Montclair State University senior catcher Zach Stearns has wasted little time making an impact this season, swinging a hot bat early and giving the Red Hawks a reliable presence in their lineup.
Throughout the opening leg of the year, Stearns has been raging hot with nine hits, one home run and 10 RBIs. He has been providing steady production offensively, and his ability to deliver competitive at-bats has allowed the lineup to find a groove.
Stearns currently ranks third on the team in OPS, trailing only junior infielder Billy Tigar and junior outfielder/infielder Jared Levis, who both bat over .400. With the top of the order producing early, this trio has formed a strong offensive core for the Red Hawks.
Zach Stearns's hot start at the plate this season earned him the NJAC Player of the Week award in week two. Photo courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
In Stearns’s case, the strong start comes from a focused approach at the plate with a greater emphasis on preparation. Due to his stance being so close to the plate, opposing pitchers frequently challenge him inside to get weaker contact.
Recognizing that inside pitching has been something Stearns has worked to improve upon heading into the season. It has brought him considerable success thus far.
“I just feel comfortable,” said Stearns. “I feel like seeing the sliders has been helping, but I have just been really on the inside fastball. I usually get pitched inside since I am always looking outside and standing on top of the plate, so I kind of just changed the peripheral, and I am seeing the ball really well.”
That approach has also played a role in another storyline surrounding the senior catcher. On March 11, Stearns became Montclair State’s all-time leader in hit-by-pitches.
While most hitters instinctively try to avoid getting plunked, Stearns has always embraced the physical side of hitting and understands that reaching base by any means benefits the team. Stearns broke the record in a game in which he was hit by a pitch three times.
Montclair State catcher Zach Stearns now holds the program record for career hit-by-pitches. Photo courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
“I’ve got a personal goal to break the all-time hit-by-pitch record,” stated Stearns early in the year. “It’s funny, but it means something to me.”
Beyond his offensive production and love for free bags, Stearns has taken on a leadership role and wants to help the younger catchers on the roster. He has worked closely with sophomore Jaxon Grant and junior Joey Nolan as they continue to develop their skills at one of the most demanding positions on the field.
Catching requires strong communication with the pitchers and the ability to manage the flow of the game defensively, which is exactly why he takes pride in helping the younger players learn those responsibilities.
“Those catchers are kind of attached at the hip at all times,” said head coach Dave Lorber. “Zach’s always been a guy that has been viewed as never being out of the fight, and I think that once the younger guys see that, it’s obviously good for the culture inside the dugout.”
That leadership will be especially important as the Red Hawks wrap up non-conference play in the coming weeks. Montclair State will continue to push forward into an already successful start, with Stearns at the head of the charge.
