Photo by: Mark Palczewski
Millersville baseball signs nine on National Letter of Intent Day
11/27/2018 7:33:00 AM | Baseball
Millersville, Pa. - Millersville baseball enters 2019 with eight seniors and a number of draft-eligible players on the roster, so head coach Jon Shehan and assistant coach David Baker signed eight on November's National Letter of Intent Day for one of the largest classes in Shehan's 11 seasons.
The class includes three pitchers: James Petrik (Pennridge High School), Ben Wilchacky (Spring-Ford High School) and Dylan Sharp (Muhlenburg High School). The Marauders also added outfielder Chase Simmons (Spring-Ford High School), utility player Bren Taylor (Eastern York High School), and corner infielders Darin Miller (Mifflinburg High School), Justin Taylor (Williamsport (Md.) High School), Austyn Cummings (Warren Area High School) and Garrett Lowe (Kennard-Dale High School).
The nine signees are will enroll at Millersville in the fall of 2019.
"Coach Baker did a remarkable job putting this class together," said Shehan. "Because of the size of the class we needed to sign--and some transition with our coaching staff--he did a lot of the work on his own. He deserves a ton of credit! Our program is fortunate to have a guy like him who works tirelessly to put a great product on the field. More importantly, Coach Baker takes the time to build relationships with prospects and their families. He has done an outstanding job recruiting fantastic students and young men of character that are also talented athletes."
Millersville has reached the NCAA Atlantic Regional seven of the last eight years including eight consecutive seasons. The Marauders have also played for the PSAC Tournament title in four of the last five seasons while winning the PSAC East title six times in Shehan's 11 seasons.
COACH SHEHAN'S CLASS OVERVIEW
"When we started planning our needs for 2019 a few years ago, we knew it was going to be a big class. At the end of this spring, we could potentially lose eight seniors, plus a few guys who may have their name called in the draft in June we need to be prepared to lose. We also looked at the possibility of losing position players and arms with different skill sets. For that reason, this year's class is well-balanced. We have guys who can play multiple positions, and a really nice blend of position players that hit for power, run well, and can just flat-out hit. Our goal is to always have an offense that is dynamic. We want to be able to attack our opponent in a variety of different ways. The wind doesn't always blow out! The position guys in this class fit that philosophy well. On the bump, we picked up three guys that compete like crazy. They are winners. They are also all excellent athletes—all three are good high school position players. We'd like to add an arm or two to this class between now and next fall, but at this point, we are thrilled with the three that are coming."
CHASE SIMMONS
Outfield | 6-2 | 170 | R/R
Royersford, Pa/Spring-Ford
About Simmons: Two-sport athlete (baseball and basketball)...Named All-PAC First Team and all-area second team as an outfielder...Plays high school baseball for Jamie Scheck and for Steve Van Note's All-Star Baseball Academy team...Helped team to a conference championship.
Why Millersville?: "I believe Millersville gives me the best opportunity to become a better player and student."
Academic Interest: Business
Shehan on Simmons: "Chase is an outstanding student that has a strong baseball blood line. His brother was drafted last spring and plays for the perennial ACC power University of Virginia. We have had a lot of success with players that have had family members playing at high levels of baseball. The names Nabholz, Shannon, Barton, Kulina are a few of the names that come to mind when I think of guys that have been successful and have family members who have played professionally. If history repeats itself, Chase could find himself among those on that list. I am amazed that Chase is not playing at a power five school. He has all of the ingredients to make a name for himself—speed, arm, an advanced hit tool, developing power, and a body that is going to put on some major strength."
BEN WILCHACKY
RHP/OF | 5-11 | 170 | R/R
Royersford, Pa./Spring-Ford
About Wilchacky: Plays baseball for Jamie Scheck at Spring-Ford and for Steve Van Note with the All-Star Baseball Academy Futures South team...Also lettered in basketball...Named All-PAC First Team...Helped team to a conference championship.
