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Very different Connor Litton headed to JC World Series


Everything Connor Litton used to know about baseball has changed.

The 2015 graduate did it all well for Southern Fulton, which won two district titles with Litton on the roster. He was one of the top hitters and defenders and even did quite a few jobs on the mound for the Indians.

Now playing for Cowley Community College in Arkansas City, Kan., the entire game is different for Litton.

"It's just a different level of play," Litton said. "The speed of pitching is so much different, so I had to change my stance, get my bat down sooner and change how my hands are. I also started completely over with how I was fielding and how I move toward the ball. Pretty well everything has changed."

One thing hasn't changed, though - Litton is still really good. He and the Tigers are headed to the Junior College World Series, playing their first game at 7:30 p.m. Sunday against San Jacinto (Tex.). The double-elimination tournament is held in Grand Junction, Colo. with the championship game scheduled for June 4.

"It's exciting; there are like 12,000 (stands) there," Litton said. "Most of all, I really think we have a shot of winning this. We have some of the best pitching in the country, and our hitting is coming along really well. I really think we have a shot at it, but there are a lot of good teams in it. We'll have to fight every inning."

Litton is used to being a fighter. He has climbed the ranks at Cowley all season, and is now batting in the third hole. He boasts a .385 batting average with a .425 on-base percentage. He has driven in 63 runs on 90 hits, including 23 doubles, two triples and four home runs. He has swiped nine bases and scored 52 runs of his own.

Defensively, Litton, who now plays at third base, has a fielding percentage of .908.

"It feels pretty good that I've been able to play a consistent level of baseball," Litton said. "I just feel like this was a great experience for me, to get away from home, and this was the best place to come through."

Litton is currently unsure of his plans for next season. He is eyeing the MLB Draft, which takes place June 9 through 11, but he may also return to Cowley for a second season.