In every first at-bat, Mount Carmel’s Owen Morgan goes through a ritual he has developed.
It’s nothing fancy, either. Basically, in an effort to shake off any early nerves, the junior right fielder prefers a direct and aggressive approach for his first plate appearance of the game.
“I’m looking for that fastball over the middle and I’m trying to hit as hard as I can,” Morgan said. “My first time up, I just wanted to get the ball out there, get some runs and help the boys out.”
The boys of summer were back at it again Thursday for Mount Carmel.
Morgan was the best of the bunch, blasting a three-run double for the Caravan in a 6-4 victory over Andrew in a Do It Steve’s Way Tournament round-robin game at Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex in New Lenox.
Senior outfielder Logan Fernandez and senior infielder Joey Ireland also drove in runs for Mount Carmel (6-4). Senior right-hander Jake Matise (3-0) struck out two and scattered six hits.
Senior third baseman TJ McQuillan also made a spectacular catch with the bases loaded to thwart the Thunderbolts’ sixth-inning rally.
Senior catcher Nolan Kendall smashed a two-run triple to spark the comeback by Andrew (4-7). He also had a double. Junior outfielder Tyler Ipema also knocked in a run.
Morgan, meanwhile, managed to coax a walk to add to his stats. But it was his bases-clearing drive in the first inning that gave the Caravan an early 4-0 lead.
“Those early runs really helped us because it demoralized the other team,” Matise said. “Morgan’s done a great job of coming in and finding his role, in the outfield and at the plate.
“He has been really focused with his quality at-bats.”
Fernandez, who plays center field, has developed a rapport with Morgan.
“He’s one of my favorite juniors,” Fernandez said. “I love having him out there with me in right field. We can talk about anything.
“The game would have been completely different if he didn’t get that double in the first inning. He’s a great guy and the coaches have put a lot of faith in him by giving him that big spot.”
Making his varsity debut this season, Morgan has been both instrumental and highly versatile. He has toggled between playing left and right field while working as a relief pitcher.
Morgan, who bats left-handed, understands the motivation, strategy and psychology of baseball.
“If I’m down 2-1 on the count, then I’m throwing a fastball to get a strike,” he said. “That’s what I noticed up at the plate and how I was able to do some damage. Otherwise, to be honest, I don’t try to think too much about my swing when I’m up there.
“I just like swinging the bat.”
Morgan was a reserve defensive end on Mount Carmel’s undefeated Class 8A state championship football team.
Being in the presence of multiple Division I athletes in two sports, he has been drawn to studying the habits and preparation of their approach, mentality and work ethic.
“Just playing with all of these guys who are going to some big schools gives you a perspective of what the game’s supposed to look like,” Morgan said. “It helps the younger guys feed off that.
“At Mount Carmel, success is contagious. Everybody’s competitive and everybody wants to win. Football or baseball, if I have guys pushing me to be like them, that helps everybody out.”
Having an affable, open personality allows Morgan to flourish under any circumstances.
“I’m probably a little different around the coaches, but I like to have fun with the boys,” he said. “I’m facing great arms and live at-bats in practice every day. Now, it’s all second nature.
“When you’re out there and the team’s cheering you on, there’s no feeling like that.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
