SOSA Staff Report
CHILLICOTHE — Each and every time Unioto’s Connor McCloy toes the rubber or sets foot in the batter’s box, his demeanor changes.
McCloy is a fun-loving young man outside the lines. But when it’s game time, it’s time to buckle down for business.
Right now, business is booming.
Monday morning, McCloy announced his commitment to continue his baseball career at Salem University (W. Va.) via Twitter.
“I loved Salem because it was my first college visit and going to see the campus and meeting the people was amazing,” McCloy said. “It really was a great fit for me.”
This past season, his junior campaign, McCloy hit .412 and knocked in 17 runs. On the mound, he went 1-3 but posted three saves and a 1.97 ERA.
The southpaw consistently hits his spots and brings multiple pitches he can throw for strikes to the table.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
But possibly McCloy’s greatest strength is his willingness to learn about the game, his ability to be coached and his undeniable love for the game.
“My favorite part about baseball is the friendships that you make beyond baseball itself. It teaches you so many life lessons and it is the most mental game there is,” McCloy said. “So I like the challenge baseball brings every day.”
Salem University was 26-27 overall this past spring with a 22-14 record at home. The majority of the program’s games are played in West Virginia.
But before McCloy joins the Tigers, he’s a Sherman for one more year … and he’s got big goals in mind for his senior season.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play college baseball and my dream coming true means so much to me,” McCloy said. “This spring, I would love to win SVC Player of the Year and, of course, win a Gold Ball. It’s my senior year so I have to make the last year the best year.”