On Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, Springfield seniors Marten Pauwels and Jeffrey Hammons were recognized at a special news conference for signing letters of intent to play baseball at the collegiate level. To view photos of the signing, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Cardinal Camera sponsors all SOL college signings on SuburbanOneSports.com. For additional information about purchasing a commemorative keepsake of the signing, please click on the following link: http://www.suburbanonesports.com/forms/college-signings.
Jeffrey Hammons – Neumann University (Baseball)
Major: Business
Final list of colleges: Neumann, St. Joe’s, Millersville
Reasons for choosing Neumann: “The campus, the size of the school and the size of the classes. It has smaller classes, and I like to be able to talk to my teachers and have a relationship with them, so that’s why I chose Neumann.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate baseball? “It started in middle school – seventh or eighth grade. I realized I had a knack for baseball. I was doing pretty well. In high school, it just continued, so I continued to work at it. I worked hard, and now I’m going to college for baseball.”
Coach Chris Shelly says: “Jeff plays third base, he pitched for us, and he could play shortstop for us this year. He’s just a natural baseball player you could put anywhere. The kid just loves the game. He’s constantly playing it. He could play anywhere for us really. He’s that type of kid, and it’s nice to see. His work ethic has always been there, and now you’re starting to see everything come together for him. He’s kind of unique – he’s a side-armed pitcher, and he’s a submariner. It gives teams a lot of trouble. He also has a nice way about him in the field. I’m happy for him. He’s found a great place to go play baseball, and hopefully, he’ll have a great senior year.”
About Jeffrey:
Favorite food: Cheese Steaks
Favorite movie: The Hunger Games
Favorite music: Country
Marten Pauwels – Temple University (Baseball)
Major: Sports Management
Final list of schools: Temple, La Salle
Reasons for choosing Temple: “It’s a great school academically. The coaches are really there for me. They showed support even through my football season.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate baseball? “That’s been a goal of mine since little league. I played travel baseball all summer, and the main goal for our whole team was to get our commitments in and go and play.”
Coach Chris Shelly says: “He just has a great passion for the game. The kid has a tremendous upside. He’s almost 6-5, and he still hasn’t filled out completely. We caught him last year. He has an outstanding arm, but he’s probably more of a natural outfielder or first baseman with his size. He’s a true four stick or five. He can drive the ball for power, and he’s just a super intelligent kid. We can talk to him constantly about - here’s what you’re doing with your swing, here’s what you’re doing as far as pitch selection, and both Marten and Jeff ‘get it.’ They’re hard workers on the field, and they compete. They’re just great kids to coach.”
About Marten:
Favorite food: Ribs
Favorite movie: The Natural
Favorite music: Hip Hop/Rap
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