Whitlock locked and loaded for new season

UAB sophomore right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock prepares to throw a pitch. Photo courtesy of Kamp Fender/UAB AthleticsTrinity Dix

Sports Reporter

Sophomore right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock stands on the mound. He looks at the Creighton University Bluejay batter. With a deep breath, he lifts his leg, reels his arm back and pitches the ball at 74 mph. The pitch freezes the batter, and Whitlock records a strikeout.

Born to two criminal justice workers, Whitlock is a Southern boy from Snellville, Ga. Growing up, he enjoyed competition and playing baseball.

His love affair with baseball began when he was young because of what he and his Mom would do. He recalled that his mom - a former…