MURRAY, Utah – Making clutch plays is what
Cam Howe does best.
Howe, a senior, gets it done for
Murray everywhere on the baseball field. He leads a defense that yields just 3.7 runs per game as its starting shortstop and No. 1 pitcher. Howe is undefeated on the mound so far this season, posting an 8-0 record, and has the second best record among all Class 4A pitchers.
His contributions have made a huge impact in helping the Spartans win their first outright region title in a decade and first shared title since 2009.
Howe relishes being on the mound because he understands how fast a strong pitching performance can build momentum.
Came Howe, Murray
Photo by John Coon
"I like being in control," Howe said. "The spotlight is on you. Your teammates expect you to get the job done. When the pressure is on, I feel like I can step up."
It's easier knowing he isn't on an island or a lone soldier out there. Howe gets plenty of help from his defense and a ton of run support when Murray steps up to the plate.
The Spartans have won 12 consecutive games going into the Class 4A Tournament this week, and it has not been a product of good luck.
Murray has averaged 9.7 runs per game this season, outscoring opponents by an average of six runs per contest. Opponents have a hard time keeping pace on the scoreboard because the Spartans simply keep them from scoring. Only four teams have managed to score more than four runs in a game against Murray this season.
Once again, it is Howe taking center stage in leading the defense. When he is not on the mound, he is making plays at shortstop. Howe loves being baseball's equivalent of a quarterback in helping the Spartans to impose their defensive will on opponents.
"You're in control of the whole field," Howe said. "With pitching, you're in your own little zone. At shortstop, you're the leader out there on the field. You have a chance to be a play-maker. Make the plays you would see on TV. That's fun for me."
Howe's positive attitude makes him a natural leader for Murray. He is also a perfect choice for such a role, as far as Spartans coach Marce Wilson is concerned.
Wilson said Howe is the type of pitcher that keeps a defense involved and sharp because of his accuracy. He knows how to keep a ball in the strike zone. That means more strikeouts and it also means fewer errors because his teammates are more ready to field potential hits.
Howe works hard and exudes confidence in every start. That attitude trickles down through the rest of the team according to Wilson.
"What rubs off on them is the desire to win more than anything," Wilson said. "His desire to win is contagious."
Howe faces a tough choice once his high school career ends this month. His athletic excellence is not limited to baseball. Westminster College, an NAIA school in Salt Lake City, is recruiting Howe to play for its mens golf team. Howe has also drawn interest from several in-state schools for baseball, but he is weighing his options.
His decision will come down to what is the best fit for him academically. All things being equal, though, baseball will always be his first choice in the world of sports.
"Baseball is my first love," Howe said. "I didn't pick up golf until I was 12 or 13. I've been playing baseball since I was five. It's just going to be whatever comes my way. I've got some time to decide."
If he does decide to pursue playing college baseball, Wilson thinks Howe has potential to also be a star at the next level.
"He just needs to make the decision on which sport he wants to choose," Wilson said. "I've always said whoever gets him in baseball will be lucky and be fortunate to have him."
John Coon has covered prep sports in Utah since 2004. He previously worked as a prep sports reporter at the Salt Lake Tribune for 2 1/2 years and then spent 3 1/2 years as a prep sports reporter with the Deseret News. He can be contacted at john_coon@hotmail.com.
