Sharts family still baseball fixture

Thirty years ago, Scott Sharts set a Southern Section home run record at Simi Valley High with 32 for his career. His nephew, Owen, got a chance to pitch to Uncle Scott during the alumni baseball game in January.

Serving as the catcher was Brady Miles, whose mother, Shannon, is Sharts’ sister. And watching from the sideline was pitcher Jack Hodgins, whose mother, Stacy, is another Sharts sister.

So there were Sharts family members on the mound, at the plate, at catcher and in the dugout. The historic moment did not go unnoticed.

“It was big talk for a long time,” Owen said. “It was a big at-bat in the making. I wasn’t allowed to throw him any off-speed pitches. He might have fallen over.”

There were no repercussions for Owen striking out Scott. “It was all fun and he’s proud of me,” Owen said.

Said Scott: “It’s pure enjoyment to watch and see family members coming through.”

Owen Sharts, the son of Scott’s twin brother, Stuart, has become one of the top pitchers in Southern California. A Nevada signee who’s 6 feet 2 and 185 pounds, Sharts is 5-1 with an 0.75 earned-run average. He has 56 strikeouts in 37 innings, has given up only 19 hits and walked seven batters. He’s throwing his fastball consistently in the low 90s, an improvement that has attracted the attention of pro scouts.

“That’s part of me getting into the weight room, and strengthening the lower half,” he said. “The development of my changeup is a real key.”

His curveball is also effective, because he can throw it slow or hard for strikes. Scott went on to hit 51 home runs and set a school record at Cal State Northridge. Oldest brother Steve was a standout pitcher for Simi Valley in 1982.

The fact that the Sharts are so ingrained in the community decades later speaks to their commitment to Simi Valley and the friendships they’ve maintained.

“It’s fun playing with your cousins,” Owen said.

“It’s nice having my cousin behind the plate. It’s an easy relationship to have.”

The other day, former Simi Valley coach Mike Scyphers showed up to a game against Camarillo. He coached Steve and Scott. He told the story of not knowing who Owen was, then watching a pitcher throw long toss.

“I went, ‘Whoa,’ ” Scyphers said.

He immediately knew it was Owen Sharts.

There have been no consequences for Owen striking out Scott.

“It was just a good family day and fun to face somebody who has taught everything you know,” Owen said.

But Scott warns to watch out for the rematch.

“I can still hit a little bit,” he said.

Big days

Chazz Martinez of Corona del Mar hit three home runs against Costa Mesa.

Charlie Rocca of Verdugo Hills hit two home runs and finished with nine runs batted in against North Hollywood. Rocca has 10 home runs this season.

Andrew Lucas of Camarillo had home runs Friday and Saturday, giving him eight this season.

MVP

Montana is feeling good after future guard Eddy Egun from El Camino Real was selected most valuable player of the Collision AllStar basketball game Saturday. He scored 20 points.