Why Millersville?: "I chose Millersville because I enjoy how seriously baseball is taken here. Also, learning how much coaches help you on the academic side of things made it very appealing option. The team is well-coached and the baseball team seems to have a great combination of having fun and being serious about winning."
Academic Interest: Business
Shehan on Wilchacky: "Like Chase, Ben comes from a high school program filled with history. Spring-Ford has cranked out quality players and teams and this year's 2019 class is no different. He, too, is a very good student. Ben is intriguing on the baseball field. He is a two-way guy, and he can play the outfield and hits well. But we feel his biggest upside is on the mound. He has been up to 88 and his breaking ball has been average to above for the college level. Perhaps what was most impressive was his change-up. High school pitchers with three average pitches are not the norm. Because of the change-up, he has a chance to be effective against both right-handed and left-handed hitters."
DARIN MILLER
3B/C | 6-1 | 195 | R/R
Mifflinburg, Pa/Mifflinburg
About Miller: An all-conference first team selection as a sophomore and an honorable mention selection as a freshman...Named team's player of the year by the coaching staff...Plays high school baseball for Tom Church and for the Mid-Atlantic Rookies coached by Mike Chroniger.
Why Millersville?: "Coach Shehan was a big influence on my decision. Also, I know that it is a place where I will be able to challenge myself both academically and athletically."
Academic Interest: Undecided
Shehan on Miller: "Darin comes from the Mid-Atlantic Rookies, and Coach Mike Chroniger. Coach Chroniger and his wife Suzanne have been sending quality players to our program for years. Darin has played the infield in high school and showcase ball, but some scouts think that his best position could be behind the plate. He is a savvy player and his frame, hands, and arm could definitely ease his conversion to catching part-time or full-time. For now, he is a plus defender at third base with big-time power. No matter what position he plays, he will have a chance to compete for a job early in his career because of his hit tool. Darin is also a fantastic student—a theme in this class."
BREN TAYLOR
3B/2B/OF | L/R
Hallam, Pa./Eastern York
About Taylor: Named team's player of the year...Member of the National Honor Society...Plays high school baseball for Brett Heiser and Jake Schoelkoph...Played travel ball for Jason Aspito and Corey Thurman with Backyard University and Mark Toomey of East Prospect.
Why Millersville?: "I choose Millersville because of the environment that it brings as soon as you step foot on campus. Also, the students come together as a whole to support all the sporting events."
Academic Interest: Sports journalism
Shehan on Taylor: "Bren is a versatile position player that hits left-handed. My comp for Bren is David Summerfield. Like Summerfield, Bren hits left-handed and can play all of the infield positions and could even see time in the outfield. The defense is above average everywhere but what jumped out at our staff was his bat. This kid can hit. Last year, he struck out once in high school (it was a foul tip too). He hit over .600. We don't look into stats too much at the high school level, but .600 is not normal. Barrel awareness is tough to teach. Bren knows where the barrel is and it gets in the zone early and stays in the zone a long time."
JAMES PETRIK
RHP | 5-10 | 155 | R/R
Sellersville, Pa./Pennridge
About Petrik: Earned a varsity letter in each of first three season of high school baseball, playing for Tom Nuneviller, Chris Dyer and Mike Dertouzos...Plays travel baseball for the PA Schockers coached by Matt and Mike Connors and Lou Trevino.
Why Millersville?: "Millersville felt like home. All the coaches and staff at Millersville are about the development of young men. Campus is super nice and the athletic facilities are top notch. It's not too far from home and the surroundings are beautiful. It felt like the right fit for me."
Academic Interest: Military sciences
Shehan on Petrik: "James has a plus fastball in the mid to upper 80's. He also has one of the better breaking balls our staff evaluated over the past year. Both of those pitches should allow him to make an impact at some point early in his college career. He is a hard worker too. He comes from a military family background and his habits and values left a strong impression after visiting campus."
