The 2010 North Central Missouri College baseball team had 11 sophomores and all are continuing their education this fall at other institutions, reported NCMC Head Baseball Coach Donnie Hillerman.
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“Of the eleven sophomores, eight graduated with their associate’s degree last May,” Hillerman said. “We are very proud that all 11 are still pursuing their education, and most are still playing ball.”
Josh Parrish, originally from Springfield, signed to play baseball at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville during an early sign-up period last fall. Parrish was a two-year starting pitcher for the Pirates and led all NCMC pitchers in wins, ERA, strikeouts and innings pitched. He joined former NCMC standout Chris Green at Northwest.
Blake Wilson from Cairo is now a student-athlete at St. Andrews Presbyterian University in Laurinburg, NC, an NCAA Division II school. A two-year starting shortstop for the Pirates, he excelled both in the field and at the plate, leading the Pirates’ offense in averages, extra base hits and RBIs.
Tyler Phillips from Braymer, Kyle Burns from Springfield and Chris Fletcher from Moberly are all attending William Woods University this fall. Phillips pitched for two seasons at NCMC. He was forced to miss the Pirates’ 2009 season due to injury, but bounced back in 2010. Burns pitched out of the bullpen for two seasons at NCMC as a lefthanded specialist. Fletcher, known for his vocal leadership, was an infielder.
Josh Hartsock from La Plata is now a student-athlete at Missouri S&T University in Rolla. A lefthanded pitcher, he has three years of athletic eligibility remaining after redshirting at NCMC in 2009.
Jason Gray of St. Louis is attending Webster University in Webster Groves. Like Hartsock, he was redshirted at NCMC in 2009 and still has three years of athletic eligibility remaining.
“Gray’s versatility and hard work in the infield will make him a good fit for the Webster University baseball program,” Hillerman said.
Jarrod Alexander of Nevada is now a student at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS and is also a baseball instructor in an academy in Nevada. He was a relief pitcher for the Pirates.
Eric Harmon of Harrisburg is continuing his education at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. He was a Pirates’ infielder.
Josh Reeves from Warrensburg is also attending UCM. Reeves spent two seasons as a relief pitcher for the Pirates, but injury cut his 2010 season short. He plans to transfer to Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS to play baseball for the 2011 season.
Carter Bledsoe from Tulsa, OK is attending Tulsa Community College this fall and plans to transfer to a four-year school to play ball for the 2011 season. He was a pitcher for NCMC, both as a starter and reliever.
“These former student-athletes serve as great representatives of North Central Missouri College at their present schools,” Hillerman said. “Their strong work ethic, both in the classroom and on the baseball field, is indicative of the type of student-athlete we have been able to attract at NCMC. It speaks very well for our college.”