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MARTINS FERRY - Anthony Reasbeck has been coaching baseball at Martins Ferry for quite some time. However, he had never had a four-year letterman earn an NCAA Division I scholarship before until now.
Hunter Shutler, a senior right-hander, recently announced his commitment to further his academic and athletic careers at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa.
"Definitely a big relief. I'm glad it is over," Shutler admitted of the recruiting process. "I wanted to get it done before December and take some of the pressure off during my senior season."
The Lakers compete in the NEC along with Central Connecticut State University; Chicago State University; Fairleigh Dickinson University; Le Moyne College; Long Island University; University of New Haven; Stonehill College and Wagner College.
"I really liked the coaches when I visited there. Obviously, it's all been like a dream to play baseball at the (NCAA) Division I level," Shutler said of his decision.
During his three seasons with the Purple Riders, Shutler has worked 144 innings, striking out 119 and walking 37, with just seven of those coming last year when he pitched his team to the Ohio Division V, District Finals. He also hit .374 last season with eight doubles, 14 runs scored and 15 RBI.
The goal this year?
"Hopefully we can make it to the state championships," he said.
In order to pitch at the next level, Shutler is well aware of what he needs to work on.
"I'll need to pick up some more velocity and make sure I have control of all of my pitches," he said. Those pitches include 2-seam and 4-seam fastballs, a slider and a curve.
Shutler said he had a few Division II and III schools reach out to him, but once he visited Mercyhurst he was sold.
"I kind of wanted to stay within the 3-hour range," he added. "I liked the campus."
"He deserves it. He's a hard worker and has done everything we've asked for in his first three years," Reasbeck said. "His numbers are kind of skewed because he pitches against some good competition. It's hard to pad his stats because Ohio Valley baseball is so good and he throws against everyone else's No. 1. He doesn’t get any layups and he deserves the ball in those big games. He's showed up and he has made tremendous leaps from last year when he was really good. We're expecting big things this season."
At Mercyhurst, Shutler will join Wheeling Central's Steven Brodegard who is a freshman this year.
Shutler is the son of Brooke and Ben Shutler. They reside in Colerain.