PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Stephen Ball

This week’s All Star Baseball Academy Player of the Week Award goes to Stephen Ball, a pitcher and third baseman for ASBA West Chester’s 16U Team. Stephen is coached by Kevin McGrath, who has produced a number of POTW Award winners. Stephen is going to be a junior at Malvern Prep High School, where he is also a pitcher and third baseman.



In his lone start the weekend of the 30th, Stephen went the distance for the 16U squad. He allowed just one run in the effort, leading the team to the win. He recorded 5 strikeouts while scattering 7 hits, and gave up just one walk.



“I’ve been taking lessons with Scott Grimes for 3 years, and he’s really helped me improve my power when I hit,” Stephen said when asked about his experience with All Star. “I’ve been taking pitching lessons with Dave Slusser as well, and he’s really helped me with my changeup, which is the off speed pitch I use most now. I thought we did very well as a team, we did make some mental mistakes, but overall we did well as a team. It’s an honor to be nominated because we have a lot of talent on our team. I really wanted to work on pitching this summer.”



Coach McGrath was very pleased with Stephen’s success for the weekend.

“Stephen did a good job,” said McGrath. “He battled for us and threw strikes. He’s a real hard worker and a great teammate, and he’s got great work ethic.”



Stephen’s dad has been pleased not only by his son’s play, but by the coaches as well, saying that “I thought Kevin and his other coaches did a great job with the boys this summer. They focused on development, making sure the kids improved on their primary positions. Lessons with Dave Slusser have helped tremendously. They have been a big positive for us, along with hitting lessons with Kevin. We’ve been training with All Star for years, and we’ve been pleased with this team. The coaches have been positive in the games as well, keeping their cool and not yelling.”



Stephen and the 16U squad are done playing for the summer, but be sure to keep an eye out for him this Fall and in the Spring.