By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
After taking a year off, Alan Swain is back in the game as the former Pam Pack pitcher will be playing for the Lenoir Community College Lancers next season.
After graduating from Washington High School in 2006, Swain went on to star at Craven CC, and will now join a Lancers team that was the runnerup in the 2008 NJCAA Div. II College World Series.
After posting a 9-2 record at Craven CC in 2007, the crafty lefty took a season off to reevaluate his playing career and to get in shape. At the time Swain wasn’t 100 percent sure it was the right move, today he is more sure about it than ever.
The hurler’s efforts have paid off as Swain now stands 6-3, 190. While the former Pam Pack star has developed his body, he has also developed a solid changeup to aid his fastball and curveball.
Swain said that while at Craven CC, his coaches stressed the importance of the off-speed pitch. The lefty has paid so much attention to perfecting it that he now touts it as his best pitch.
With a solid changeup, Swain should be headed toward another solid season. Along with a fastball that has been recently clocked in the low 80s, Swain throws a curveball and changeup that register in the low to mid 70’s. Having a consistent 10 mile per hour differential between pitches is a very effective way to get batters out.
While at Lenoir CC, Swain said he plans on majoring in physical education with hopes that one day he can be an athletic director and baseball coach.
Swain has already donned the skipper hat, as he currently coaches the Washington 15U Babe Ruth All-Stars.
Swain said he has been pleased with his team’s effort, and proud of the way they practice.