Journey is the institutional magazine of Carson-Newman University. Journey tells stories of Carson-Newman students, faculty and alumni of the University.
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/50035
velocity went up. We knew he had a fu- ture because his velocity (on the fastball) climbed during his college career to the low 90s." While developing on the field, Cishek also began growing spiritually, thanks to involvement with Fellowship of Chris- tian Athletes on campus. Cishek said that though he didn't attend church very much while in high school, he found himself be- coming involved with worship opportuni- ties at FCA, as well as the baseball team's Bible studies. "I started hanging out with Christians a lot more my sophomore and junior years," said Cishek. "They never seemed to get frustrated with things; they were happy." It was this influence that led to an April 21, 2006 decision by the C-N ball player to dedicate his life to Christ. "[The decision] was something I was thinking about," he said. me." "I had a lot of friends praying for Cishek found encouragement from such professors as Drs. Jean Love '83 and Mela- nie Hodgson as he developed as a student. This support only helped to solidify his decision to complete his college educa- tion. Carson-Newman degree. "I had him in several classes," said Love, an associate professor of physical education. "Even though he was draſted, he would continue to come back, determined to fin- ish his degree. It is really nice to see Steve have this kind of success. He is a genuinely nice person and very unassuming, but he does have a passion for baseball and has worked hard at his craſt." Such passion was key this season to Cis- hek's Marlins record of not allowing a run in the first 16 innings of his Major League career. (The stretch included three games at the end of last year.) I feel like we are spoiled here. I WAS USED TO CLEANING MY OWN CLEATS. - Steve Cishek "He seems composed and confident with what he is doing," said Florida catcher John Buck, an All-Star with Toronto in 2010. "He has elbows and body parts com- ing at you. It is kind of funky." Miami pitching coach Randy St. Claire, agrees with Buck's assessment. "He has an unusual arm angle. He throws from the side, which is tough on right-handed batters. He has a good fastball that has good movement. He has done a good job for us," championed St. Claire. "He works hard. He is very focused in doing his job. He made a big quick jump last year. I see no reason why he wouldn't have a shot at making the team out of spring training in 2012." In December 2008, he received his Playing in the Majors has had elements he's had to adjust to, admits Cishek. "I feel like we are spoiled here," he said. "I was used to cleaning my own cleats." He remembers taking a bus ride of about 12 hours to Florida when he was in college to play Florida Southern. Now he flies on chartered jets and stays in five-star hotels. "Being at Carson-Newman taught me hu- mility." The C-N alumnus says he recognizes the opportunity he's been afforded. "I don't go out (late at night), so I eliminate that temptation. Cishek says that MLB players are paid well, but that he is cautious with what he earns. better car," he noted. "Someday I may have a "But I am trying to be smart with my money." JOURNEY fall 2011 15 In 2012, the Marlins will move into a new stadium in the Little Havana section of Miami. It's Cishek's goal to be there to help usher in a new era in Marlins base- ball. With building on his success and reputation, being the closer for the future Marlins is not out of the question. "He has nasty stuff," said Marlins catcher Brett Hayes, who's been impressed by his teammate. "[Steve] comes right aſter hit- ters. He is fun to catch, but not fun to hit. He was lights out last year and that is a tes- tament to his work ethic. He works hard and deserves what he gets." David Driver is a freelance writer who has covered pro baseball for 20 years. He resides in suburban Maryland. Denis Bancroft, Marlins