Catcher tree growing at Cal
BUTLER TWP — Conner McTighe doesn’t have to look far to find a catcher to emulate at California (Pa.) University.
The Butler senior recently signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and baseball career with the Vulcans. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of Golden Tornado graduate Justin Stewart, who has started 102 games behind the plate for California over the past four seasons.
“He’s not the reason I’m going there, but he’s certainly played a factor in my decision,” McTighe said of Stewart. “I talked to Justin about the baseball program and his experiences there. He had nothing but good things to say.
“I played for his father (Butler freshman baseball coach Craig Stewart) and got to know him pretty well.”
McTighe plans to major in business administration. He will be entering his third year as Butler’s starting catcher in the spring.
He also considered Baldwin Wallace, Marietta and Indiana (Pa.) before deciding to join the Vulcans. California was 31-17 in 2022, qualifying for the PSAC Tournament. Stewart hit .289 with four homers and 21 RBI and earned second team All-PSAC West honors.
“It’s a pretty cool thing that Conner is following Justin there,” Butler coach Josh Forbes said. “They’re forming a bit of a pipeline there.”
Mike Conte has been California’s baseball coach for 27 years. He’s attained more than 600 career wins — one of four PSAC coaches to reach that mark — and has been named PSAC West Coach of the Year eight times.
“California has a good program and the PSAC is a good baseball league,” McTighe said. “I love the competition and it’s not too far from home.”
A solid hitter, McTighe’s biggest strength on the diamond is his defense behind the plate.
“I can block balls in the dirt pretty well,” He said. “Not many balls get past me.”
Forbes echoed that sentiment.
“Conner’s defensive skills as a catcher are outstanding,” Butler’s coach said. “He can pick the ball off the dirt and he’s adept at throwing runners out, not only at second base, but he’s nailed runners at third and first as well.”
McTighe hit .267 last season with 13 RBI and 16 hits. Half of his hits were doubles. He struck out seven times and walked seven times.
He hit .325 his sophomore season.
“Conner is a disciplined hitter who knows the situation,” Forbes said. “He’s good at taking charge behind the plate and working with pitchers.
“He recently had a growth spurt and he’s been hitting the weight room. His muscles are starting to pop, which will increase his power.”
McTighe said his biggest goal is to get his degree in four years.
“Earn playing time as a freshman and be part of a PSAC championship team during my four years there,” he added. “I feel like all of those things can happen.”
