Bridgeport High School’s baseball program got good news earlier this week. Not only does it look like the Indians will have one of its projected top pitchers healthy, but he also will not have to think about where he will continue his playing and academic career.

 

On Monday, senior Blake Butcher was surrounded by family, friends, and Coach Robert Shields as he signed letter of intent to play at Seton Hill University. Seton Hill is a division II school that plays in the PSAC (Pennsylvania Sports Athletic Conference) and is in Greensburg, Pa.

 

He will be playing for Coach Marc Marizzaldi.

 

“I first came into contact with Coach Mazz during the summer, later summer, and he told me to come for a visit,” said Butcher. “I love the campus there. I just really fell in love with the place.”

 

Signing to play removes one of two things that have been on the senior left-handed pitcher’s mind.

 

“One hundred percent,” said Butcher, when asked if this takes a burden off the plate. “That was honestly a big stress last year because I had a slight injury at the beginning of the year. It felt good to get this out of the way. It was a big moment though. I appreciate the journey to get here because I’ve worked my whole life for this.”

 

The other issue has been his health. During the past two seasons, in statistics provided by Shields, Butcher has started seven games and has also pitched in relief. He has total 17 innings with one win, one loss, and two saves with 39 strikeouts and 33 walks. In fall ball, Shields provided numbers showing he pitched 15.2 innings and started two games – winning both – and getting two saves. He had 31 strikeouts and 17 walks in those games.

 

Butcher, who credited area pitching coaches Marty Davis and David Carpenter for getting him ready for this season, said he will compete as a starter or reliever, depending on what the Seton Hill coaching staff needs. For Bridgeport, he will be added to a rotation after dealing with some physical issues.

 

“It was a UCL sprain,” said Butcher.

 

The sprain, which is in the elbow, is not unusual in baseball. Butcher believes he is ready to go.

 

“I’ve finally figured it out,” said Butcher.

 

Shields is hoping that is the case as well. The Indians, who are perennial contenders for state championships, would help their cause with a southpaw in the rotation.

 

“His presence certainly bolsters are staff to be able to compete at the highest levels when the postseason comes around,” said Shields. “We’ve counted on him to help carry us in the past, but he’s dealt with injuries that he believes is behind him. That was hard luck, and we saw him trying to battle through.

 

“Now, we hope to have him healthy, and he’s done what he can to make that happen,” Shields continued. “His best attribute is that he’s a hard worker, a student of the game, and is driven to get better by setting goals for himself. Now, he’s got the opportunity to play at the next level, which was a goal, and I’m looking forward to him to having a great senior season, which I know is another goal.”

 

Butcher wants a great senior year too. He said the goal is “trying to win a championship.”

 

As for his academic path at Seton Hill, Butcher said he plans to study business and sports management.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Blake Butcher during his signing with friends, family, teammates, and Coach Robert Shields. Second photo is from postseason play last year in a photo by Joe LaRocca.