Walsh Showing Promise On The Mound And Off

STERLING, Ma. - The 12th-rated junior shortstop in New England has added pitching to his resume and some colleges have already taken notice.

“I’d definitely love to be a two-way,” explained Carson Walsh. “I feel confident with the bat and in the infield, but also with pitching.”

The Worcester Academy junior played infield on Team Massachusetts at the Future Games in August and schools began taking an interest.

“The Future Games was a huge help,” noted Walsh, who has been in contact with William & Mary, Davidson, Fordham and Maine since the PBR event. “It was the first time I’ve been contacted by coaches. Those I talked with like my hustle and how I play the game. They like that I have a strong arm and play the game hard.”

But now there is more that the 54th-ranked 2022 in New England can potentially bring to a program at the next level.

“I grew up pitching in Little League and had a decent arm but when I played with the Ruffnecks in 13-16U I hardly pitched,” Walsh pointed out. “But this summer I started playing with NEB and hopped on the mound. I hit 89 and started to think I want to work on this.”

The 6-0 193-pound right-hander had a velo of 88 at the New England Procase in February and attention followed.

“He touched 88 with a productive slider,” pointed out Dennis Healy, PBR Massachusetts Director of Scouting. “The delivery is simple, online and solid in tempo. The lift is athletic, small hip turn and he gets into foot strike. The arm is short on the back half and has quickness to it.”

Pitching improvement has come with the help of Matt Tabor.

“I’ve polished up my mechanics and learned the art of pitching,” noted Walsh, who is now receiving interest as a pitcher from Western Illinois. “I’ve become a more real pitcher instead of just throwing as hard as you can.”

Strides have also been made by the 17-year-old as a position player

“From a fielding and hitting standpoint, I’ve improved my mental ability,” Walsh said.

NEB coaches Scott Patterson, Jeff Sullivan and Mike Abraham are credited with playing a major role in his recent development as a player according to Walsh, along with high school coach Jim McNamara.

“My brother (Christian Walsh) played at UMass-Amherst and ever since I was young I remember always wanting to play college baseball,” Walsh related. “When I was 15U-16U I started talking with coaches and saw I had the potential of playing for a good program.”

But coronavirus made an impact on that idea.

“It definitely affected my recruitment, and most others,” Walsh said. “With the dead period extended, coaches aren’t able to see me play. The Future Games was a great thing, but since the summer I’ve not had the opportunities to be seen and I think coaches want to see you instead of just stats and video.”

Walsh feels it has been a big hindrance in his recruitment.

“There are ‘other’ aspects that are important to see like hustle, how you play the game, attitude during games and how you carry yourself in the dugout and off the field as well,” Walsh pointed out. “For me, it’s hard to dial into schools you can see yourself going to. I think it’s important to see the school and imagine yourself being there.”

A 3.3 student considering a major in business finance or sport management, Walsh believes he can be an asset to a program at the next level.

“Personally, I bring a good attitude, hard-working ethics, someone who loves the game and plays the game hard,” Walsh said. “I’d love to play as a two-way but I would also consider going as a one-way pitcher if the opportunity was great.”

The hope is to find the right fit in the upcoming months.

“I’d love to keep talking with the same schools I’ve been talking with as well as more schools,” Walsh concluded. “I want to get more video out and, when the dead period ends, find a great school I like for baseball and academics. I want to make the decision before August.”