C.J. Luther likes to finish what he starts, which is a good quality for a starting pitcher.
It’s a trait he’s learned from watching the likes of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels.
Luther put that attribute to good use last week as he hurled back to back complete games to lead the Homestretch Inn from the Ridley Babe Ruth League to two championships.
On Father’s Day, the just-turned 14-year-old helped the Homestretch beat Woodlyn VFW, 9-8, for the Ridley 13-year-old title. Four days later, he tossed another complete game to defeat UDHL, 4-1, in the Ridley-UDHL challenge.
For his effort, Luther is the Daily Times Athlete of the Week.
Luther has been using a pitch he learned from Hamels in a clinic at MapleZone.
“He showed us how to throw the circle change,” Luther said, “It’s a pitch I rely on.”