DYLAN SHARP
RHP | 6-0 | 205 | R/R
Temple, Pa./Muhlenburg
About Sharp: Named Perfect Game/Rawlings Preseason All-American in 2018...Plays high school baseball for Brian Kopetsky and travel baseball for Walk-Off Legacy coached by Mike Barbera and Nick Rubino and for the Evoshield Canes North coached by Randy Tomlin.
Why Millersville?: "Millersville presented me with the best opportunity to further my education and my athletic abilities. I loved every experience that I had on the campus and with the baseball team. I felt that I fit the culture well."
Academic Interest: Accounting
Shehan on Sharp: "Sharp comes to us from a historically strong Muhlenberg program. He was on the same staff as former Marauder Tad Barton's brother, Matt. Dylan has a unique delivery—his knee lift is super high and he creates some deception that goes nicely with his high 80's fastball. He has multiple quality off-speed pitches, and his deception and repertoire could make him a candidate to start or anchor the back end of the bullpen. He loves to compete. Like Petrik, Sharp comes from a military background as well, and he is a super student."
JUSTIN TAYLOR
3B | 5-10 | 190 | L/R
Williamsport, Md./Williamsport
About Taylor: Lettered in baseball and basketball...Played high school baseball for David Warrenfeltz and A.J. Jamison...Played for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox coached by Ric Christian, Merle Guyer and Allen Haines.
Why Millersville?: "There were a few different deciding factors that influenced my decision to come to Millersville. The number one thing was the communication from Coach Shehan and Coach Baker. From day one they made me feel extremely comfortable and made it feel like we've known each other for a long time. Good communication is a big thing for me."
Academic Interest: Business Administration/Management
Shehan on Taylor: "Justin Taylor came highly recommended from the coaching staff of the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox—the same club that Austyn Cummings played with this past summer. He is a versatile infielder but may be more suited on the corners as he continues to physically mature. He has a super smooth left-handed swing, and he has the ability to generate some pop. Justin is ultra-competitive. He loves to win. We saw him in a few tight games last summer, and it was obvious that he is not only going to add to our club's physical talent, but he will also add to our level of competitiveness."
AUSTYN CUMMINGS
LF/1B | 5-10 | 195 | L/R
Warren, Pa./Warren Area
About Cummings: Led the region in batting average and was named all-region first team as an outfielder...Played for Allen Haines' Mid-Atlantic Red Sox team and in high school for Rick Eaton, Jason Rafalski and Don Cummings.
Why Millersville?: "I enjoyed the upbeat environment and the interested the coaches showed in me."
Academic Interest: Sports Business
Shenan on Cummings: "Warren Area High School is in Northwestern Pennsylvania and has been a quality program for quite some time. We are excited to sign our first player from there. Austyn also played for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox—a storied travel program. Austyn is a hitter. He has fantastic bat speed—the kind you can hear. He is fun to watch at the plate. He is under control but doesn't get cheated, and he uses the whole field, which is not normal for high school hitters with power. Generally, those guys are pull only and struggle to cover the whole plate. Positionally, he could play a corner outfield position or first base."
GARRETT LOWE
3B/1B | 6-3 | 200 | R/R
Stewartstown, Pa./Kennard Dale
About Lowe: A three-sport athlete, lettering in football, basketball and baseball...Led the YAIAA in home runs in 2018...YAIAA All-County in 2017 and 2018...Three-time Academic Letter Society honoree...Plays high school baseball for Blake Knecht and for the Tommy Mayers coached Richmond Braves team.
Why Millersville?: "I chose Millersville for their great baseball traditions and the opportunity to compete for PSAC titles and NCAA Championships. Millersville is the school where I felt most comfortable. I really like the winning culture and the high expectations that coaches have for their student-athletes"
Academic Interest: Undecided
Shehan on Lowe: "Garrett has played shortstop in high school but is versatile enough to play almost anywhere but center field. He is big, has arm strength, and moves well. He will help defensively but we are most excited about his abilities at the plate. He has an advanced approach and a swing that won't need a lot of tweaking. He uses the whole field and does it with power. Finally, he is a young man that his teammates look up to. It was obvious that he is a leader, and we hope that continues at Millersville."
