After switch to baseball, Smith in full swing

Kevan Smith was caught up in spring football practice at this time last year. But Smith wasn’t… Kevan Smith was caught up in spring football practice at this time last year. But Smith wasn’t on the sideline this Saturday at the Blue-Gold football scrimmage at Heinz Field.

That’s because Smith is done with football.

As the 2008 season came to a close, Smith found himself a third-string quarterback on the Panthers and didn’t see a great chance at getting time the next year. He moved on. The 6-foot-3 redshirt sophomore from Cranberry Township picked up a baseball bat for the first time in three years, and, judging by the way he’s played for Pitt so far this year, he hasn’t missed a beat.

Smith has started 12 of the team’s 30 games so far in 2009, batting .283 with nine RBIs and one home run.

His team is currently 17-13 (4-8 Big East), with 21 games left in the regular season before the Big East tournament.

But Smith wasn’t sure exactly how it would all work out. He didn’t know if he could still play the game at such a high level. Now, most of his doubts have been extinguished.

‘I really didn’t think I was going to do anything coming into the season,’ said Smith. ‘But I really feel I’m contributing to my team right now.’

Such a long time away from the game had an initial effect on Smith, but as the season’s rolled on, he’s gotten more comfortable.

‘Three years of not touching a bat was hard,’ said Smith. ‘But I’ve been hitting well the past couple games.’

Even though Smith hasn’t forgot about the pigskin, he is completely committed to the game of baseball. Still, he is reminded of the game he left behind every day.

‘My roommates are all on the football team,’ said Smith. ‘So I hear about [football] all the time.’

Hearing his friends talk about spring practice brings back memories for Smith, but also reminds him that he’s committed to his new sport.

‘I guess I miss football a little,’ said Smith. ‘But I’m in the full swing of baseball right now.’

Smith has wanted to be a winner his entire life, and now he’s winning in ways he hadn’t expected. He’s done with football, and he wants his future to be all about baseball.

‘I definitely want to be involved in baseball down the road,’ said Smith. ‘My first goal is to win a Big East championship. Then my goal is to get drafted.’

If Smith continues to improve, he might get that chance. His decision to switch sports changed his life, and now he has time to reflect on one of the biggest decisions he’s ever made.

‘I’m having a lot of fun,’ said Smith. ‘I don’t regret it at all.’

Nor should he. Right now, Smith is helping his team win, and that’s all he’s ever wanted to do.