Submitted Photo

Front row: Jay Bailey, Tate Bailey and Paula Bailey, Back row: Ted Tom and Chris Rapp.

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BOB STRICKLEY

PDT Sports Editor

WEST PORTSMOUTH — When one door closes, another opens.

That’s the case for West baseball standout Tate Bailey. After he and the Senators wrapped up the 2012 season earlier in the month, his post-high school playing career was made official when the pitcher and shortstop signed to play at Shawnee State University.

It was a proud development for West coach Chris Rapp to see yet another player go on to play collegiate baseball.

“We have Anthony Knittel at Marietta from last year and now Bailey at SSU and that gives the young kids something to look at as an example of what they can do with hard work,” Rapp said.

Rapp described Bailey as a tireless worker and someone unafraid of taking a leadership role from his time in West’s program.

“Tate led by example. He was the type of player that worked hard in the off season,” Rapp said. “He was good with the young players by showing them how to prepare and once he was on the field, it was like having another coach on the diamond.”

Bailey helped the Senators to a 19-6 overall record and a Division III District runners-up finish in 2012. Rapp said the SSU’s coaching staff plans on using him as a shortstop and a pitcher.

“I think he is a perfect fit there,” Rapp said. “Coach (Ted) Tom will be a great coach for him and he will be an asset for their program for a long time.”

Asked about a particular performance of Bailey’s that will stand out to him in the years to come, Rapp immediately went to Bailey’s May 12 pitching performance against Chesapeake.

“Throwing a no-hitter in the Sectional Tournament was one thing that will always stand out,” Rapp said.

His 12-strike out performance in that contest propelled the Senators into the Regional Tournament where they eventually fell to Adena.

Rapp has no doubts about what Bailey will bring to the SSU diamond next season.

“You know you are always going to get 110 percent from him,” he said.

Bob Strickley may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 203, or bstrickley@heartlandpublications.com.