Junior right-hander Kobe Jordan had every intention of being Providence’s next great slugger.
There was only problem with that concept.
“Quite honestly, I just didn’t hit the ball very well,” Jordan said, smiling. “I found pitching to be very calming and a lot less stressful, and that just helped me throw to the best of my ability.”
Jordan put those abilities on display Wednesday against Lincoln-Way East.
He pitched a gem of a game, striking out seven and giving up no runs on four hits and two walks in five innings as the host Celtics pulled out a 2-1 nonconference win in New Lenox.
Junior designated hitter John Cullen chipped in with an RBI single for Providence (11-9), while senior outfielder Sammy Atkinson also scored a run. Sophomore reliever Mason Almazan coaxed a shallow fly out with a runner at third to end the game.
Sophomore infielder Keegan Crabtree came through with two hits and scored a run for the Griffins (18-2). Junior outfielder Case Templin and senior infielder Tyler Hudik added doubles.
Jordan (3-0), meanwhile, starred in helping snap Lincoln-Way East’s seven-game winning streak.
“I think Kobe’s biggest thing recently has just been pounding the zone with that great breaking ball to keep hitters off-balance,” Atkinson said. “He was a little hesitant at the beginning of the season.
“But now, he does nothing but believe in himself.”
Providence coach Mark Smith feels the turning point came during a spring break trip to Louisville.
“He threw very well against one of the better teams in the country,” Smith said. “I think that’s where he began to understand he could compete at this level. He’s growing up and learning.
“His development is great to watch, and now, the sky’s the limit.”
The metaphor perfectly fits the 6-foot-5 Jordan, who casts an imposing figure on the mound.
“Being so tall, the ball just comes out at a really good angle at the hitters,” Jordan said. “I also feel like it’s very intimidating for them when they see me.”
His fastball has been timed at 91 mph. His slider is his other go-to pitch.
“A lot of the teams I’ve pitched against say they can hit the fastball,” he said. ”When it comes time to actually do it, I’ve found my fastball catches them off guard and I locate it very well.
“I think teams struggle with that.”
In his first varsity season, Jordan has learned how to navigate the intricacies required from the position. He threw strikes on 48 of his 91 pitches against Lincoln-Way East.
“At the beginning of the season, I was really bad with walks and getting kids on base,” he said. “Now when I do that, I know what to do in those situations and keep them where they are.”
Growing up in Joliet, he was originally drawn to the game with the encouragement of his mother.
“Outside of baseball, I’m a big video game player and also watch a lot of TV shows,” Jordan said. “I’m shy when it comes to other people, but I’m outgoing when I start talking to other people.
“I’ve made great friends on the baseball team.”
Atkinson, for one, has watched Jordan blossom in the company of the older players.
“He’s a great team guy who is always getting up there in the dugout and shouting out to guys,” Atkinson said. “You couldn’t ask for anyone better.”
Jordan called pitching both an emotionally vulnerable and exhilarating position. He takes every hit he surrenders personally.
“I could go out of a game in the fifth inning giving up one run and still feel like I didn’t do my best,” he said. “I was born with that competitiveness. As a pitcher, you have to hate losing more than you love winning.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
