Eli Snelson '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Eli Snelson. I am 5’10, 180 lbs, batting and throwing both right handed. I started playing multiple sports at the age of three but baseball has always been the sport in which I wanted to pursue further. My passion and love for baseball far exceeds all others.  I started my baseball journey at age four in park ball and quickly transitioned to travel ball to play in a more competitive environment and help progress my baseball skills to be able to hopefully reach the next level one day. I am the youngest student athlete in my class, and should be a 2022 graduate. My brother is deaf and I learned to sign before talking, so I have always been very advanced academically.  Due to these factors, my parents always played me up with older teams so I could learn to compete against older children and develop the necessary skills.

When not on the mound, I have been used in every position on the field except catcher. I consider myself a utility player in which can be used in any capacity needed. I am currently a primary centerfielder and right hand pitcher.  I may not be the guy throwing 95 mph, but what I am is a guy that can pitch low in the zone for ground ball outs. Topping out right now at 87 (FB), I am still continuing to grow and working weekly on increasing my velocity. I am consistent, can pound the zone repeatedly, and offer a four pitch mix including a fastball, cutter, changeup, and a very nasty slider. Due to my quick speed, I am normally used in a lead off type role with both my high school and travel ball teams. I certainly feel I am a well-rounded batter that finds a way on base, but also very well known to steal my way around the diamond once on base.

My teenage years have been dedicated to baseball as my hope has always been to play college baseball and hopefully make it to the big leagues one day. I have been committed to weekly private hitting and pitching lessons for the past six years. My hitting coach is “Papa Ron Jackson”, who was the hitting coach for the Red Sox during the World Series title in 2004, and was also a player in the major leagues from 1975-1984. My pitching coach, Steve Woodard, was drafted to the Milwaukee Brewers out of high school, back in 1994 and remained in the league until 2003. Both private coaches are on my profile as a coach reference if you would like to reach out to either of them for feedback.

My main goal is to be able to continue playing baseball  while obtaining my college degree. I am really looking for a program where I can continue to grow under experienced coaches while playing at a high level of competitive baseball. 

I feel that I am a very well rounded, smart, student athlete that can bring a lot to the table for any coach and program. I appreciate you taking the time to read my personal statement and look forward to speaking with your further should you have any questions. Please reach out to me at any time.