“We have a special group of guys that are looking forward to working hard and getting better every day,” said Weleetka junior Kellen Sheneman, a multi-sport standout and leader for the Outlaws baseball program. “The team morale has been off the charts.”
Sheneman holds himself to a high standard as he enters the new season. “A few of my personal goals for this season are to be better than I was yesterday, be a leader, and get an offer,” he said. As a junior who also plays football and basketball, he added, “My plans after high school are to play collegiate baseball and see where that takes me.”
On the field, Sheneman is one of Weleetka’s most versatile pieces. “I play many positions coming from a small school, and they are middle infield, outfield, and pitcher,” he said. “But I usually say wherever you need me, coach.” At the plate, he takes a calculated approach. “When I’m at the plate and I am reading the defense, I will look at where the outfield is usually, I will find the gap and hit the ball there,” he said.
He credits much of the team’s growth to their work on the fundamentals. “The biggest improvement I’ve seen from our guys this year is our defense,” Sheneman said. “Every day we are doing the little things on defense and it’s definitely showing. Guys are making plays they wouldn’t have made last year or weeks prior.” On the mound, there is a clear emphasis as well. “A team goal this year is to walk less guys than we did last year and our pitchers have been in the bullpen doing location drills and getting our command better,” he said.
Personally, Sheneman prepares well before first pitch. “I prepare for games days in advance I try and keep my body hydrated as well as stretching regularly,” he said. “Baseball season is short season with lots of games so it’s important to make sure you are not tight that’s why I stress drinking water and stretching.”
As graduation approaches down the road, his focus is simple. “A legacy I would like to leave at Weleetka is my hard work,” Sheneman said. “My mindset is to always win. Win every pitch that is my mindset.”
