Tuesday’s New Era will feature a story about Josh Stevens, who is slated to start the second game of the season against the Road Warriors on Saturday.
Seven months have passed since Stevens lifted the Barnstormers into the Atlantic League championship series. That magical night instantly became one of his fondest memories.
“It was overwhelming,” Stevens recalled. “It was like a dream.”
Barnstormers fans know the line by now: 8 2/3 innings, 7 hits, 2 runs, 12 strikeouts. With pinpoint control and a baffling curveball, Stevens vanquished the Atlantic City Surf.
When he joined the Barnstormers in September, Stevens thought it was just another assignment in a 10-year pro career that has seen him bounce around to every level of the minors and five independent leagues.
It turned out this situation was different.
“I didn’t know what the atmosphere was like,” he said. “You never know when you walk into a clubhouse what you’re going to get. The guys were just unbelievable. The coaching staff was unbelievable. The fans were unbelievable.”
Stevens was the Barnstormers’ most impressive starter in camp. He pitched four strong innings in Monday’s loss against Somerset and he appears poised for an excellent season.
Still, he’ll be hard-pressed to duplicate that gem he threw against Atlantic City.
“It was probably the most memorable and the best game I’ve ever pitched,” Stevens said.
For more, check out the New Era.
