Riley Detrick

Baseball has been a huge part of my life. Since I was five, it has shaped me into the athlete I am on the field, in the gym, on the basketball court, and down the slopes. I've played for the finest teams in Oregon (Mound Time 9U to 11U, Westview Wildcats Club 12U thru 14U, Portland Baseball Club 18U (as a 16 year old), NW Elite Baseball Oregon Scout Team (as a 16 year old - most recent). These challenging teams were key to developing first rate pitching skills. NW Elite Oregon Scout Team only plays against junior college teams. We played in the Las Vegas Desert Fall Classic 2019 at the 18U Premier Level and made it to the semifinal game (3rd place). For years, the Wildcats Club played at the highest competitive level and infrequently lost (averaged 9 losses out of 65 games per season) and never lost a game in the Portland Elite Baseball League (PEBL). Through the seasons, my WHIP demonstrated a keen ability to contribute. To this day, my Wildcat teammates and I are a fiercely competitive group and we're tight friends. Off the field as friends it is typical for us to; attend school dances with our dates, have bbqs, go to the movies, get together for pizza night, birthday parties, go to the gym, attend faith group, and our baseball team is our rec basketball team.

During my Wildcats Club years, I was a position player (outfielder) and RHP and now Iâ??m a Varsity player at Westview High School in Portland, OR. For me, I have realized there is more potential and focus as a PO. Recently, I travelled to Louisiana to spend time with pitching coaches to optimize my throwing. I'm making the investment in time, effort, and learning; which will get me to the next level.

No doubt baseball is a game requiring a high level of talent, intelect, and athleticism; but to truly master baseball you must command the mental aspect even more. Through years of training, different coaches and approaches, and a wide swath of teammates; I've learned lessons and strongly believe I have an edge over my adversaries; proven by performance. Through baseball, I've gained resilience and the ability to bounce back after a bad trip to the mound. I wish I could be perfect with every throw, but that just doesn't happen (well, sometimes ;-). This last season as a sophomore playing against college teams, I overcame adversity and sometimes despair. I've learned to be humble, as I have been humbled by the game. I know nothing will be gained without hard work and there are no shortcuts. I train harder than others because talent is not awarded for just showing up. Lastly, I never take my team for granted. I've learned selflessness because to me baseball is about brotherhood and working together to achieve the win.

Why Detrick? I've been blessed with opportunities starting at a young age, not only to play competitive ball, but to form lifelong bonds, to give my life direction, to excel in school, to learn humility, to gain perspective (Aside: I was an umpire for 1 season as a HS job), and best of all to pitch like the devil!

Thank you for your consideration.