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Q&A with Eastern Illinois Commit Alex Stevenson (Lutheran South, 2016)

January 20, 2016

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Alex Stevenson (Lutheran South, 2016) is a 6-foot 165-pound right-handed pitcher and shortstop.  In 2015, he earned All-State honors in Class 4, batting .337 with three home runs and driving in 15 runs.  On the mound, he fanned 19 batters in 24-plus innings.  Recently, he committed to play baseball at Eastern Illinois.

Stevenson runs a 6.99 60 and has an exit velo of 91 mph.  Stevenson took an impressive round of batting practice at the Southeast Missouri Open ID in October. He showed power to both gaps, has an athletic step up with smooth load.  He has a level path with strong hands to extension.  He showed fast bat speed that was short to contact, running an a 4.38 home-to-first. 

On the infield, Stevenson has a strong high three quarters release, showed has range with a clean exchange.  Overall has athletic actions on the infield with a positional velo of 85 mph.

On the mound, Stevenson turned a good performance displaying command and velo at the Top Prospect Showcase in August. His fastball touched 87 mph, the top velo for the event, working 84-86 mph, some with late run, both sides of plate. Curveball 70-71 mph, 11-to-5 action, late movement with depth, change up, at 68 mph, late arm side sink, fastball arm speed.  Easy delivery, accelerated arm, loose arm action, stays inline, athletic off the mound, can defend position, throws with downhill tilt, three strikeouts during inning of work.

Here is a look inside the recruiting process for Alex Stevenson.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Stevenson: At first I didn’t know what to expect and didn’t really know where to begin.  I expected the process to be long and difficult but knew I had to have patience and an open mind.  I had to figure out not only what I wanted in a team but also as a student. After several visits I started to understand what I wanted as a student athlete.  I took my time to make my decision and had faith that when the right offer came I would know it.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Stevenson: Yes, location did play a factor.  At the request of my parents I was looking for schools within six hours of my home town. They want to make sure they will be able to continue to watch me play baseball.

PBR: Where did Eastern Illinois first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Stevenson: Coach Beemer first saw me on PBR.  The relationship developed by keeping in touch with him, attending camps/showcases, and visiting the school.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Stevenson: I have faced many great players over the years.  Together with my Lancers team we have found Westminster to be our biggest rival.  They have many great past and current players that form a great team like the LHSS Lancers.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Stevenson: My advice is to always work hard to master your skill, always keep a positive attitude, and be a leader on and off the field.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Stevenson: During the offseason I continue to work in the weight room as well as work with my pitching instructor, Lance Schuermann and my hitting instructor, Cameron Russell.  I also try to meet up with my teammates as often as possible to work on my agility and other baseball skills.  

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Stevenson: I have numerous memorable moments throughout my baseball career.  But I think my most memorable moments include all the incredible teammates, the camaraderie and friendships that have developed over the years.  I will also remember the awards that I have received, Honorable Mention All-State, Runner Up All Conference MVP, and 1st Team All-Conference this is not only a reflection of me as an individual but of the teammate that I am because of my coaches and teammates.    

PBR: What do you like most about Eastern Illinois and what were the key factors in making your decision? 

Stevenson: I am really impressed by the coaching staff at Eastern Illinois and their plans to develop a winning team of student athletes. They are not only focused on me as an athlete but as a student first.  They continuously contact me to see how everything is going and to encourage me to finish my Senior year strong.  I really like the fact that they have an academic advisor who specifically works with the baseball team. I am also looking forward to the competition that the EIU Panthers face it looks like it will be challenging but will help me to be a stronger player and teammate.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Stevenson: Parkland College, UCM, Missouri Valley, Lincoln, Lindenwood St. Charles, Belleville, and Longview College where some of the schools on my final list.  

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Stevenson: The recruiting process really started heating up for me at the end of high school ball my junior year.  I attended many showcases and camps over the summer as well. Attending the PBR showcases played a key role in my exposure to the numerous coaches that I had the privilege of speaking with during the process. 

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Stevenson: Our team this year will be really good. We have key pitchers, Noah Stone, Austin Cheeley, and Garrett Tiehes that I am confident will do well on the mound.  We will be strong defensively and offensively as we have many great hitters and fielders. A few of our key players to watch are Mark Melville, Sam Lombard, Andrew Torbeck as well as several others.  Our goals as a team will be to always work hard and play as a team.  We will be working hard to win state.  My personal goals are to get better every day and to be a leader to our team.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Stevenson: During the summer I play for the St. Louis Naturals coached by John Chambliss.  I have numerous experiences that I will remember from the years playing with this incredible team. My memories range from the out of town tournaments and playing whatever kind of version of baseball on the parking lots of the hotels to the lifelong friendships that were made to the coaches that were always their not only to teach us the game of baseball but life lessons as well. My most important memory is how we came together as a baseball family when we lost our teammate, Cameron Stewart to a horrific accident. We hang his jersey in the dugout for each and every game we play to remind us that he is always right there cheering and encouraging us to play our best as a team.  He was the biggest encourager and cheerleader when he was here on earth with us.

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