As the season is nearing the end it is time to recognize the seniors who have made an impact on the WCU baseball team this year. WCU has 10 graduating seniors who have left a mark on this team as well as leave with a few championship rings.
“It’s crazy how fast it went but it has been four great years and I am glad I chose to play my college ball here. Making great friendships with many people and winning multiple championships will leave a lasting impact on me,” first baseman and two time SoCon Champion, Matt Smith says.
Matt Smith hitting a home run in home game against Savannah State University.
Photo by Becca Ross
Smith is not the only one who has many championships under his belt, Pierce Suttles has some bling to show off as well.
“It has been fun even if I have gotten hurt every year. I’m gonna miss the atmosphere and having fans who back you no matter how the season or game is going. It’s just a fun place to play, I think that’s really the key,” says Suttles, catcher.
One of the hardest things to do as an athlete is to hang up your cleats and say that you are done with the sport. Sports become a part of you, especially if that is all you have known as BJ Nobles explained.
“It’s definitely a bittersweet feeling knowing my baseball career is quickly coming to an end. This is a game I’ve played since I was 4-years-old and losing it is kind of like losing a part of myself. Baseball has become part of my identity but as hard as it will be to let it go, I’m excited to see what the next chapter of life has in store for me. Once I graduate I plan to find a job teaching P.E. As for baseball, it will never be out of my life completely, I plan to find a coaching job wherever I end up,” says Nobles.
But sometimes college is not the end and that might be the case for one of WCU’s seniors, with a repeat of last years ending in the draft.
WCU had three players who were drafted to play baseball professionally at the conclusion of the 2016 season. Colton Davis who now plays for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in the Minnesota Twins organization. Garrett Brown who plays for the Bristol Pirates in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Lastly, Bryson Bowman who got drafted to the New York Yankees, but declined to finish his senior year at Western.
The Cats are currently 22-21 overall and 11-7 in the SoCon but plenty of more playing time is to come and they are still chasing another championship ring.
Senior pitcher, Chad Mabini in game against Savannah State University.
Photo by Becca Ross.
“Ending my baseball career is not something I look forward to, but my time here is something I will not forget and it will make even better with another ring at the end of the year,” Chad Mabini said.
WCU baseball returns home in a SoCon matchup Friday, May 5, at 6 p.m.
