Steven Hardiman (Kellenberg 2022) was recently named Hampton Collegiate Baseball League’s Pitcher of the Week. The Bentley southpaw went six innings for the Southampton Breakers, allowing two unearned runs, two hits and one walk with 8 strikeouts as his team clinched a playoff berth. For the season, he struck out 30 batters over 24.1 innings.
While every athlete faces some type of adversity along the way, most of those hardships pale in comparison to what Hardiman faced.
When he was just five years old, he had an ABC tumor in his right femur bone that caused a multitude of problems. He broke his femur bone three times, needed two rods, four screws and a plate put in his leg which necessitated five surgeries.
The doctors told his family they didn’t know if he was going to be able to walk normally again – let alone play sports.
It took him four years, but through sheer resiliency he was able to relearn how to walk. He started playing baseball again at the age of 11.
“Dr. Morris and her team of Doctors at Sloan Kettering were God-sent into my life and I don’t know where I would be without their expertise and guidance.”
So to say he overcame some long odds would be an understatements. Most of the players on collegiate rosters spent their age 5-9 years working their way up from tee-ball to travel ball and getting thousands of reps in which led them to be ahead of their peers every step of the way. Hardiman literally had to start from scratch and is still playing Division-II baseball.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
How would you describe your time in the Hampton League this summer?
The Hamptons League has honestly been the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball. There isn’t a better location I where I would like to spend my summers and the people out there really welcome and embrace the players. Store owners give you a discount almost everywhere you go because you’re on the Breakers. Coach Cafiero, JC and Chris were everything you can ask for in summer coaches. But most importantly, the guys on the team are honestly just awesome. After the first week, we spent every night together and we always had each other’s backs no matter what happened. I can’t talk enough on ho much respect I have for the coaches and the guys I played with this summer.
Can you discuss your experience with the college recruiting process and why you chose Bentley?
The recruiting process honestly started a little late for me. I had some earlier interests from colleges but none were really at the level of school I wanted to attend. My thought process the entire time was to use my baseball skills to help me get into a high academic college along with a high level of baseball to accompany that, but at the time I was an undersized lefty that didn’t have enough velocity to really set me apart from other recruits, so I blended into the pack. But between the summer and September going into my senior year I put on 30 lbs and that was really the difference maker. I began to gain velocity and more and more scouts came to watch my fall games. Who it hit October of my senior year, I was getting nervous that it was too late and al my opportunities had fallen through, but Bentley – a school I was trying to contact throughout the entire process – had their head coach retire. When I heard the news I instantly contacted Coach Hill, who was taking over and it was a perfect fit. I committed a week later and it was the best decisionI have ever made choosing Bentley. It is a fantastic academic school, in a great location right outside of Boston, and the guys on the team really took the freshman under their wing and welcomed us in.
Looking back, what are some of your fondest memories of your time at Kellenberg?
Kellenberg was full of memories that I will never forget. Starting from the 8th grade baseball camp where I met some of my best friends I have and my future teammates. The first game back after Covid was the most electric game I have ever been apart of. The opening series was against St. John’s and Kyle Chase who were regarded as the top teams on the island. Our team was young and no one really knew what to expect from us which we liked. That game was a dog fight and I came up with an RBI single to score the first run of the year. The atmosphere was like Game 7 of the World Series and nobody wanted to lose the first game back in 2 years. The chirping going on and the emotions in that game is something that I will never forget.
What was the best baseball trip you’ve ever been on?
It’s very tough to beat Cooperstown with this because that experience is second to none. That was the best week of a middle schooler’s life.
Favorite players in Major League Baseball?
As a Mets fan, I love watching the baby Mets such as Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty have success because it actually gives me hope that the Mets will be good for once in my life. But as a lefty pitcher, I do love watching Shane McClanahan pitch. He mixes his pitches so well that batters are never balanced or comfortable in the box and I try to emulate that whenever I go out there.
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Fellinghams – great service, food and people. Always treated us right.
Favorite hobbies outside of baseball?
I love golfing, I’m not very good but I for some reason always need to go back and play another round. I’m also a huge Cowboys fan and anytime they’re in New York I try and go to the game.
Any family members play college or pro sports?
My mom was the captain at NYIT for volleyball.
Favorite TV show?
Narcos or Suits
Favorite app on your phone?
Favorite musical artist?
Zach Bryan
Goals after college?
I plan to go to the military to pay off my college and from there pursue a career in the financial sector. Hopefully joining some type of fund or a financial adviser for companies.
