When Justin Smoak steps up to bat, a certain anxiety creeps into the hearts of opposing pitchers. This is one player who can really hit and, unless you throw him something completely random, hit it is exactly what he will do.th round of the 2005 draft, to pursue his college education at the University of South Carolina. 

Smoak began playing baseball when he was only 4 years old at Crowfield in his hometown of Goose Creek, South Carolina. "They called it Angel Ball back in the day," said Smoak. "Kind of a step before t-ball."

Unlike some players who have played a myriad of sports, baseball has always been Smoak’s favorite. "I love everything about it, basically," he said. "It’s a fun game and it’s played at the perfect time of year." 

Smoak continued his baseball career throughout his school days, testing out various field positions before settling on first base in high school. He likes it because, as he puts it, "most first basemen can hit."

Hitting is an integral aspect of Smoak’s talent, one he has been honing through the years. "Me and my dad would go to the ball field after work and work on hitting," he said, noting that hitting became a primary strength as that practice paid off.

Smoak’s parents, Keith and Debbie, were instrumental in supporting their son’s athletic interest, having already had experience with his brother, David, who played baseball for Presbyterian College. 

When Smoak learned in the fall that he had been invited to play for the Cape League, he was thrilled. "I was so excited," he said. "The Cape League is an awesome league. It’s a big honor to play here."

What Smoak likes best about playing on the Kettleers is the competition. "I get to come up against pitchers who throw in the upper 80s to 90," said Smoak. "Every day it’s a new challenge and it prepares me for challenges I may face in the future."

Smoak hopes that future includes playing in the Majors, especially for his favorite team, the Atlanta Braves. 

With the impressive stats he brings with him, the Majors may be an attainable dream. Smoak was one of only 36 high school players in the nation to play in the 2005 All American Baseball Game and was named to the 2004 and 2005 South Carolina AAAA All State team. He passed up an opportunity to play for the Oakland A’s, a team he was selected for in the 16

Even if a professional playing career eludes him, he would like to remain involved in baseball as a hitting coach or a head coach for a Division I college. In the meantime, Smoak plans to savor every moment with the Kettleers, especially the moments when he hits one out of the park. 

By Kathleen Szmit Manwaring
kmanwaring@barnstablepatriot.com