Mustang picks PHCC

By FRANK PASTOR
Published May 12, 2005

TRINITY - Mitchell senior Derek Shaw waited for Pasco-Hernando Community College coach Steve Winterling to make the first move.

"When he was willing to agree with me he wanted me there was when I agreed with him I was going to go," Shaw said.

Shaw, who holds Mitchell's career records for doubles and runs batted in, orally committed about a week before the Mustangs' season ended with a district semifinal loss to Land O'Lakes on May 3. He expects to sign when he meets with Winterling today.

Shaw said his tuition and books will be covered through a combination of the Florida Prepaid College Plan, a state-administered program through which families can prepay and lock in the costs of college at guaranteed rates, and Bright Futures and Florida Residents scholarships or grants.

"The privilege of being able to play at the next level is an honor for me," Shaw said. "I want to continue to play baseball and, hopefully, become better. Hopefully, that gets me ready to play at another four-year university and, hopefully, I can take things from there."

Shaw spoke with Florida Southern and Saint Leo and was accepted to North Florida. But he was most familiar with PHCC, where former Mitchell pitcher Brian Carr plays.

"I feel more comfortable being closer to home," Shaw said. "That's going to be one major advantage of going to PHCC. I'm used to the area. It's going to be nice. I'm going to know everybody around here."

Shaw, a hard-throwing right-hander with power from both sides of the plate, helped Mitchell to a 2004 district championship as a pitcher and first baseman. He expects to see time at both positions at PHCC.

"I want to prove myself as a first baseman and being able to hit the ball, and (Winterling) wants me to pitch," Shaw said. "I'll come in and relieve some games at first and, hopefully, somewhere down the line start some games on the mound."

[Last modified May 12, 2005, 00:31:16]