By Steve Raymond

ET Sports Report

Mitch Hemmen was looking for a strong baseball program and one that develops players.

John A. Logan College was a logical choice.

Hemmen, a senior at Teutopolis High School, made it official Thursday morning, signing a national letter of intent to play baseball for the Volunteers, beginning next year.

“I was really looking for a good baseball school,” Hemmen said. “I really like their coach. He does a good job of developing players and helping them reach the next level. Going to John A. Logan seemed like a good fit.”

Led by head coach Kyle Surprenant, the Volunteers baseball team annually ranks among the elite in community college baseball. They have won 10 conference titles, eight Region 24 championships, and made two national tournament appearances.

Eleven Volunteers have earned NJCAA All-American honors, and 14 former Volunteers are currently playing professional baseball, with four competing in the Major Leagues.

“This past year, I think there were 10 or 11 kids that signed to play at Division I or Division II schools,” Hemmen noted. “I hope to be able to do that, too, and see where it takes me.”

Hemmen has been part of a Wooden Shoes baseball program that has won two Class 2A state championships in the past three seasons. The right-hander was the winning pitcher in last year’s title game and was recruited by John A. Logan as a pitcher.

“Coming from a program like this, and playing a schedule like we do, is a benefit,” Hemmen said. “It makes it much easier for us to be the best we can be.”

And he gives all the credit to Coach Justin Fleener.

“It’s hard to describe Coach Fleener,” Hemmen said. “He dedicates everything to this program. The players think the world of him. I wouldn’t be here today without him.”

He is undecided about an academic major at this point. But he is considering criminal justice, a program that John A. Logan offers.