The class includes three pitchers: James Petrik (Pennridge High School), Ben Wilchacky (Spring-Ford High School) and Dylan Sharp (Muhlenburg High School). The Marauders also added outfielder Chase Simmons (Spring-Ford High School), utility player Bren Taylor (Eastern York High School), and corner infielders Darin Miller (Mifflinburg High School), Justin Taylor (Williamsport (Md.) High School), Austyn Cummings (Warren Area High School) and Garrett Lowe (Kennard-Dale High School).
The nine signees are will enroll at Millersville in the fall of 2019.
"Coach Baker did a remarkable job putting this class together," said Shehan. "Because of the size of the class we needed to sign--and some transition with our coaching staff--he did a lot of the work on his own. He deserves a ton of credit! Our program is fortunate to have a guy like him who works tirelessly to put a great product on the field. More importantly, Coach Baker takes the time to build relationships with prospects and their families. He has done an outstanding job recruiting fantastic students and young men of character that are also talented athletes."
Millersville has reached the NCAA Atlantic Regional seven of the last eight years including eight consecutive seasons. The Marauders have also played for the PSAC Tournament title in four of the last five seasons while winning the PSAC East title six times in Shehan's 11 seasons.
COACH SHEHAN'S CLASS OVERVIEW
"When we started planning our needs for 2019 a few years ago, we knew it was going to be a big class. At the end of this spring, we could potentially lose eight seniors, plus a few guys who may have their name called in the draft in June we need to be prepared to lose. We also looked at the possibility of losing position players and arms with different skill sets. For that reason, this year's class is well-balanced. We have guys who can play multiple positions, and a really nice blend of position players that hit for power, run well, and can just flat-out hit. Our goal is to always have an offense that is dynamic. We want to be able to attack our opponent in a variety of different ways. The wind doesn't always blow out! The position guys in this class fit that philosophy well. On the bump, we picked up three guys that compete like crazy. They are winners. They are also all excellent athletes—all three are good high school position players. We'd like to add an arm or two to this class between now and next fall, but at this point, we are thrilled with the three that are coming."
CHASE SIMMONSOutfield | 6-2 | 170 | R/R
Royersford, Pa/Spring-Ford
About Simmons: Two-sport athlete (baseball and basketball)...Named All-PAC First Team and all-area second team as an outfielder...Plays high school baseball for Jamie Scheck and for Steve Van Note's All-Star Baseball Academy team...Helped team to a conference championship.
Why Millersville?: "I believe Millersville gives me the best opportunity to become a better player and student."
Academic Interest: Business
Shehan on Simmons: "Chase is an outstanding student that has a strong baseball blood line. His brother was drafted last spring and plays for the perennial ACC power University of Virginia. We have had a lot of success with players that have had family members playing at high levels of baseball. The names Nabholz, Shannon, Barton, Kulina are a few of the names that come to mind when I think of guys that have been successful and have family members who have played professionally. If history repeats itself, Chase could find himself among those on that list. I am amazed that Chase is not playing at a power five school. He has all of the ingredients to make a name for himself—speed, arm, an advanced hit tool, developing power, and a body that is going to put on some major strength."
BEN WILCHACKYRHP/OF | 5-11 | 170 | R/R
Royersford, Pa./Spring-Ford
About Wilchacky: Plays baseball for Jamie Scheck at Spring-Ford and for Steve Van Note with the All-Star Baseball Academy Futures South team...Also lettered in basketball...Named All-PAC First Team...Helped team to a conference championship.
Why Millersville?: "I chose Millersville because I enjoy how seriously baseball is taken here. Also, learning how much coaches help you on the academic side of things made it very appealing option. The team is well-coached and the baseball team seems to have a great combination of having fun and being serious about winning."
