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Just, a Woodcliff Lake, N.J. native who plays his college ball at Liberty University, has been a sparkplug for the Twisters since Day One.
In his usual No. 2 spot in the batting order, Just is batting a respectable .270, but his contribution has been much greater than his batting average indicates. When a runner has been needed to be moved over, Just has been more than willing to give up his at-bat for the good of the team as evidenced by his Twister-leading three sacrifice bunts. And he has chipped in 27 hits, 16 runs scored, a home run, seven RBI and seven walks as well. In 100 at-bats, Just has struck out just 10 times.
"When we saw Michael hit in our first couple of practices, we knew he had to be in the lineup," Twisters manager Gregg Hunt said. "We played him at DH and left field in the first two games and when Corey left, Michael took control of the second base position.
"He’s just an excellent No. 2 hitter. He moves runners over as good as anyone and he doesn’t care about his stats. Michael does the things necessary to win ballgames."
At Liberty this season, Just, a junior, hit .311 in 55 games to go along with four home runs, 30 RBI and a .413 on-base percentage.
"Hitting in the two-hole, I have to get on base any way I can," explains Just. "If the leadoff hitter gets on, I’m going to bunt him over. My goal is not only to get on base, but to see as many pitches as I can. By going deep into counts, I can make it a pain for the pitchers and let the hitters behind me get a good look at the pitcher’s stuff."
While Just’s offense has been a positive for the Twisters, it’s his defense that’s stood out over everything.
In 25 games Just, remarkably, has not made an error at second base, which is virtually unheard of at that position. And it’s not because he doesn’t get to any balls. Arguably, he has the best range of any second-bagger in the New England Collegiate Baseball League.
"Basically, (the key to my success) is just getting the proper angle on balls and not giving up on anything," Just said. "I work a lot on my footwork and look for ways to avoid the in-between hop. If you put yourself in the right position, good things will happen. Fielding is an art. It’s not as easy as everyone thinks."
"Michael gets to balls that other guys won’t get to," Hunt said. "He is very good at turning the double play and he has a legit shot at playing on the next level."
Just’s road to Torrington was a little bumpy as he had a deal in place with the Twisters while he was still waiting out a reserve contract he signed with the Cape Cod League. At the last second Just decided to play for Torrington and it’s turned out to be a decision he hasn’t regretted.
"My goal coming here was to play three-fourths of the games and it didn’t matter where, especially with Wimberly settled in at second base" Just said. "This has more than worked out for me. Overall the experience has been incredible and a God given blessing."
