If comfortably transitioning from one school to another is any indication of future success, then things should be looking bright for Joseph Dodrill. After departing Bridgeport Middle School, Dodrill took his academic and athletic skill set to Notre Dame High School for his freshman year.

 

While he didn’t dislike his time at the private school, he missed his friends in Bridgeport. After one year, Dodrill was back in familiar settings as a sophomore at Bridgeport High School.

 

Three years later, he’s proven that he hasn’t missed a beat as a student or an athlete. And this afternoon, he showed he was ready for his next transition as both a student and an athlete – this one to the college level.

 

Surrounded by his family and his coach, Dodrill signed a letter of intent to continue his baseball career. He will join current teammate Hunter Haddix and past teammates Joe LaRocca and Sammy Aloi as members of the Potomac State College baseball program.

 

“I was really happy with the decision that I made to come back to Bridgeport,” said Dodrill. “I went to middle school here so it was good to come back and see my friends and playing here has helped me a lot. Being able to come back here and be part of two state championship teams also worked out pretty good too.”

 

Dodrill has been a key player for the Indians for the past two seasons. This year, he’s been the main centerfielder, but can – and has in the past – show the ability to play anywhere in the outfield. Offensively, he’s also shown the ability to hold his own at the plate.

 

During the course of his two seasons where he competed exclusively on the varsity level for the Tribe, Dodrill played in 69 games and currently has a .365 batting average and a .462 on-base percentage with at least one more game to play. He also has scored 70 runs, drove in 48, drew 36 walks and collected 13 doubles and four triples.

 

Even with those solid numbers, Dodrill knows he has to improve his game to be a contributor for the Catamounts and their two-year program.

 

“I’ve got to get my arm better and I know I have to get bigger and stronger,” said Dodrill. “I’m not the biggest guy, but if I work at getting physically better I feel confident I can go pretty far.”

 

Coach Robert Shields doesn’t disagree with that assessment. In fact, when asked what he thought Dodrill had to work on his comment almost mirrored that of what Dodrill said

 

“The thing he needs to work on is getting bigger and stronger because the rest of what’s needed is there. He’s got bat speed, he’s a solid outfielder with a strong arm and he runs well,” said Shields. “Plus, he’s a true student of the game.”

 

The student of the game will also be a student for likely the next two years at PSC, which is located in Keyser. So what made him decide to head to the college that has helped place many players at the Division I level and at several other four-year programs?

 

“I’ve got a teammate (Hunter Haddix) going there and past teammates already there (Sammy Aloi and Joe LaRocca) and I really like Coach (Doug) Little. I know he can develop me into a better player and help me further my baseball career and ultimately get to the Division I level,” said Dodrill, who praised former BHS player Alan Robbins for working with him on the game and Wes Brown for keeping him physically fit. “I would like to go anywhere and have the chance to play Division I baseball. If not, I’ll go where I’ll have the opportunity. I just want to keep playing baseball.”

 

That probably doesn’t surprise Shields. Although he’s spent three decades coaching plenty of talented baseball players, he said there’s not too many that focus strictly on one sport such as baseball and play and train for it year round.

 

“He’s a kid that works, and works hard, practically every day of the year and focusing solely on baseball,” said Shields. “That’s why I think it will be somewhat of an easy adjustment for him at the next level.

 

“The other thing is that he’s a team player. With our injuries this year, I’ve moved him all over the lineup from our three man, down to number six and even leadoff,” Shields continued. “He always adapts, doesn’t complain and that allows you to coach better knowing he’s comfortable no matter where you put him.”

 

Dodrill plans on studying sports psychology. Before that happens, he’ll play in a regional semifinal against Grafton this coming Tuesday in Taylor County.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo show Joseph Dodrill surrounded by his father Jim and mother Jennifer. His sister Jaryn and brother Max stand beside Coach Robert Shields in the back. Bottom two photos are of recent postseason action and were taken by www.benqueenphotography.com.