Clearing fences no problem for CHS slugger

It’s official, Lily McCormick has hit more home runs for Central High softball than any other player in school history. She’s hit 22 in her career (so far) and has 10 this season alone. McCormick is a junior. Photo by Lance Masterson.

Erin Cole knows how she’d pitch Lily McCormick, the Panthers’ newly crowned all-time leader in home runs by a softball player.

“She’s a hard hitter to face,” Cole acknowledged. “Keep it low and away. Attack her like that.”

Such an approach may slow McCormick down, but chances are it won’t stop her.

“Lily is able to go down and get that pitch,” Cole admitted.

Like Cole, opposing pitchers haven’t figured out a way to silence McCormick’s bat. Which explains why she had 10 home runs this season, and 22 for her career.

The school’s old mark of 19 home runs was set by Cole in 2018. So the former slugger turned pitching coach had a dugout view when the new queen of diamond was crowned.

“I was excited for Lily, and that was such a cool moment to be a part of because I feel like a lot of people don’t get to be a part of a record being broken, especially if it’s theirs,” Cole said. “But, yeah, I was so proud of her at that moment.”

The chance to pursue history caught McCormick off guard. She wasn’t giving the record much thought until she learned she was within reach of it. Then she was all in.

“When I realized how many home runs I had, then it became a goal to break the record this year,”McCormick said. “It’s pretty exciting. I never even expected it.”

So, how does her coach, Wes Seidel, explain this surge in production?

“I don’t think it’s more power. I think it’s a better batting eye,” Seidel said. “Lily hasn’t chased as many pitches this year. She’s putting more balls in play.”

When McCormick does this, when she puts the ball in play, good things happen.

“Lily is so strong, and has really quick hands,” Seidel said. “(She) attacks pitches really well, and is our most aggressive hitter. If there’s a pitch that she thinks she can hit, she doesn’t lay off (it).”

This season McCormick adopted a more restrained approach at the plate. She no longer swings for the fences.

“I’m focusing on hitting line drives,” she said. “And if they go over, they go over.”

It’s a mantra her coaches chanted to her all season.

“We’ve been working with her, telling her that if you just put the ball in play it’s going to travel a long ways, you know. You put good bat on it and it’s going to go,” Seidel said. “She’s really bought into this, and she’s trying to go to all fields. She’s worked on her craft a lot this season.”

While most of her fence-clearers are line drives, others are worthy of a second look.

“Some of the home runs were like moon shots, and I’m like, wow, that went pretty far,” she said.

With another year of eligibility, McCormick career total could exceed 30, if she enjoys similar production next year. What’s more, every time she clears the fences she sets a new school record. But that’s not what’s on her mind when she steps to the plate.

“I have to do my job for the team. Just get on base and score runs,” she said.

McCormick, who is also the team’s top pitcher, is a big reason why a young Panthers team advanced to the Class 5A state playoffs as a 15th seed.

“We are super proud of this group and the work they put in this year,” Seidel said earlier. “We are excited to get the opportunity to extend our season.”

The Panthers (7-11, 13-13 overall) won three of their last four games to remain in the playoff chase.

Matilda Miller and Brielle Lowry are the team’s only seniors.

Central fell to Bend, 6-1, in the playoff opener. The Lava Bears have since advanced to Saturday’s state title game against Lebanon.