Academic Interest: Business
Shehan on Wilchacky: "Like Chase, Ben comes from a high school program filled with history. Spring-Ford has cranked out quality players and teams and this year's 2019 class is no different. He, too, is a very good student. Ben is intriguing on the baseball field. He is a two-way guy, and he can play the outfield and hits well. But we feel his biggest upside is on the mound. He has been up to 88 and his breaking ball has been average to above for the college level. Perhaps what was most impressive was his change-up. High school pitchers with three average pitches are not the norm. Because of the change-up, he has a chance to be effective against both right-handed and left-handed hitters."
DARIN MILLER3B/C | 6-1 | 195 | R/R
Mifflinburg, Pa/Mifflinburg
About Miller: An all-conference first team selection as a sophomore and an honorable mention selection as a freshman...Named team's player of the year by the coaching staff...Plays high school baseball for Tom Church and for the Mid-Atlantic Rookies coached by Mike Chroniger.
Why Millersville?: "Coach Shehan was a big influence on my decision. Also, I know that it is a place where I will be able to challenge myself both academically and athletically."
Academic Interest: Undecided
Shehan on Miller: "Darin comes from the Mid-Atlantic Rookies, and Coach Mike Chroniger. Coach Chroniger and his wife Suzanne have been sending quality players to our program for years. Darin has played the infield in high school and showcase ball, but some scouts think that his best position could be behind the plate. He is a savvy player and his frame, hands, and arm could definitely ease his conversion to catching part-time or full-time. For now, he is a plus defender at third base with big-time power. No matter what position he plays, he will have a chance to compete for a job early in his career because of his hit tool. Darin is also a fantastic student—a theme in this class."
BREN TAYLOR3B/2B/OF | L/R
Hallam, Pa./Eastern York
About Taylor: Named team's player of the year...Member of the National Honor Society...Plays high school baseball for Brett Heiser and Jake Schoelkoph...Played travel ball for Jason Aspito and Corey Thurman with Backyard University and Mark Toomey of East Prospect.
Why Millersville?: "I choose Millersville because of the environment that it brings as soon as you step foot on campus. Also, the students come together as a whole to support all the sporting events."
Academic Interest: Sports journalism
Shehan on Taylor: "Bren is a versatile position player that hits left-handed. My comp for Bren is David Summerfield. Like Summerfield, Bren hits left-handed and can play all of the infield positions and could even see time in the outfield. The defense is above average everywhere but what jumped out at our staff was his bat. This kid can hit. Last year, he struck out once in high school (it was a foul tip too). He hit over .600. We don't look into stats too much at the high school level, but .600 is not normal. Barrel awareness is tough to teach. Bren knows where the barrel is and it gets in the zone early and stays in the zone a long time."
JAMES PETRIKRHP | 5-10 | 155 | R/R
Sellersville, Pa./Pennridge
About Petrik: Earned a varsity letter in each of first three season of high school baseball, playing for Tom Nuneviller, Chris Dyer and Mike Dertouzos...Plays travel baseball for the PA Schockers coached by Matt and Mike Connors and Lou Trevino.
Why Millersville?: "Millersville felt like home. All the coaches and staff at Millersville are about the development of young men. Campus is super nice and the athletic facilities are top notch. It's not too far from home and the surroundings are beautiful. It felt like the right fit for me."
Academic Interest: Military sciences
Shehan on Petrik: "James has a plus fastball in the mid to upper 80's. He also has one of the better breaking balls our staff evaluated over the past year. Both of those pitches should allow him to make an impact at some point early in his college career. He is a hard worker too. He comes from a military family background and his habits and values left a strong impression after visiting campus."
DYLAN SHARPRHP | 6-0 | 205 | R/R
Temple, Pa./Muhlenburg
About Sharp: Named Perfect Game/Rawlings Preseason All-American in 2018...Plays high school baseball for Brian Kopetsky and travel baseball for Walk-Off Legacy coached by Mike Barbera and Nick Rubino and for the Evoshield Canes North coached by Randy Tomlin.
