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Opposing pitchers found Caid Chittum to be almost impossible to get out.
Opposing hitters found that it’s best to not hit the ball in Chittum’s direction, and they struggled to score runs when the Ely senior-to-be took the mound.
Those skills were noticed last week at the Junior Legion Division II State Tournament at St. Charles, where the Ely standout landed a spot on the all-state tournament team.
Chittum was Ely’s only honoree on the 15-member squad, chosen by tournament officials.
The recognition came after Chittum knocked in Ely’s only run in a 5-1 opening round loss to Luverne, and after he helped keep Post 248 in the game in a 6-5, eight-inning consolation round loss to Parker Prairie on Saturday.
Chittum started on the mound and gave up six hits with five strikeouts in five innings of work. He also singled and scored a run.
For the season, Chittum put up eye-popping numbers at the Junior Legion level, hitting a whopping .611 with 33 hits in 54 at bats and 26 runs scored.
Chittum also hit 11 doubles, drove in 26 runs and stole 13 bases.
On the mound, Chittum went 2-0 with a 2.33 earned run average, recording 28 strikeouts and issuing only eight walks in 21 innings of work.
Chittum also anchored Ely’s defense at shortstop, helping to turn two double plays in the opening round state tournament defeat to Luverne.
The all-tournament award for Chittum comes on the heels of a high school season in which he earned both All-Arrowhead Conference and All-Section 7A recognition. He has also been a three-year starter for Ely’s Senior Legion team, hitting .429 for the season and going 4-2 on the mound.
