Cole Metcalfe was drawing interest from bigger schools. But Bellarmine University offered the Madison Central senior baseball player an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“To give me the chance to play both (shortstop and pitcher), that’s just awesome,” Metcalfe said. “I couldn’t pass it up because there’s not many places that would give anybody that opportunity.” Metcalfe signed a national letter of intent Wednesday to play baseball at Bellarmine. The senior also considered Xavier, Murray State and Memphis. Metcalfe has been a starting pitcher/shortstop for Madison Central since his sophomore season. He has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success in both roles and the senior didn’t want to have to make the difficult choice to focus on just one position. “I’m glad I didn’t have to make that decision,” Metcalfe said. “I like them both a lot.” Metcalfe broke into the lineup and the pitching rotation in 2010. In the past two seasons, the senior has posted a 5-2 record with one save and an outstanding 2.60 ERA. Last season, he pitched 24 innings and had a 2-1 record with a 2.63 ERA. In a recent scout day at the school, Metcalfe was throwing in the high 80s and he is considered to have three college-ready pitches. In 245 career varsity at-bats, Metcalfe has a .367 average with 90 hits, 70 RBIs and 67 runs scored. Last season, the senior hit .336 with two home runs and 35 RBIs. “He’s such a good athlete,” Central pitching coach Nick Barte said. “Even at the college level, he will probably be able to play second or third in addition to shortstop.” Metcalfe played a major role as Central opened last season with 19 straight wins and jumped to the top of the state-wide rankings. The Indians eventually lost in the semifinals of the 11th Region Tournament. Metcalfe committed early so he could focus on finishing his high school career without any added pressure. “It’s a huge weight off my shoulders and it gives me an opportunity to just play baseball and not worry about where I’m going to go,” Metcalfe said. Nathan Hutchinson (11/10/11)
