Alhambra (Martinez, CA) RHP Robert Stephenson threw a no hitter with 12 strikeouts last week in his first start. Tonight, the righty threw his 2ndno-hitter in a row. Fourteen innings into the 2011 season and Stephenson has yet to allow a hit. The righty now has 22 strikeouts with just 2 walks (3 HBP).
More importantly, he led the Bulldogs to a 9-0 win over De Anza, giving them a 4-0 start on the season. An impressive way to begin an encore for Stephenson’s 2010 season, which concluded with getting the start for the West team at the Aflac All-American game (also hitless).
Stephenson, who averaged the fourth hardest average Fastball velocity at the 2010 Area Code Games (93.7 MPH) spent the offseason on an intense workout regimen. Stephenson trained five days a week over the offseason. Two days working on stamina with a sprinter, and three days working on a throwing program designed to build arm strength.
But perhaps the biggest difference for Stephenson so far this season has been his command. Which his coach Jay Heeb says is in a league with any other California HS ace he’s seen, an impressive group that includes CC Sabathia and Heeb’s former player, Tyson Ross. Heeb also noted that Stephenson has shown improved his arm strength and overall strength. Stephenson also added a cutter to his repertoire, which is highlighted by a mid-upper 90’s Fastball.
The highest draft pick to ever come out of Alhambra High School was OF Rob Coultis, who was taken in the 6th round in 1970. Stephenson has a chance to go very high in the 2011 draft with a breakout spring.