Just has emerged as a leader on and off the field for the 'Jackets. Photo by Drue Sokol, Photo Editor.
With a team-leading four home runs, 36 hits and a slugging percentage of .424, senior Steve Just is the kind of hitter pitchers have nightmares about and that coaches covet in the late innings of close games. A star player since his freshman year, when he batted .343, Just lit up the Saints’ pitching in game two of a doubleheader on Saturday, April 9, going 4-for-6 with three RBIs to fuel a 12-1 victory.
Game one of the doubleheader was the first time the team’s been shut out this season. What might you attribute to the offensive struggle?
Game one was just one of those games where we couldn’t get much going offensively. A game like that every once in awhile is not uncommon in baseball. I think we did a good job of putting it behind us and staying positive in game two.
The team has scored in nearly every game. Is there someone who consistently sparks offensive rallies?
Our offense is at its best when everyone is involved. It doesn’t matter who is in the lineup, we know we can get the job done and we feed off each other.
Does your team have a rival school you hope to defeat later this season?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is always a fun team to play because we are usually two of the top teams in the Liberty League. We will be playing them at home this weekend, and a series win would help us on our way to the post season.
Do you have a favorite MLB team and player?
I am a lifelong Mets fan. Since I grew up as a catcher, Mike Piazza was always my favorite player.
What are your hopes for the team this season?
Our goal for this season is to put ourselves in a position to win the Liberty League Tournament. After that, we would advance to the NCAA regionals, which would be a first in my four years here.
Bernstein is a member of
the class of 2014.
