Southeastern Louisiana makes perfect pitch to Biloxi standout

The decision was a simple one for Trey Shaffer.

When the Biloxi High baseball standout started receiving college interest a few years back, he made a checklist. He wanted to go somewhere that develops players into professional ball players, he wanted to play right away, he wanted to go to a winner and he wanted to be close to home — but not too close to home.

After receiving interest from Nicholls State, Northwestern State and Southern Miss, the rising senior opted to commit to Southeastern Louisiana last weekend.

“It just felt like it was a school for me,” Shaffer said Friday. “They’ve been after me since the beginning of the recruiting season and have stayed on me.

“I just felt like Southeastern was the place to go.”

A member of the 2016 Sun Herald All-South Mississippi Baseball Team, Shaffer was a two-way standout for the Indians in 2016. At the plate, Shaffer hit .358 with 11 extra-base hits, a .488 on-base percentage and eight stolen bases. On the mound, which is where he could really shine at the next level, the southpaw posted a 5-0 record with a 1.32 ERA. He was also among the Coast’s strikeout leaders with 70 against 24 walks in 42 1/3 innings.

“He pitched for the first time and was really dominant,” Biloxi coach Eddie Lofton said. “When you have a left-hander who is mid-to-upper 80s, that’s very projectable for D1.

“They look at him as having a good body and loose arm. They can see him easily getting up and touching 90-plus.”

The Lions have racked up 40, 42 and 38 wins the last three seasons under the guidance of Picayune’s Matt Riser and show no signs of slowing. The constant success, and possibility for Shaffer to step in right away, made SELA a no brainer.

“I was looking for playing time. My whole goal was to go from high school to a D1 school and start my freshman year. I didn't want to sit on the bench,” Shaffer said. “They said they know I’ll be an impact at their school. They see me coming in as a freshman and making a big impact, especially on the mound.”

SELA’s recent success has reportedly landed Riser an interview for Tulane’s vacancy. Regardless of what happens, Shaffer said he’s comfortable with his commitment.

“I’m going to stick with Southeastern,” he said.

This story was originally published July 8, 2016 at 1:25 PM with the headline "Southeastern Louisiana makes perfect pitch to Biloxi standout."