At 14-4, the Hampton Talbots baseball team is considered one of the favorites to win the WPIAL title in AAA baseball. The team is strong in many areas, but perhaps no position is stronger than the pitching staff.

Senior pitcher Jason Steen has all the confidence in the world in his team, and along with fellow senior hurler Cory McGinnis, the Talbots have a solid one-two punch few teams can match.

"We definitely look strong and have a lot of talent," Steen said of his team. "We are coming together right now because we know we will be facing the top teams."

Steen took up pitching in Little League and also took pitching lessons from Frank Merigliano for three years.

Steen has spent a lot of time polishing his skills, and has developed a mean fast ball, a tricky curve and a change-up to throw batters off.

"What I throw depends a lot on the batter," Steen said. "I like to work from ahead, but I will challenge the batter."

If he gets behind in the count, or if a batter gets a piece of his fast ball, Steen will take a step off the mound to gather himself for a moment.

"I'll wipe the sweat off my forehead, and I might even talk to myself a little," he said. "Then I'll get back on the mound and get back to my strategy."

No matter what the count is, Steen's mentality is the same, putting the batter down.

Baseball has become almost a year-round sport for Steen. His preparation begins in September with lifting. He works out with bands to strengthen the tendons and ligaments in his arm to prevent injuries during the season. He also begins throwing so his pitches are polished when opening day arrives.

In addition to his duties at Hampton, Steen has participated in many showcases over the years to get his name out there in the college baseball community. He started visiting these showcases at age 16. Steen also participated in the Field of Dreams Tournament in North Carolina. He played for Team Pony, and did well enough to catch the attention of the University of Buffalo.

Steen had other colleges take interest, but Buffalo pursued him hard, and their persistence paid off. Steen was awarded a scholarship and signed with Buffalo in November.

"They really stuck with me," Steen said.

Earning a scholarship was always a goal for Steen, but another accomplishment he mentioned was his involvement in the Tournament of Stars, where the top 200 players in the nation are invited to play.

"It felt good knowing I was playing with the best," Steen said. "I pitched well and hung with the best. I got a lot of good looks there."

Steen also played for the Allegheny Pirates, who are associated with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"That was a fun experience and we got to wear the Pirates spring training uniforms," he added.

Steen has built a vast amount of knowledge and experience, and he shares what he has learned with the younger players on his team. He and the other seniors always cheer on the younger guys and are always there to keep them calm and in the game.

"We support them and give them our input," Steen said. "We have their back."

With the efforts of the experienced players and the newer players combined, the Talbots earned a section title this year and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Although Steen is proud of the regular season, he wants to go out with a championship.

"We have so much talent if we continue to come together we have a great chance to go far," Steen said.