Despite Still Recovering from Shoulder Surgery, BHS's Logan Smith Signs to Play Baseball, Hoops at FSU
By Jeff Toquinto on May 06, 2016 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
When Logan Smith realized that he had suffered a torn labrum in the shoulder of gua pitching arm during this past year’s basketball season, he also soon realized that his initial plans for college to be a student-athlete probably wouldn’t suit his – or the program’s – needs.
After all, Smith planned on going to Potomac State, a two-year school that has featured many former BHS athletes; several of which went on to play at West Virginia University and other destination. The torn labrum and the lengthy recovery time meant that he would miss one of the two years of eligibility he had there with Potomac State not offering medical redshirts.
This afternoon, the change in plans became official. And those change of plans involved more than just finding a new school where he 
could pitch upon his recovery from shoulder surgery.
could pitch upon his recovery from shoulder surgery.
Inside the Bridgeport High School baseball fieldhouse building, Smith signed a letter of intent to continue his athletic career at Fairmont State University. While that was one change, the other change involved Smith also signing to play basketball for the Falcons.
At this time last year, the thought process for the future didn’t even include the Marion County school.
“It wasn’t a tough decision. Coming off a huge injury, Potomac State wasn’t the place for me where I’m trying to get back to get better two hours from home. I know I need to closer to home to stay on track toward recovery,” said Smith. “The fact Fairmont can offer a medical redshirt was big too, because that still gives me four years to play.”
Smith said he won’t play baseball for FSU next year. Basketball is also not in the equation.
As for baseball, BHS Coach Robert Shields is more than pleased with Smith having the opportunity continue his career. The only downside is that he knows how much Smith missed having a chance to play his senior year.
“This is great to know that he’s going to have a chance to continue to play because I know how much he’s missed it this year. To see a school have faith in him because of the unknown of the recovery process and time need tells you how much ability he has,” said 
Shields. “Plus, he’s got basketball as well to focus on. If anyone can do it, it’s Logan.”
Shields. “Plus, he’s got basketball as well to focus on. If anyone can do it, it’s Logan.”
As for his chances in the Mountain East Conference once the talented southpaw returns to the mound? Shield said they’re pretty good.
“If he gets back to 100 percent, Logan can be very, very good. There’s no doubt that if gets healthy and works hard, which he has no problem doing, he’ll be one of the top pitchers in the (Mountain East),” said Shields.
Smith said the baseball program was the first to contact him. He said he was approached about his interest in FSU by Coach Phil Caruso.
“Coach Caruso called me and asked me if I would like to play for him and I said that I would. When I did, he invited me down for a visit,” said Smith. “ … Two days later, Coach (Jerrod) Calhoun calls me and asked about being interested in playing basketball too. He said there was no reason to pass up a 6’4, left-handed shooting guard. I was excited and told him absolutely.”
Caruso, according to a press release from FSU, is thrilled to have Smith coming aboard.
"Logan's misfortune of needing shoulder surgery has givien us the fortune of adding a valuable left-handed pitcher to our rotation in the near future," said Caruso. "After he completes his rehab and redshirt season during the 2016-17 season, he will give us a very effective weapon on our pitching staff and in the Mountain East Conference. The addition of Logan to the five freshman pitchers that saw extended action for us this season will give us a strong rotation."
On the basketball front, BHS Coach Mike Robey was pleased with the sudden development of only playing baseball to playing two sports. The 6’4 Smith was the Indians’ go-to player from long distance and hit more than one clutch 3-point field goal this season for the Indians.
“I’m esctatic for Logan because I’m a coach that likes to see good thing happen to good kids,” said Robey. “He’s a team first type of guy that’s 6’4 and can shoot from deep. You better believe he has the potential to contribute once he gets healthy.
“I talked with Logan about playing two sports and he knows it’s a lot of work and dedication, particularly coming off of major surgery,” Robey continued. “That speaks volumes about what type of kid he is to take on that challenge. If he’s willing to put in the time, then there’s no doubt this will be an opportunity he can take advantage of. I can tell you this; every team needs a shooter and Logan Smith is a shooter.”
Calhoun is also happy to be adding the left-hander to his roster.
"We are excited to add Logan to the roster for next season and I think this is a very unique situation for Fairmont State to be able to add a two-sport athlete with the ability to help both programs," said Calhoun.
Smith said he’s aware of the discipline it will take to play both sports. And he knows that’s even more cumbersome with the added responsibility of the self-discipline needed to rehabilitate his shoulder.
“I know the challenge to play two sports in college is difficult, but I think it will keep me more focused and more intense about school to keep my grades up,” said Smith.
Smith said the shoulder is still in the healing process and he’s yet to begin physical therapy. He said he is expected to begin next week.
As for his studies, Smith plans on majoring in biochemistry and minor in business. His goal is to be a bio-chemist.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Smith at today's singing surrounded by his father Paul and mother Donna. Back row, from left, baseball assistant Coach Pete Iquinto, baseball Coach Robert Shields, basketball Coach Mike Robey and Logan's sister Caitlin. Top two photos by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.
