Slugging Away for Southampton
May 15, 2010 by Al Roach
Matt Christopher of Southampton, NJ started his training prior to the 2009 season and continues to work at it every week with Al. After just a few sessions, Matt caught on and started slugging the ball with authority to deep parts of the park. Shortly later he slammed his first home run of the season followed by another and another and another. In 2009, Matt (8 yrs old) blasted 16 home runs from spring through fall. Just as 2009 was successful, 2010 is starting off on a hot note. Matt’s team, the 9 year old Southampton Warriors, traveled to Cal Ripken stadium the weekend of May 1st. The tournament consisted of 12 teams. Over the course of the weekend, their record was 6-0. Their team record is now 11-1. On this team Matt is 21 for 32 giving him a .656 avg. He has 3 doubles a triple and a home run. Matt Christopher took home the tournament M.V.P. as I expected nothing less of him. He has the ability to dominate in every game that he plays.
Through 20 games between two teams, Matt is 34 for 55, leaving him with a .620 batting average. He has 8 doubles, 3 triples and 2 home runs.
The scouting report on Matt is simple:
Good size. Flexible and quick. Plays hard every game. Fast hands – Great eye hand coordination. Has the best mental approach out of any 9 year old. Has confidence and relaxation down pat. Powerful swing. Strong arm with good arm slot. Has 4.5 out of the 5 tools. May develop in to a dominate pitcher as well. Needs to listen a little bit better in minor areas.
Matt’s teammate Ryan Graham started at We Drop Bombs in early January and so far this season he is 25 for 35 in 12 games played. His average is .714, but that’s not the most impressive stat. Not only does he have 14 extra base hits but 10 of them are triples, leaving the remaining 4 to doubles. Ten triples in 12 games has to be a record. I’ve never heard of that before.
Cole Shontz is hitting .581. He is 18 for 31 so far with 1 double and 2 triples.
On another team, Christopher’s teammate Hunter Klein is also pounding the ball, hitting .625 with 3 doubles, a triple and a home run.
On the 12-U team John DeSantis is hitting .480 with 3 doubles, 1 home run and 14 rbi’s. Conner Klein is hitting .437 with 3 doubles, a home run and 8 rbi’s. Devon Gilbert is hitting .444 and Garrett Merski is hitting .429. Andrew Warren is also hitting .350.
