For upcoming aspiring athletes who have that dream of one day making it to the professional league, the highest of all levels of competition where the big bucks are paid and the fans are like no other you will ever experience.
A “long shot” as some would call it, where the odds are slim to none. Some even consider winning the lottery as a similar comparison for making it to the pros. But, pushing all the negativity and doubts aside it still is possible, and right here at our own Seton Hill University (SHU), just a small NCAA Division II institution 30 minutes outside of Pittsburgh we have proof that it can be done!
Nick Sell, remember the name if you have not already because what was “home” to four-year starting infielder/batter, who broke every record you could think of at SHU just this past year in his senior season, will have to pack his bags and start a new journey of his life with the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB).
It has been eight years since SHU has had another major league signee, as Sell becomes the second player from SHU to do so after signing his free agent contract this past weekend.
“It’s been quite the experience thus far, going from winning the Tino Martinez Award, to flying out has been truly a whirlwind. It’s unreal how fast things can take off and how everything has happened. It’s been the experience of a lifetime to say the least, and the ride to follow I’m sure will be one I’ll never forget,” said Sell.
The 2015 Tino Martinez Award is handed out each year to the most outstanding player in all of Division II Baseball. Sell was rewarded this prominent award along being named first team All American with ABCA/Rawlings, Daktronics and NCBWA All American. He also was named Region Player of the Year with these three organizations too. In addition, Sell was named the ECAC Division II Player of the Year as well as an ECAC Baseball All Star, and was even named the PSAC West Athlete of the Year and first team All PSAC West selection.
As for statistics, Sell was off the charts, with his senior season being arguably the best of his career! He set new single season SHU records in batting average with a .444 and home runs with 28. Sell also was able to set new SHU career records with a .398 batting average, 292 hits, 59 doubles and 242 RBI’s which Sell also led the Division II in and not to mention was also second in slugging percentage (1.032), total bases (193) and home runs (59) all of which add to his SHU career records. Without any exaggeration, a spectacular season and career!
Sell, from Wexford, Pa., a small town of 21,290 people will have to adjust to the environment conditions and different atmosphere of living (2,446 miles away) in Los Angeles, that also just edged past 10 million – a new high for the most populous county in the United States according to the estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
“Moving really for me will be a huge adjustment. It’s always been me being around home, which is Wexford to Greensburg, and now, across the country. It will definitely take some time to get used to. But I have no doubt in my mind this will be an amazing time in my life,” said Sell.
Sell has provided hope for other Griffin athletes who are pursuing to play at the next level one day and has helped SHU become known athletically on a global nationwide scale. We wish him all the best going forward as he continues to make SHU proud! Be sure to support Nick’s journey by following his twitter account handle @nick_sell to keep up with his status.