Lobos’ Butler dominates in career finale

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Copper Basin News

Hayden senior Steven Butler struck-out 16 hitters in an extra-innings win over Mesa Prep last week. The Lobos won in eight innings, 8 – 7. Butler, a four-year varsity player, pitched a complete game to earn the victory in his last outing as a Lobo.

The 16 strikeouts are a new career high. His previous high was 13.

“Yeah, I did,” Butler answered when asked if he felt differently in his final start than previous outings. “I just felt better that day.”

Even though he was disappointed that the Lobos did not reach the state playoffs this year, Butler is grateful for his time in the Lobos’ baseball program.

“Since my freshman year I’ve learned a lot and my coaches have taught me a lot,” Butler said. “I became a better all-around baseball player. I’ve also learned to help younger kids on and off the field.”

Butler will attend Central Arizona College and said he would consider playing baseball there if the opportunity arises.

If baseball is not in his future, he is satisfied with the memory he created last week in his final high school appearance – an extra-inning complete game victory with a career high in strikeouts.

Not a bad way to end a career.

Andy Luberda (1149 Posts)

Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.


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