Georgia Southern Right Fit For Chapman

SIMSBURY, Ct. - Blake Chapman knew what he wanted when it came to playing baseball at the college level.

“Living in New England all my life, I wasn’t a fan of the cold,” Chapman explained. “I wanted to get away where I could play year ‘round.”

The decision to reclassify came into the equation after interest was first initiated with Georgia Southern.

“In 2019 I went to a camp at their school,” reflected Chapman, a 2020 graduate of Simsbury High School now doing post grad at Elev8 Baseball Academy in Delray Beach, Fla. “I did a showcase workout and they were interested. I was a 2020 trying to get there but they didn’t have any offers left and suggested post grad 2021. Two weeks later I ran a 6.3, they called and offered.”

Reclassification came last fall and the 6-2 185-pounder, who gave credit to Florida Atlantic University trainer Willie Randolph with helping improve his speed, has now made it official with a commitment to the Sun Belt Conference school.

“I knew I wanted to go south, particularly around there,” pointed out Chapman, who will turn 19 in December. “I didn’t want to go to a big SEC or ACC school, I wanted to go somewhere with good competition and have a chance to start right away.”

Florida Atlantic was another option for Chapman, as were schools in the northeast, Central Connecticut State and UMass-Amherst.

:”But down south was my priority,” Chapman added.

Georgia Southern liked what they saw in Chapman.

“One thing they’re very interested in is speed and defense,” Chapman explained. “They know I’m a good defender and have the ability to play center field.”

Recent improvement has added to his resume.

“One thing I need to grow on is hitting and be more consistent,” Chapman said. “That’s something I’ve really worked on and it’s paid off. My game has developed into a better hitter. My defense has always been there for me, but my hitting has gotten a lot more power. Seeing better velocity here than up north has helped.”

The desire to play college baseball began upon entering freshman year of high school.

“That’s when I started doing showcases,” Chapman reflected. “I was a pitcher until I got my 60 time down to 6.3 and realized what I want to do for a career.”

The opportunity to be part of the program at Georgia Southern comes with excitement.

“Me and my family believe the coaching staff is true and genuine the way they check up on me,” Chapman noted. “It’s more than just a program to me. It has a good culture and good team chemistry. It’s more than just baseball. I want to go there, create a bond and make a run at a championship.”

Chapman believes there is a lot he can provide at the next level.

“On the field I bring hustle, attitude and devotion,” Chapman explained. “I make sure the task is done right. I take the time and effort to make sure things are right. Off the field I bring a character that gets everyone in good spirits. I bring energy that people need.”

The aspiration to be drafted weighed into the decision for Chapman to reclassify last year.

“I talked to my advisor and knew if I reclassify I have a better shot at the draft in 2021,” Chapman pointed out. “If it doesn’t work out, I now have a school to go to.”

In Georgia Southern, it is a college that fits what Chapman was looking for when it comes to baseball.

“For me it was one of the schools I first looked at,” noted Chapman, a 2.9 student planning on a major in business. “I knew I didn’t have to go somewhere I didn’t really want to go to, it just felt natural there. Overall it’s just a good fit. It’s more than just baseball. It has a good small-town vibe.”