The sophomore pitcher, an All-Main Line baseball selection as a freshman, is off to a great start this spring, posting a 3-1 record and a 1.60 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 26 innings pitched (as of April 22). He pitched a near no-hitter against Conestoga in a 10-0 win, throwing six shutout innings in a Raptors game in Orlando, Fla. and fired five shutout innings of one-hit ball at Springfield. In the fall, Havertine plays football for Radnor. Radnor baseball head coach Mark Jordan said, “Austin can move the ball around and is a pitcher in every sense of the word. He will be one of the best Central League pitchers over the next two years.”
Q: What was working particularly well for you against Conestoga?
A: During the game, I felt that my fastball was feeling lively as I was able to work the corners of the plate. I also felt that my changeup had some good movement to issue some swing and misses
Q: What aspect(s) of your pitching have you worked on most during the past off-season?
A: The thing I worked on as a pitcher last off-season was rotation. My pitching coach said it was a main problem of mine and I was too stiff, but after a few sessions I felt more mobile and gained a little velocity on the way
Q: Your team made a trip to Florida earlier this season. What was your favorite experience on that trip?
A: During the team’s trip to Florida we had a lot of great experiences but my favorite moment was when we played in the stadium under the lights. It was an awesome experience for us even though we lost.
Q: As a pitcher, you probably have a better idea of how to pitch to a batter the more you see him. Can you tell us a few of the things you look for when a hitter that you’ve seen before comes to the plate?
A: The second time around, I try to remember what type of hitter he is, if he is an aggressive hitter that likes to swing on the first pitch, or a person who can only hit fastballs. I like to remember these things so when that batter comes up, I have a plan of attack.
Q: You mentioned that your favorite experience with the Radnor baseball team to date was getting the starting pitching assignment for opening day as a freshman. Tell us a little about it.
A: I was nervous, but the game got delayed and pushed back. I came back nervous again wondering if I do badly I might not start again. But when I got on the mound for the first time I felt like I was home and deserved to be there, which was an amazing feeling. We won the game.
Q: Who have been your most influential baseball mentors and what has been the most valuable thing each of them have taught you?
A: My main mentors have been my head coach (Mark Jordan) who has always believed in me even when I wasn’t in high school. Probably my biggest mentor has been my dad. He has been there every step of the way always being my biggest fan and a long-time coach during Little League. The biggest thing they have taught me is to always stay humble.
Q: What has been your favorite memory of your baseball career outside of Radnor?
A: My favorite memory was winning a little league tournament on Father’s Day. It is my favorite memory because of how happy my dad was when he got an amazing present during Father’s Day
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a contest.
A: The day before I pitch I don’t really focus too much on it because I mainly focus on school and getting my work done, but when I do think of the game I visualize what is going to happen and the good things I will do
Q: What is your favorite baseball field, and why?
A: My favorite field in the Central League is Springfield’s. Their field just looks clean and fresh and the style of the field is just great.
Q: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?
A: My favorite baseball player is Aaron Nola because he has been a Phillie all his career and he is just a great pitcher
Q: What is your favorite academic subject at Radnor? What do you think you’d like to major in at college?
A: My favorite subject in school is probably geometry because it is challenging but also fun. In college, I would like to pursue a history major
Fun facts – Austin Havertine
Favorite book: Mascot by Antony John.
Favorite author: Stephen King.
Favorite TV series: Family Guy.
Favorite movie: The Sandlot.
Favorite athlete: AJ Brown.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Long Beach Island, N.J.
Person I admire the most and why: “My mom because she is such a hard worker and does a lot for me.”
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
