Calm, cool, and collected: SEMO’s Sam Heyman dominates as OVC Pitcher of the Week

Junior pitcher Sam Heyman keeps bringing the firepower for the SEMO’s baseball team. His standout numbers have been a huge factor for the Redhawks.

Heyman started his career at Chabot College, where he started in 8 games, recorded 56 strikeouts, and finished with a 7-2 record.

Heyman transferred to SEMO as a sophomore, recorded 14 career starts, and won the 2024 OVC Championship game against Morehead State as the winning pitcher in his first Division I season.

Continuing where he left off the season before, Heyman was just named the OVC Pitcher of the Week after a dominant outing in which he pitched 6 innings without giving up a run and only gave up 2 hits in a victory over Memphis.

“I thought winning pitcher of the week was really cool. I didn’t win it last year and it was nice to start the year off on such a high note,” said Heyman.

SEMO’s head coach, Andy Sawyers, and pitching coach, Matthew Kinney, both commented on Heyman’s performances and future expectations for him and the team.

“Sam Heyman is a guy that is calm, cool, and collected in nearly every situation. He is not an overly fiery guy, he’s not going to be banging his chest or screaming after a strikeout, but he is a guy that cares about his team, teammates, and his performance on the mound,” said coach Sawyers.

The pitching coach, Matthew Kinney, also added, “He has great attention to detail. He always shows up to the park ready to put in work and he does that without hesitation,” said Kinney.

Heyman was asked about his personal goals and expectations for this spring season.

“As for personal goals, I would like to be first team all OVC and have a chance to win OVC Pitcher of the Year. Winning Pitcher of the Week is cool, but it doesn’t change anything with how I go about my business each week,” said Heyman.

Heyman said his team's goals are to win another OVC tournament championship and compete at the regional tournament. Making a run at Omaha would be the ultimate goal.

Additionally, Coach Sawyer shared his thoughts and expectations for the team.

“Our team expectations this season are to get better day by day, pitch by pitch. Baseball is a sport that tests your mental toughness, and the toughest minds are the most successful in this sport. To achieve our ultimate goals of winning championships, we have to do the little things better than everyone else,” said Sawyer.

The Redhawks next game is Feb. 28, at 3:00 p.m. here in Cape Girardeau, MO at Capaha Field as they take on Purdue Fort Wayne.