Goddard star commits to UNM
Albuquerque is starting to seem a lot more appealing to Cameron Stevenson these days.
First, Stevenson helped the Goddard Rockets capture a Class 5A state baseball championship at Isotopes Park in May. It came after the Rockets had suffered three painful championship-game losses over the previous three seasons.
Then, Stevenson visited UNM’s Lobo Field for a summer tournament last weekend. Suffice it to say the trip from Roswell turned out well.
A few days later Stevenson, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound infielder/ pitcher, committed to play baseball at the University of New Mexico starting in 2018-19.
“(UNM coach Ray Birmingham) came out to watch us last weekend and I had a really good game,” Stevenson said. “He talked with my coach afterward and it all kind of fell together from there. I got a chance to see some of UNM’s facilities, then I talked with coach Birmingham and he said, ‘Let’s make you a Lobo.’ I’m really excited about it.”
Stevenson, who hit .405 and played numerous positions as a junior for the Rockets last season, announced his commitment via Twitter on Wednesday night. “Future looks bright as a UNM Lobo,” he posted.
The announcement figures to simplify things for the versatile Stevenson during his upcoming senior year. In addition to baseball, Stevenson started at quarterback for Goddard’s football team last season.
Stevenson said he enjoys the variety of playing multiple positions and multiple sports, but the idea of playing baseball for the Lobos has long been at the back of his mind.
“Growing up I went to a few UNM baseball camps,” he said. “When I was 15, coach Birmingham watched me hit and told me he liked what he saw. That pumped me up a little bit and got me thinking about playing there someday.”
What position Stevenson might play as a Lobo remains to be seen. He was a first-team All-State selection at third base last season but played shortstop during Goddard’s impressive postseason run. Stevenson has also played outfield and pitched. He expects to take the mound frequently for the Rockets next season.
“I like pitching,” he said, “and I like the hot corner, but shortstop is probably my favorite position,” Stevenson said. “You’re kind of captain of the infield and get a lot of balls hit at you. I like that. I’d love to play shortstop in college, but we’ll see. I’ll play wherever they want me.”