Memphis Baseball Boosts Its Roster with Hometown Talent Kylan Stepter
Memphis Baseball is strengthening its roster with a notable addition, Kylan Stepter, a 5’11 right-handed pitcher, who will be joining the team for the upcoming season. Hailing from Hernando, Mississippi, Stepter has an impressive record and is looking forward to bringing his talents back to his birthplace.
In his junior college years, Stepter showed promise with a 4-4 win-loss record, one save, and one complete game in 12 appearances, 10 of which were starts, in 2022. His performance boasts of 32 strikeouts with 37 walks in 37 1/3 innings pitched. He also made five relief appearances as a freshman, recording nine strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings pitched.
Born on January 18, 2002, in Memphis, Tennessee, Stepter is the youngest of three children to Ron and Cathy Stepter. He follows in the footsteps of his brother, Keith, who played baseball at Itawamba (Miss.) CC and Memphis. Stepter’s cousin, Damarco, also has a sports lineage, having played basketball at UTSA. Currently majoring in finance, Stepter has a clear vision for his future both on and off the field. We spoke with Stepter about a variety of topics following his commitment to Memphis.
Stepter’s decision to choose Memphis was influenced by his roots in the area. “Not many people get the opportunity to play college baseball, let alone in their own backyard. Growing up in the Memphis area, it just felt right to take advantage of the opportunity to try to contribute something to the city,” he said. He also expressed excitement about playing in front of his family, who resides in the Memphis area.
“Not many people get the opportunity to play college baseball, let alone in their own backyard. Growing up in the Memphis area it just felt right to take advantage of the opportunity to try to contribute something to the city. Plus all of my family lives in the Memphis area, so now I get the chance to perform for family as well. It definitely means a little bit more this time.”
When asked about the coaching staff, Stepter showed high regard for Coach Matt Riser and his team. He said, “Everybody I’ve spoken with has a lot of respect for Coach Riser & the staff he’s bringing with him, along with his previous school & the success he had there.” Stepter is eager to bring his hard work and competitiveness to the locker room, traits that he believes are valued by his new coaching staff.
“Everybody I’ve spoken with has a lot of respect for Coach Riser & the staff he’s bringing with him, along with his previous school & the success he had there. I’ve heard they like hard workers and competitors & that’s something I look to bring to the locker room… some homegrown GRIT & GRIND! I’m more than grateful to the staff for giving me this opportunity.”
Stepter also shared his thoughts about the city and its food scene. “The Memphis area is growing even faster now,” he observed, noting new buildings, neighborhoods, and restaurants. He enthusiastically listed several local favorites, from food trucks to high-end establishments like Ruth’s Chris and Flight. Above all, he’s looking forward to the familiar taste of Memphis cuisine and the year-round family gatherings.
“The Memphis area is growing even faster now. I came back from school & summer ball seeing a lot of new buildings & neighborhoods & restaurants being built all around. It’s good to see for sure. & the food don’t get any better than Memphis. From all the food trucks to Dixie Queen to Huey’s to Smackers & Hattie Bs to Ruth’s Chris & Flight… & most of all the cookouts! I’m definitely looking forward to some familiar grub & being around family year-round.”
With his strong performance in junior college and deep ties to the Memphis area, Stepter represents an exciting addition to the Memphis Baseball team. Fans and teammates alike will be waiting eagerly to see what this homegrown talent will bring to the field in the upcoming season.
