CULTIVATING GARDNER
Limited as a pitcher, senior takes over at first base for Lemont: ‘I knew I could still make an impact.’
Patrick Gardner had hoped to be one of Lemont’s top pitchers the last two seasons, but an injury derailed those plans.
While Gardner expects be involved with plenty of more pitching in his future, the senior lefthander has embraced his new role as a first baseman and key middleof-the-order hitter for Lemont.
“The coaches did a great job implementing me into the lineup at first base as a sophomore, and that definitely paid off when I couldn’t pitch,” Gardner said. “(Lemont coach Brian) Storako has told me, ‘Just focus on first base. You’re more valuable there.’
“We built on that, and I knew I could still make an impact on the team.”
Gardner, who plans to be a two-way player at Heartland Community College in Normal next year, has emerged as one of the top clutch hitters for Lemont (23-6). He’s hitting .320 with 27 RBIs.
“Whether he’s throwing on the mound, which he hasn’t done much this year, or swinging at the plate, he’s one of our leaders,” Storako said of Gardner. “He’s one of our captains. We know he’ll get the job done when we need him to.”
Gardner was shut down from pitching last season due to inflammation in his left elbow.
He returned to the mound this season but has only pitched sparingly.
“It’s definitely a little frustrating, but with how good our guys are pitching out there and the fact that we’re winning, that’s what matters,” Gardner said. “I’d love to get out on the mound, but if I can be productive at the plate and help the team that way, that’s what I’m going to focus on.”
That’s meant Gardner has had to go through a bit of a mental shift to take on the mindset of an everyday position player and hitter.
“At the plate, there’s so much going on and so much to think about,” Gardner said. “You’re not as in control of the game. You have to kind of let it come to you. That’s what I’m trying to do. I know how valuable I am to this team.
“The big thing was just staying even keeled and not getting too caught up in the injury and how