Anniston, AL – Sewell parlays three successful baseball seasons at Donoho into chance to play for Southern Union Community College.
By Joe Medley
Blake Sewell had a lot fewer than six degrees of separation from what became his chance to play college baseball.
Hitting lessons with the right connection got the Donoho senior pitcher/infielder a look from Southern Union Community College, and he signed Monday to play for the Bison.
This after the two-time all-state selection batted .475 with a .564 on-base percentage, one home run, nine doubles, three triples and 20 RBIs while helping Donoho reach the second round of the Class 2A playoffs.
Sewell’s inroad started with hitting lessons from Jason Eller, a former Georgia College Coach. Eller knows Southern Union coach Tucker Willard.
“He had talked to him about me throughout the year and everything,” Sewell said. “I went up there for a visits and worked out with them, and that’s when they offers.
“It’s a good fit, close to home, and a lot of their players end up going (to four-year colleges).”
With Southern Union about to lose weight sophomore pitchers, Sewell will get the chance to pitch. His first job will be in the infield, he said.
“They liked how I moved, and they said I swung it well enough,” he said. “Their second baseman is graduating, so there’s availability.”
Sewell transferred to Donoho from Oxford ahead of his sophomore season and helped Donoho reach the playoffs all three seasons he played for the Falcons.
“He brought a lot of grit, a lot of attitude,” Donoho coach Steve Gendron said. “Obviously, he has a lot of ability.
“He played four positions for us … third base, shortstop, second base, pitcher. He’s a two-time all-state guy, and hopefully will be three-time all-state, so the ability is there.”
Jason Pahman, Sewell’s travel-ball coach with Team Southeast, likes Sewell’s versatility.
“Blake is a kid that can play any position on the field, even catcher at one point last fall,” Pahman said. “He’s a guy that’s above average player in the middle infeild. He’s got a great glove. He’s really got awareness for the game.”
Photo gallery by Joe Medley
