All baseball players have memorable moments, but Straughn School’s Shawn Canant’s most vivid moment is one he hopes to forget.

 

The 16-year-old right fielder said although the experience wasn’t positive, it taught him a very important lesson.

 

“We were playing Wicksburg in the first round of the state playoffs last year and coach (Mike) Buckelew call me in off the bench to pinch-hit. It was the bottom of the seventh; we had two runners on base and were down 11-8. I didn’t have my mind into the game before I came in and I struck out and we ended up losing the game. I learned that you have got to be ready to play at any time. I hope I get a chance like that again so I can make up for not getting a hit,” Canant said.

 

Although Canant remembers the disappointing strikeout most, he said he does have other memories that are more pleasurable.

 

“Winning the 2A, Area 3 championship as a sophomore last year was good moment. We beat Florala 1-0 and I hope that we can do the same this year and win state too,” Canant said.

 

Canant said his best game this season came against Kinston March 16 (a 7-5 loss) when he batted 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

 

When he’s not playing baseball, Canant said he like to lift weights and go fishing.

 

“I enjoy bass fishing the most. The biggest bass I’ve ever caught weighed about three pounds. I’m hoping to catch a 10-pounder or 11-pounder one day,” Canant said.

 

He also enjoys watching professional baseball and has favorite teams in both the American and National League.

 

“I like the Chicago White Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies. My favorite players are Frank Thomas and Lenny Dykstra because they are both good all-around baseball players,” Canant said.

 

Canant said he hope to attend college after graduation, but right now he’s undecided on what he wants to major in. His favorite subjects are anatomy and physiology.

 

Baseball is his major priority outside of classes as he’s helped the Tigers build a 6-1 record this season.