Cole Welch '17 Recruiting Profile

Why Catching prepares me to be a leader in life?

While I know coaches can comb through all my stats and film footage in this profile to see what type of baseball player that I am, I want you to get a snapshot of what type of person that I am.   I would like to share with you on how I feel like catching is preparing me to be a better person and leader in life. 

Catching is where all the action is going to be in the game of baseball and all of the aspects of catching seem to prepare me for handling life’s “curve balls”.  Behind the plate, you have to make split second decisions when you receive and block the ball.  When receiving in life, God will throw difficult situations at you that are not what you called for or expected to see.  You cannot just sit back and let it hit you.  You have to adjust to whatever happens and make the best of it.  In blocking life’s problems, you have to know that nothing can hurt you.  For example, you may lose friends or family members, but you have to know that God has a plan for you and He will help you get through that troubled time. 

In catching, like in life, you have to make decisions that can cost you.  Even when you are trying to make the best pitch call, the batter can hit the game winning single and that pitch that you called was your fault.  However, in catching, and in life, you have to learn to live through your best decisions, stand by them, and learn from your mistakes.

Looking at the opportunity to play at the next level, I work hard on my weaknesses and my strengths year round.  I know there are other catchers that are faster than me and have a higher batting average that me.  However, I also know that I have more experience behind the plate than many in my 2017 class and defense is my strongest asset.  I know that I am a young man of character and look forward to leading a college team in baseball.  I would like to close by sharing with you the kind words of endorsements that my Varsity High School coach and my Travel Ball coach have said about me:

Gerard McCall, Head Varsity Baseball, St. Joseph Catholic School (Madison)

Ability: "Cole is not the best athlete that I have ever coached, but he makes up for it in many other areas. Cole is a very skilled catcher and a great leader. He works very hard at his craft and he is improving daily on his agility."

Personality: "Cole has one of the best attitudes of any guy I've coached. He is the type of guy you don't mind "giving the keys of the team to".  Cole is able to receive information then convey it for himself and his teammates. He fits well with others and is a quality leader.

Richard Gaines, Head Coach, Georgia Bombers

Ability: "Cole is an extremely hard worker. Cole works on his craft as a catcher to get the most out of his abilities. He always wants to know what he can do to get better. As a catcher Cole works on blocking, foot work, framing and his accuracy on his throws. I have the pleasure to have coached Cole the last year and he made many strides as a catcher. "

Personality: "Cole is the epitome of a team player. He has great leadership characteristics. He is the first player to the field and last one to leave. Cole exemplifies what it is to be a leader. He understands what it takes to be great teammate. During games he is as smart a player that I have been around. Often Cole would tell the coaching staff and player's what he was seeing from behind the plate as well as the dugout. Cole will most likely be the Captain of his team this year and that to me would tell you all you need to know about his personality. "

Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. As I prepare myself for next baseball season, I am also preparing myself to the challenges of college with aspirations of whatever field I choose to study (Engineering, Business, or Medicine), I will be a leader not a follower in my discipline.  I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Sincerely,

Cole Welch