Tanner Nivins enjoying his best season as a Kitchener Panther
Posted Jul 30, 2016 05:00:49 AM.
Last Updated Jul 29, 2016 11:41:30 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Panthers have proven to be one of the best hitting clubs in the IBL this year.
Tanner Nivins is at the top of the league when it comes to hitting the ball. The Kitchener native bats lead off and plays center field, he tells us that he added a leg kick which has helped him stay consistent this year.
“I found that this year with that leg kick, it’s giving me consistency when it comes to being on time and timing pitches”, says Nivins, “I think that’s the biggest thing with my success this year is just avoiding those big slumps.”
With his success, Nivins was honored as an All-Star. He has led the IBL in home runs for most of the season and is batting over 400 this year.
Nivins says he can attribute some of that success to veteran hitter Sean Reilly, who has been a huge help to his development.
“When it comes to baseball and hitting knowledge, Sean tops them all”, says Nivins, “I know he’s the first guy I go to for advice when I’m struggling and even watching his at-bats, it makes you a better player.”
The Panthers are looking to make it to a second straight Intercounty Baseball League finals. Kitchener came close to winning it all last year but lost in five games against Barrie.
“We want to be going into the playoffs at the highest level of baseball we’ve been playing all season”, says Nivins, “we’re all really confident and really loose coming in and we trust our pitching and defense, those two things will be the difference if we can make a championship or not.
Kitchener plays their final regular season game tomorrow at Jack Couch Park against Brantford.
