OM's O’Shields signs with Wallace State

Oak Mountain High School senior Joshua O’Shields signed a scholarship to play baseball at Wallace State-Hanceville on Jan. 15. Joshua is the son of Doug and Tammy O’Shields. We asked him some of his thoughts about his future in college ball and the path that took him there.

What are your thoughts/feelings on committing to play baseball at Wallace State-Hanceville? What does it feel like to know your baseball career is not over after high school?

I feel at home with Coach Putman and the other players. I believe it is a good place for me to develop and improve. It is a blessing to know I am getting to play beyond high school. I believe it’s all a part of God’s plan for my life and future.

What was the recruiting process like? What schools were interested in you?

The process was less complicated than I thought it was going to be. It all happened really fast. It was a fun and exciting experience. There was a lot of junior college interest, like Enterprise and Middle Tennessee….and I spoke with some bigger schools too. UAB and Georgia made an offer, but since I committed so early in the process, they mostly stopped calling as soon as that got out.

What were the deciding factors in your commitment to Wallace State-Hanceville?

The Wallace State program and Coach Putman have so many accomplishments ,and they have put out so many great players. I know he can teach me so much about the game, and I can’t wait to get out there with him. I like the environment there and the commitment to compete with excellence.

Who and/or what has prepared you to play baseball at the next level?

Jarred Patterson of Diamond Club Baseball has been a great coach, friend and mentor. I’ve hit with him for years, and he has helped me through some difficult challenges in recent years. Also, Southern Timber League and Coach Cary Odum helped me get exposure in front of many college coaches. They have both helped me so much thru this process and I have tremendous respect for both of them.