Higbee senior shortstop Chevy Grimsley has signed a letter of intent to play baseball for nationally-ranked Central Methodist University next fall.

The shortstop and leadoff hitter has helped lead his team to a 14-1 record so far this season. He hopes to continue his career as a middle infielder next season for the Eagles.

“I’d love to play shortstop,” he said “I’m just going to put my head down and work.”

Grimsley has been the top defensemen for the Tigers this season, with a perfect fielding percentage. He has 29 putouts and four assists in 33 chances, with a hand in two double plays and zero errors on the season.

At the plate, he is second on the team in batting average at .414, and on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.253. Ten of his 12 hits this season went for singles, in front of one double and a home run. He leads the team in walks, with 17, and runs scored with 27. 

A peculiar stat for Grimsley is a that he also leads the team in being hit by pitches.

“I’m a pitch magnet,” he said. “I’m not afraid to take a pitch off my back and take a base for my team.”

Grimsley has also seen a few moments on the mound, pitching mainly in relief. In seven inning pitched this season, he has allowed one unearned run on three hits with five walks and 22 strikeouts. He estimates his fast ball at nearing 80 mile per hour. 

The senior knows that moving into one of the NAIA’s premier baseball programs is a major step up from high school, especially Class 1. But Grimsley said he’s been preparing.

“I’ve put a lot of work in over the summer so I can be ready for it,” he said. “Batting cage, fielding, infield reps, glove work, tee practice.”

His coach, Ryan Vogelgesang, knows first-hand what it’s like to play for CMU. He played for Coach Nate Breland and the Eagles before graduating in 2019. 

“It’ll be a big jump for him, especially coming from Class 1,” Vogelgesang said. “They have a reserve team, so they can work him up to speed, then hopefully he can work himself up to varsity. 

“I think he’ll fit in to the middle of the infield somewhere, probably third base. He’s got a good bat. He can pitch if he wants to. I think he’s going to be a good asset there.”

Vogelgesang said it an awesome experience to send one of his players to the college level. It’s the first for him and sending Grimsley to his former team only makes it better. “We’re proud of him. He was a sophomore when I got here, and he’s always been a leader on the team. The kids look up to him and he’s just good for the program.”

The Tigers wrapped up their season Monday with a 6-5 win in nine innings against Atlanta. They open Class 1 District 12 play on Thursday at 6 p.m. against Paris. The tournament will be played at Glasgow’s John Donaldson Field.