Three JALC sophomore baseballers accepted scholarship offers to four-year schools Wednesday. They are seated from left: pitcher Sean Buchholz (Southern Mississippi), pitcher Luke Shearrow (Southeast Missouri State) and outfielder Tyler Mikrut (Southeast Missouri State. Standing in back is Vols head baseball coach Jerry Halstead.

Three John A. Logan College baseball players signed letters of intent Wednesday to continue their collegiate careers at four-year schools next fall. The trio of sophomores include pitcher Sean Buchholz (Southern Mississippi), outfielder Tyler Mikrut (Southeast Missouri) and pitcher Luke Shearrow (Southeast Missouri).

Vols head coach Jerry Halstead said he was “extremely happy” to see the three get the opportunity to perform at the next level.

“Anytime the kids’ hard work is rewarded, whether it be through the professional ranks or a four-year school, it’s a good thing,” he said. “I’m expecting big things out of all three this spring and wish them continued success when they leave here.”

Halstead said Buchholz (5-3 with a 3.02 ERA) will enjoy playing at Southern Mississippi, which has been a nationally-ranked team and even competed at the College World Series two years ago.

“They’ve put together some outstanding recruiting classes and they believe Buck has put himself in a position to perform at a high level. I’m excited for him.”

Buchholz, a 6-foot-5 hard-throwing righthander, is a native of Barrington near Chicago. He said both he and his family are excited about his opportunity to pitch at Southern Mississippi.

“Even though it’s hundreds of miles away (from home), I feel it will be very beneficial for me,” he said. “I think it’s the best decision I could have made.”

Buchholz explained how he has developed as a pitcher.

“As my career has gone on, I have become a much more confident pitcher,” he said. “I hope to continue to progress. If I do, I will be an even better pitcher than I am today. What I want to do is finish up strong here this spring and then go to Southern Mississippi and do my thing. I want to help out in every aspect I can.”

Halstead said Shearrow, who did not play ball last year, is now a year removed from Tommy John surgery on his right arm. He was able to scrape off some of the rust with some work during the abbreviated fall season and was impressive.

“I think SEMO is a good fit for Luke. He has a high ceiling and can throw in the low 90s. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see him be a solid contributor both for us this spring and for them next year.”
Shearrow, a 6-foot-3 righthander from the northern part of the state, said his goal has always been to pitch at a four-year school.
“And it’s even better that I can go to SEMO with my teammate, Tyler. I feel comfortable with my decision. I think they have a chance to be a pretty good team the next couple of years.”

Shearrow said it was important to him from a psychological standpoint to get a few innings of work under his belt this fall after taking a year to recover from arm surgery.

“Those innings were huge going into next spring. I knew I would be rusty and that’s why it helped to get some work in this fall. I felt I got better every time I went out on the mound.”

Shearrow said confidence is a huge factor in succeeding as a pitcher.

“I now feel like I will be 100 percent when spring rolls around. I think we can do really well this year. I know I’m looking forward to it. I want the ball in my hand when it matters most. Whatever the team needs, whatever Coach Halstead needs, I want to be there for them.”

Halstead said Mikrut (.280 average with eight home runs and 23 runs batted in) has continued to show improvement as an all-around ball player since coming to Carterville from Edwardsville.

“Like Luke, I think SEMO will be a good fit for Tyler. He has an above-average arm for an outfielder, good speed and hit some majestic home runs for us last spring. He gets better and better and I expect big things from him this spring.”

Mikrut said playing baseball for a Division I school like SEMO has been on his mind since his freshman year of high school.

“All the hard work is starting to pay off. I’m really happy to know I will be moving on to the next level.”

Mikrut said the Vols’ coaching staff has shaped him into a good ballplayer and a good person on and off the field.

“Coming from Edwardsville, we definitely take our baseball seriously. And that’s exactly the way it’s been here, too, at Logan. I feel fortunate to be a part of this program and I’m now looking forward to being a part of SEMO’s program.”

Mikrut described himself as a physically stronger player than he was coming out of high school and also a wiser one with a better mental approach to the game.

“I have learned that iIt doesn’t matter what you did your last at bat. The most important at bat is your next one. You have to erase everything else and just focus on that one at bat.”