He Plays for Fun of It, and How Cool Is That?

Coolness is a state of being much appreciated in Southern California, and no one exudes it better than pitcher/outfielder Jason Corder of Mission Viejo Capistrano Valley.

There’s nothing fake or disingenuous about his coolness. At 18, Corder already possesses a professional sports mentality that doesn’t rely on wearing designer sunglasses or using the most technologically advanced equipment.

His ability to relax and have fun is a gift for a teenager who has the physical skills to hit a baseball well beyond the outfield fence and throw a 90-mph fastball past a determined hitter.

“He’s one of the finest players I’ve ever coached and probably the best hitter,” said Bob Zamora, Capistrano Valley’s coach for 27 years.

Corder has hit a school-record 30 home runs, including six this season. He has a swing so powerful that his aluminum bat makes a swooshing sound when he takes practice cuts in the on-deck circle.

“The ball comes off his bat like a professional player’s,” Zamora said.

As a pitcher, Corder was the closer for Capistrano Valley’s 2001 Southern Section Division I championship team when he was a freshman.

This season, he’s 5-1 with an 1.56 earned-run average.

Seeing how Corder reacts before, during and after games reveals plenty about his success. He genuinely cherishes each moment.

Before important baseball games, fans, family members, friends, even sportswriters, are supposed to avoid eye contact with pitchers for fear of disturbing their concentration. Holding a conversation with them is forbidden.

Corder is the exception. Before he pitches, he’ll eagerly greet acquaintances with a handshake, smile or say hello. During games, he might look into the crowd and offer a grin. After games, win or lose, if someone asks him to hold a baby, he’ll happily comply.

“Every time I step onto the field, I’m having fun,” Corder said. “That’s what it’s all about. I wouldn’t be out here if I wasn’t.”

Added Zamora: “He keeps everything in perspective. It’s a game to him. He’s been in a lot of big games and just plays baseball. He doesn’t get too high or too low, and that’s a big asset for any player. He always has the same demeanor, the same body language.”

Corder’s refreshing, seemingly unflappable outlook distinguishes him and offers professional scouts a powerful reason to put him high on their prospect list for the June amateur draft.

He has signed with California, but he leaves no doubt about his dream.

“I’ve always wanted to play professional baseball, and I know I’m going to achieve it,” he said. “Hitting comes natural, but whatever way I make it, I’m going to make it.”

Corder’s pitching is much improved this season because he fixed some mechanical problems, enabling him to throw his curveball more consistently for strikes.

“He short-armed it a little bit, maybe even aimed it,” pitching coach Goose Awender said. “Now he’s throwing it like his fastball. The rotation is much better.”

At 6 feet 2, 195 pounds, Corder has the physical and emotional maturity to take on whatever challenge awaits him. He knows how to do laundry and iron a shirt, making him ready for life in a dorm room or a hotel room.

But what will keep him on the path to success is his personality.

“I’m always focused but relaxed,” he said. “It wasn’t until high school and my freshman year when people starting talking about it. Zamora would always say I had ice water in my veins.”

And determination in his heart.

Eric Sondheimer can be reached at eric.sondhemer@latimes.com.