Story by Gage Johnson, Senior Writer
Murray State baseball is currently last in the OVC in eight pitching statistical categories.
One recruit joining Murray State next year will look to change that right away. That player is Caldwell County High School’s ace, the powerful lefty Shane Burns.
Burns burst onto the scene in Caldwell County when he joined the varsity baseball team as an eighth grader. He continued to impress not only on the baseball field, but as a quarterback on the gridiron.
Burns was expected to be Caldwell County football’s successor to Elijah Sindelar, who graduated from Caldwell County in 2015 before going on to lead Purdue University in touchdowns (18) and passing yards last season (2,099). In the end, Burns chose the ballpark over the Friday night lights.
“I wanted to go play college baseball,” Burns said. “It’s a dream of mine. I love football. I love going out on Friday nights and competing with my guys. But when the opportunity came across at Murray, I felt it was necessary to prepare myself for the next level.”
Leaving his football career in the past, Burns has set his opponents on fire this season on the mound. Over 33 innings pitched, Burns has given up seven runs, but none of them have been earned.
He’s mowing a lot of batters down via strikeout. His strong fastball is one major reason; it’s been registered around 90 mph. Burns has struck out over half of the batters he’s faced this season, retiring 73 out of 132 batters while averaging two strikeouts an inning. He also tossed a no-hitter recently against Lyon County in Second Region All “A” semifinals, striking out 13.
Caldwell County Head Coach Bradley Stallins has been with Burns since he joined the team as an eighth grader, and he attributes Burns’ success to his competitive nature and work.
“He’s not going to quit,” Stallins said. “He’s a bulldog, and that’s what’s gotten him here today.”
Before heading to Murray State, Burns will pitch for the Hoptown Hoppers in the Ohio Valley League, a collegiate wood bat summer league. He will join Murray State’s submariner freshman pitcher Nate Pianto. Burns expects his time with the Hoppers this summer to help him prepare to adjust to the college level.
“I think this summer with the Hoppers will play a big role,” Burns said. “That will really get me immune to everything. To go out there and get a few starts before going to Murray will be huge.”
Murray State baseball Head Coach Kevin Moulder is ecstatic about Burns’ future as a Racer, and expects him to come in and compete on the mound right away.
“I’m really excited about Shane,” Moulder said. “He’s a competitor and a deceptively good athlete. He’s a guy that will have every opportunity to come in and earn some quick innings. I’m counting on that. He’s a guy we’re really excited about, and checks all the boxes.”