the team.”
Canvin provided that lift Monday, coming up with two extra-base hits and driving in four runs for the host Spartans in a 13-1 South Suburban Red win over crosstown rival Richards in five innings.
Senior outfielder Jack Dempsey added two hits and two RBIs for Oak Lawn (5-5, 1-1), while senior pitcher Eli Kulpinski earned the start and struck out eight. He allowed just two hits.
Junior pitcher Carter Gillen, who started on the mound, scored a run for Richards (5-4, 1-1). Senior outfielders Noah Escobedo and Jake Kirk each chipped in with a single.
An Illinois-Chicago recruit, Canvin drilled a two-run double during a five-run second inning for the Spartans. His two-run triple then punctuated a seven-run fourth.
“It’s the first time this year he batted leadoff,” Dempsey said of Canvin. “That’s a good spot for him because he’s the tone-setter for the team. If he’s clicking, we’re all going to be doing well.
“He has great leadership qualities not everyone is going to see. He holds the team together.”
More Top Picks Best Fitover Migraine Glasses
He also provided Kulpinski with cushion as Richards went up 1-0 in the top of the first.
“That double he had at the start was huge,” Kulpinski said of Canvin, who also scored twice. “It really gave us a boost of energy and got the whole team going.
“He’s a great teammate, on and off the field. He makes everyone better, just in the way he supports somebody who might be falling behind a little bit. He’s there for you no matter what.”
Canvin is perfectly suited for the leadoff spot.
“I’m more of a crafty hitter,” he said. “I’m not really a power hitter. I don’t have the build for that. I’m short and stocky, but I can still hit the ball, get it into the gaps and advance runners.
“I’ve really been seeing the ball well lately. I have a private coach in Addison who trains a lot of MLB players. Me, Jack, some of the other guys have gone there, worked out and gotten tips.”
Baseball is a passion Canvin shares with older brother Jake, an Oak Lawn alum who’s now an assistant coach for the Spartans. Their father, Mike, was a standout running back at Reavis.
Canvin started playing baseball at age 4 in the backyard with his brother. He matriculated through local travel teams, seeking out greater levels of competition.
His talent fuses perfectly with an intensely competitive nature.
“My dad gave me the mindset that I want to win no matter what,” Canvin said. “I hate losing. Some teams might be bigger or stronger, but that’s not always the team that wins.
“I’m creative like with my hitting, spraying singles or doubles and doing whatever I have to be the guy who leads.”
He’s also not afraid to show off a more experimental side. His grandmother owns a lake house, and he has become highly adept at water skiing.
“I’m a really big wakeboarder and I learned how to do tricks,” Canvin said. “I can’t risk injuries, but I like to have fun and still be safe. I’m not really selfish at all.
“I love when my team gets with me and everybody else is hitting. When we’re all making plays, hitting and everybody’s relaxed and loose, the game feels a lot more fun.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.