Wellman selects BSU

Billy Wellman was his team's undisputed ace. But it'll be his hitting prowess that he tries to continue at the collegiate level.

The Jay County High School senior decided recently to play baseball next season for the Ball State University Cardinals.

Wellman said BSU was his choice partially because of its proximity to Jay County, and "It was probably the best school I could have gone to baseball-wise. They usually contend as one of the best teams in Indiana."

In 2008, Wellman was part of the prodigious Patriot line-up that blasted 64 home runs, the third-most in Indiana high school history for a single season. He was one of the key cogs to that home run total, blasting 13 to finish as one of the state leaders.

"Junior year was a good year. We had a great record," said Wellman. "We hit a lot of home runs. That year was a lot of fun."

This season Wellman stepped into the role as the unquestioned leader of the Patriots offense. He led the team in almost every offensive category, racking up 32 hits, 34 RBIs, six doubles, nine home runs and a .464 batting average.

His 22 career home runs - the JCHS record was 23 before 2008 graduate Josh Ludy, who now plays at Baylor, moved it up to 32 - is even more impressive considering he did it in just two seasons. He missed all of his sophomore year with a broken hand.

"He got a late start because of an injury his sophomore year," said Selvey. "Last year he just blossomed. ...

"He put up some real good numbers.

"He just had two great years for us. ... The kid can flat-out play. We put a lot of pressure on him to carry us a little bit this year ... We looked for Bill to lead us."

He also had one of the best ERA's in the state as a junior at 0.91, allowing just five earned runs in 38 1/3 innings. He struck out 47 batters. And he struck out 53 batters in 36 regular-season innings this year as he led the team in ERA and wins.

But he's leaving the mound behind in hopes of earning a starting spot on the hot corner.

"They're going to try me at third," said Wellman. "Right now they don't even have a set third baseman. So I have a pretty good shot at coming in and starting as a freshman.

"I'm definitely going to have to hit a lot in the cage and just get my swing consistent. ...

"And I've been taking ground balls, taking infield. Basically anything you can do to get more consistent."

Selvey said he believes Wellman has the capability of making the transition.

"He's definitely got the hand speed and the arm. He basically has the tools I think to be able to play there.

"Obviously he's been a good athlete for us here at the high school the last four years."

Both Wellman and Selvey said they believe a key to his ability to improve his game on the diamond will be his ability to focus on one sport. At Jay County he was the starting quarterback for three seasons and a four-year member of the varsity basketball team.

Ball State coach Greg Beals, whose team finished 26-25 this season, made a similar statement in a recent press release. He also complimented Wellman's power hitting and arm strength.

"I really believe that once he gets a situation where he can just concentrate on baseball, that his game will really explode," said Selvey. "I think when that happens his confidence level will grow. I don't think he knows what he can do yet, because he is definitely a talented young man.

"I'm proud of the kid. I'm very happy for him."[[In-content Ad]]