By Michael Lindsay
Cumberland County High School senior Cade Baisley made his college baseball dream a reality Wednesday afternoon as he signed with Spalding University.
“I’m really excited and ready to get to work,” Baisley said. “I’ve been committed for a little over a month. Spalding is right in the middle of downtown Louisville and it’s a nice campus with great coaches. I loved it; they were really great guys. They have nice facilities and a winning record over the last few years. I’m really excited to get up there.”
“Anytime a student-athlete moves on to better his education and still play the game he loves is a big deal for us as a program and a big deal for me as a coach,” said CCHS head coach Joey Burnett. “He leads without talking a lot. His grades are there and his character is especially there and is everything we want in this program.”
Baisley was a key piece for Cumberland County the past 4 years as he played catcher and pitched.
“This program has been great, especially the people and coaches,” Baisley said. “It’s a brotherhood if you play here. Coach Joey has been great these last two years, and coach Dave Prichard before him. I also want to thank my mom and dad; they’ve always pushed me to be a better athlete.”
The 6’4” right-hander is going to Spalding to pitch for the Eagles.
“We always knew he could hit,” Burnett said. “We got some guys in to work with him and really help with pitching and catching. We wanted to give him opportunities to show off his ability in other aspects other than hitting.”
While at Spalding, Baisley is eyeing a career in the medical field.
“I want to major in natural sciences, and they’re a health science school,” he said. “I plan on being a PA when I get older. I’ve been interested in that since I was young, and it’s pretty good money so that helps.”
Coach Burnett was complimentary of Baisley’s locker room presence with the Jets.
“When things go bad, it bothers him, but he doesn’t lose it out there,” Burnett said. “He asks questions and talks to us, and he goes in the cage and works on it. A few young guys have seen that and are following that example. He keeps his character in check, and I’m proud of the young man he is.”
