Hadley Loves The Trust Shown By Youngstown State

Caleb Hadley C / 3B / Warren JFK, OH / 2024

SOUTHINGTON - Youngstown State had everything that Caleb Hadley was looking for in a college.

Once on a visit, it did not take long for the Warren JFK senior to make a decision.

“It was pretty early in the high school season when coach Bert (head coach Dan Bertolini) came and saw one of my games,” Hadley reflected. “We set up a visit and that’s when the offer came in. It was a quick process which was nice.

“I had other visits set up for later in the summer, but YSU was something I wanted to commit to and my parents supported me.”

After all, there was a lot to like about going to the Horizon League university.

“The way everything went,” Hadley reasoned as to why he selected Youngstown State as his future home. “It was my first offer and they showed the most trust in me. They were the first to take a chance on me.

“It’s also close to home, only a 40-minute drive,” Hadley added. “My parents really support the decision. I get to play in front of family the next four years and I’m from a supportive family so this is big.”

As is the chance to play sports at the next level.

“Baseball has always been number one in the back of my head,” admitted Hadley, who had also considered playing football in college. “I have so many memories in football. I have a brother at Ashland playing football and my dad played football. At the end of last football season I was trying to make a decision, football or baseball. I just thought that with baseball I had a better chance to play. Once I got my first offer from baseball that helped solidify my decision.”

Youngstown State certainly was impressed with what the 12th-ranked 2024 catcher in Ohio had to offer.

“They like my style of play catching wise, the way I play aggressively,” Hadley related. “They also like the way I control the game, I think they like that the most.”

An improved game was beneficial in getting interest from colleges.

“I took all the things I do well and tried to get better at them, while also making my weaknesses become strengths,” Hadley explained about how he has worked to improve. “I try to do all the little things right.”

Hadley pointed to Jim Devine for helping him with hitting, along with Team Ohio coaches Joe Gunn, Brian Chad and Chris Check with playing a role in his development and recruitment.

“They were big in getting me in front of people and putting the team in a position to get in front of coaches,” Hadley noted.

There was additional help as well in his recruiting process.

“PBR was big to get my numbers out,” Hadley said. “A lot of college coaches like that as a base for recruitment and that really helped me.”

It all proved of assistance in bringing an end to his quest of finding a future home.

“It’s a pretty stressful process for anybody, but YSU made it easy for me,” Hadley explained. “It’s a weight lifted off my chest not having to worry about getting videos out, knowing I have people that have trust in me. My family is super excited for me. I get to play a sport in college and they knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Finance/business is being considered as a college major for the 123rd-ranked 2024 in the state, who is confident he can make an impact at the next level.

“I’m going to be someone that works really hard and will do whatever he can to get on the field,” the 6-2 215-pounder explained. “I’m mainly a catcher, but I can play first base, third base or outfield, whatever it takes to get on the field.

“I’ll also be the best student I can be off the field. I have a 3.9 GPA and look forward to carrying that on to college.”

The anticipation of what lies ahead at Youngstown State is exciting for Hadley, who will turn 18 on Aug. 23.

“I know Ty Heflin who is going there and a couple of others,” Hadley concluded. “I’m looking forward to making bonds, making new relationships and the family atmosphere.”