The summer between an athlete’s senior year of high school and their freshman year of college can be difficult, as they’re trying to adapt to a level of play that they’ve never seen before. However, one group of baseball players in the Ozarks is getting a head start on college competition.
“High school and college baseball is two different things as I’ve realized,” Lebanon grad and Ottawa University commit Ian Carr said.
He’s not wrong. After the Spring high school season, some of the best baseball players in the Ozarks came together to get a taste of college baseball.
“It’s amazing. We see guys on the roster that we’re marking out when we’re in high school. We’re like ‘hey, we need to focus on this guy,’ and now we’re playing with them,” said Kickapoo grad and Fort Scott Community College commit Noah Wilkinson.
The Midwest Marucci Victus 18U team is made up of seniors who just graduated, all of whom are moving on to play college baseball.
“We all have the same mindset this summer and that’s do what you need to do to be at your best capability to play freshman year,” said Wilkinson.
So, how is team Victus preparing for college baseball? They’re playing in the Show Me Collegiate League, facing next-level talent.
“They’re seeing collegiate-type pitching and a collegiate-type environment too. It can do nothing but help them,” Victus coach Jason Daugherty said.
“These are college guys that are ready to get after you, ready to throw the ball as hard as they can because that’s what they do in college. You’re seeing velocity that you haven’t seen before,” added Wilkinson.
An experience the guys aren’t taking for granted.
“It’s getting you reps and making you see what the college experience is going to be like,” Carr said.
“Playing with the best really helps you for what comes in the future. It’s really eye-opening for what’s about to come because things are getting a lot speedier, things are getting a lot cleaner,” said Wilkinson.
Coach Daugherty says they do play a tough and busy summer schedule, but it’s all a part of getting them ready to play at the next level.
