While he was one of the many local athletes who saw their senior season wiped out because of the corona virus pandemic, Bellefontaine baseball player Brett Belser still has some playing days ahead of him.
Belser on Wednesday signed a letter of intent to play at the University of Findlay, an NCAA Division II program.
“After talking with the coaches and getting to know them, I just felt like it was the best option from the schools I was considering,” said Belser, who also looked at Otterbein, Witenberg and Capital. “I really like their coaching staff and I feel I can fit in well there.”
Having lost his final prep season, he is grateful to have the opportunity to play baseball again in college.
“It is huge to be able to continue my baseball career,” he said. “I am hoping we can still play some Acme baseball this summer, but if not, I am glad I have the chance to keep playing baseball at Findlay.”
Bellefontaine head coach Mark Brunswick has sent a large number of players to the college game over the years and is glad to see Belser continue the trend.
“Brett is very deserving of this opportunity,” said Brunswick. “He has always been very committed to the game of baseball. He is an ultimate student-athlete. He gets it done both on the field and off of it. I think Findlay will be a good fit for him.”
Belser would have been a three-year starter for the Chiefs. An infielder, he also was one of the team’s main pitchers as a junior.
“Brett will take some versatility to the Findlay program,” said Brunswick. “He can play either of the two corner spots and he can throw a little bit, too.” Playing college baseball has been a longtime goal of Belser’s.
“It’s something I have been focused on since I started playing travel baseball when I was 10,” he said. “I knew that I wanted to play baseball as long as possible.”