Why Millersville?: "Millersville presented me with the best opportunity to further my education and my athletic abilities. I loved every experience that I had on the campus and with the baseball team. I felt that I fit the culture well."
Academic Interest: Accounting
Shehan on Sharp: "Sharp comes to us from a historically strong Muhlenberg program. He was on the same staff as former Marauder Tad Barton's brother, Matt. Dylan has a unique delivery—his knee lift is super high and he creates some deception that goes nicely with his high 80's fastball. He has multiple quality off-speed pitches, and his deception and repertoire could make him a candidate to start or anchor the back end of the bullpen. He loves to compete. Like Petrik, Sharp comes from a military background as well, and he is a super student."
JUSTIN TAYLOR3B | 5-10 | 190 | L/R
Williamsport, Md./Williamsport
About Taylor: Lettered in baseball and basketball...Played high school baseball for David Warrenfeltz and A.J. Jamison...Played for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox coached by Ric Christian, Merle Guyer and Allen Haines.
Why Millersville?: "There were a few different deciding factors that influenced my decision to come to Millersville. The number one thing was the communication from Coach Shehan and Coach Baker. From day one they made me feel extremely comfortable and made it feel like we've known each other for a long time. Good communication is a big thing for me."
Academic Interest: Business Administration/Management
Shehan on Taylor: "Justin Taylor came highly recommended from the coaching staff of the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox—the same club that Austyn Cummings played with this past summer. He is a versatile infielder but may be more suited on the corners as he continues to physically mature. He has a super smooth left-handed swing, and he has the ability to generate some pop. Justin is ultra-competitive. He loves to win. We saw him in a few tight games last summer, and it was obvious that he is not only going to add to our club's physical talent, but he will also add to our level of competitiveness."
AUSTYN CUMMINGSLF/1B | 5-10 | 195 | L/R
Warren, Pa./Warren Area
About Cummings: Led the region in batting average and was named all-region first team as an outfielder...Played for Allen Haines' Mid-Atlantic Red Sox team and in high school for Rick Eaton, Jason Rafalski and Don Cummings.
Why Millersville?: "I enjoyed the upbeat environment and the interested the coaches showed in me."
Academic Interest: Sports Business
Shenan on Cummings: "Warren Area High School is in Northwestern Pennsylvania and has been a quality program for quite some time. We are excited to sign our first player from there. Austyn also played for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox—a storied travel program. Austyn is a hitter. He has fantastic bat speed—the kind you can hear. He is fun to watch at the plate. He is under control but doesn't get cheated, and he uses the whole field, which is not normal for high school hitters with power. Generally, those guys are pull only and struggle to cover the whole plate. Positionally, he could play a corner outfield position or first base."
GARRETT LOWE3B/1B | 6-3 | 200 | R/R
Stewartstown, Pa./Kennard Dale
About Lowe: A three-sport athlete, lettering in football, basketball and baseball...Led the YAIAA in home runs in 2018...YAIAA All-County in 2017 and 2018...Three-time Academic Letter Society honoree...Plays high school baseball for Blake Knecht and for the Tommy Mayers coached Richmond Braves team.
Why Millersville?: "I chose Millersville for their great baseball traditions and the opportunity to compete for PSAC titles and NCAA Championships. Millersville is the school where I felt most comfortable. I really like the winning culture and the high expectations that coaches have for their student-athletes"
Academic Interest: Undecided
Shehan on Lowe: "Garrett has played shortstop in high school but is versatile enough to play almost anywhere but center field. He is big, has arm strength, and moves well. He will help defensively but we are most excited about his abilities at the plate. He has an advanced approach and a swing that won't need a lot of tweaking. He uses the whole field and does it with power. Finally, he is a young man that his teammates look up to. It was obvious that he is a leader, and we hope that continues at Millersville."
Players Mentioned
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