In The Den: Stephen Alemais

"#Alemazing" has become a worldwide sports sensation over the recent weeks. On July 16, Black Bears' SS Stephen Alemais went airborne while falling backwards to turn an unbelievable 2-6-3 double play against the Auburn Doubledays; the play was No. 7 on SportsCenter's Top Ten Plays.

"It was pretty awesome," Alemais said after seeing the play on television. "Growing up, you always dream about SportsCenter's Top Ten Plays."

But, Alemais is no stranger to this type of stardom on ESPN. He made SportsCenter's No. 1 play earlier this year, on March 29, as his diving, behind-the-back flip started an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play to help Tulane defeat LSU for the first time in Baton Rouge, LA since 2007. Upon leading the Green Wave in batting average (.311), hits (66) and stolen bases (19), the New York, NY native was named to the 2016 All-American Athletic Conference First Team.

In this year's MLB June Amateur Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected Alemais in the third round with the No. 105 overall pick. Watching the draft in his father's office, Alemais was joined by his family when he heard his name called.

"It was a surreal moment," he said. "I'm glad I'm here."

While donning the Black Bears' uniform, he has been the definition of "smooth" at shortstop, making the nearly impossible plays look routine. Whether on the turf, grass or dirt surfaces across the New York-Penn League, Alemais has been rock solid for West Virginia defensively committing just five errors in 96 total chances this season. A huge fan of former Yankees' SS Derek Jeter and current New York Mets' infielder José Reyes, Alemais mentioned the importance of playing his own style while on the diamond.

"I like adding my own type of flair," he said.

Recording hits in four of his last five games and a .286 batting average against left-handed pitching, he is finding consistency at the plate as well. Batting in the leadoff spot for second-year manager Wyatt Toregas, Alemais has succeeded setting the tone offensively at the top of the lineup leading the team with five stolen bases. With 2016 marking his first professional season, he has noted pitching differences between the college and professional levels.

"You need to make adjustments really quick in professional baseball because there are a lot of great players," he explained.

Alemais' play in the field, in the batters' box and on the base-paths has helped West Virginia win 10 of their last 16 games. Fans can next watch Alemais and the Black Bears at Monongalia County Ballpark on August 3 when they open a six-game home stand against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers on Bark in the Park Night. The Black Bears will also host the Williamsport Crosscutters from August 6-8. For tickets, visit www.westvirginiablackbears.com or call 304-293-7910.

Listen to the interview here.