By David Howell

When current NWCC pitcher Jeremy Massie first decided to give Mississippi’s version of a collegiate wooden bat league a shot this summer, he really did not know what to expect.  

At one time, Massie was not certain he would be playing this year after breaking his leg during a game in his high school senior season at Magnolia Heights in April, 2010 on the baseball field. Then, he required a second surgery on his leg in January.  

“With these setbacks, I did not have much time to prepare for my first season at NWCC. However, coaches Carson, Selby and Walker were very understanding and allowed me to pitch my way back into shape. By playoff time, I was beginning to throw the ball pretty well and saw action in all three rounds of the MACJC playoffs,” said Massie of Sardis.

Massie pitched 30 total innings, 10 in the playoffs, with the best being four shutout innings against eventual NJCAA Division II World Series Runner Up Jones County Junior College. “I hoped pitching in the Cotton States League would allow me to build my stamina, arm, and leg strength.”

If the numbers as of June 22 are any indication, he will be ready! He is 3 and 0 with an ERA of 0.00 in 18.2 innings of work. He has 25 strikeouts, only five walks, and two pick offs. To go with the 25 strikeouts, he has 23 groundouts with only six fly ball outs. The scores in his three starts were 16 to 0 vs the Tribe, 5 to 1 vs Jets, and 1 to 0 in a seven-inning complete game shutout against the Thunder. He leads the league in ERA (0.00), most strikeouts (25) and highest number of strikeouts in a game (10).

“I have a new workout regimen endorsed by Vanderbilt coach Derek Johnson that focuses on legs, core and back. Right now, my fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup all have sinking action and late movement. I can throw any of them for a strike even in a fastball count. Keeping the batters guessing is the key! My catcher, Cody Carson, has been great,” Massie added.

He also gives credit to a very talented bunch of guys making plays behind him. They are from NWCC, Delta State, NECC, Wallace State Community College, and HCC. All of this added together has made for a great start in the Cotton State League.

“I am learning to compete at a higher level. The players are bigger, faster and better.” The Cotton States League is comprised of players from 6 different states and over 30 different colleges including Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Arkansas State, Delta State, Blue Mountain, and nearly all of the area Community or Junior Colleges. The five teams are the North Delta Dealers, Golden Triangle Jets, Tallahatchie Rascals, Tupelo Thunder, and the Tippah County Tribe.

“My ultimate goal is to be ready this spring to compete for a place in a starting rotation.”