Delotell signs with Shawnee

PORTSMOUTH — Zach DeLotell, the number one pitching option for the Portsmouth Trojans, signed his intent to play collegiate baseball for Shawnee State University Tuesday evening.

“It’s a real blessing,” said DeLotell. “It’s always been my dream to play college baseball somewhere and Shawnee gave me that opportunity.”

DeLotell will now be pitching just minutes away from his former field next spring. Proximity to home is just one of the things that drew him to the Bears’ program.

“I wanted to stay close to home, but I really feel like Shawnee has a good team, too. Coach Moore is great as well. In the short time I’ve known I can tell he’s a great guy, a great coach and I can’t wait to work with him. It helps that there are a couple other former Trojans on the roster that I know already.”

Delotell admits he had a lot of help along his journey.

“It all started with Coach Shoupe, who really got me started and helped me a lot. Coach Roy helped me a lot this year, too. I’ve had other coaches help me develop as I played, but those two I can single out.”

Zach hopes that he left a lasting legacy behind at Portsmouth. The Trojans had been struggling to find success in recent years, but managed to finish second in the OVC this season.

“I hope that I have left behind a blueprint for other players to follow,” said Delotell. “This Coach Roy’s first year, and I hope I have made it easier for other players to realize their potential. This was a building year and I hope they take the next step next spring.”

Coach Matt Roy wishes nothing but the best for his ace pitcher.

“It’s pretty neat to have a player sign in my first year here,” said Roy. “I think it really gives us something to build on. It’ll be great to catch some of his game. He was big for us, even though he didn’t pitch many games because of an injury. But in the dugout, he was the heart of the team. He was one of the guys who kept the guys positive.

“He’s going to bring experience to the Bears. But, hopefully when we are first place in the OVC next year he can come in and show the kids what can happen if you work hard. He’s just a great kid, and I really wish I could have had him for four years. I just tried to teach him everything I could but I know good things are going to happen for him.”

Delotell will choose between nursing and education as a major at Shawnee State University in the fall. Look for him on the mound next spring when he and the Bears take the field once more.

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Derrick Parker | PDT Back row, left to right: Joe Albrecht (Portsmouth athletic director), Matt Roy (Portsmouth baseball coach) Front row, left to right: Drew DeLotell (brother), Katie Martin (mother), Zach DeLotell, Dan DeLotell (father).
http://portsmouth-dailytimes.aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2016/05/web1_WP_20160517_003.jpgDerrick Parker | PDT Back row, left to right: Joe Albrecht (Portsmouth athletic director), Matt Roy (Portsmouth baseball coach) Front row, left to right: Drew DeLotell (brother), Katie Martin (mother), Zach DeLotell, Dan DeLotell (father).

Derrick Parker

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