SHAWNEE – Over the past several months, Oklahoma Baptist baseball coaches have signed 14 recruits to join the ranks of the green and gold in 2024.
Here's our first edition with thoughts on each player from the OBU coaches
Chris Cox and
Cody Painter.
Braden Smith | Catcher | Frisco, TX | Frisco Memorial HS
- 2023 All-District 9-5A Defensive Player of the Year
- Named a 5A Region II Top 50 Players to Watch in 2023 by TXHighSchoolBaseball.com
- On the mound, he tossed 44.0 innings, struck out 45 and posted a 2.39 ERA
"Braden is a promising catcher that was a two-time district defensive player of the year out of Frisco Memorial. He was also first team all-district this season. Braden possesses a high-IQ behind the plate and has the potential to be an impact player offensively in his career at OBU."
Ethan McCally | Shortstop | McKinney, TX | McKinney Boyd HS
- Was named a 5-6A All-District First Team selection in May of 2022
- Batted .351 that season with 13 hits, seven runs scored and eight RBI
"We like Ethan's athleticism and range he possesses up the middle. His hands not only translate on the field, but at the plate. We are excited to get a guy with his work ethic and want-to on campus this year."
Spencer Dickinson | Third Base | Rancho Mirage, CA | College of the Desert
- JUCO transfer from Inland Empire Athletic Conference's College of the Desert
- In the 2022 season, he was First Team All-IEAC and an IEAC Gold Glove winner
- Batted .451 with 17 doubles, eight homers and 55 RBI
"Spencer demonstrates great hand-speed to and through the zone and has the ability to be a big part of any future offensive success. Spencer's personality and character is off the charts, and we feel that he will be a tremendous addition on the field and in the clubhouse for the 2023-2024 team."
Will Ellis | Pitcher | Edmond, OK | Murray State College
- Made 12 appearances as a freshman in 2021-22 and attained an ERA of 3.38
- Struck out 19 in 24.0 innings pitched that season
- In his career at Murray State, notched 94 strikeouts in 88.1 IP
- Prepped locally at Edmond North
"Will is a right-handed pitcher that shows good arm strength and has experience, both as a starter and a reliever for a really good Murray State club since 2021. Will's makeup and mound presence is something we look for in recruiting. He has a great work ethic, and we are excited to watch Will as he continues to develop."
