In two years as Louisville’s head baseball coach, Kylie Ming knows one thing to be true: He and his players are going to get no more than Shemar Eiland’s best effort every time he steps on the baseball field.
Eiland’s team-first mentality was rewarded in the form of a baseball scholarship, as the Louisville center fielder signed with Holmes Community College this week.
“It really means a lot to me because I’ve been dreaming of this day since little league,” Eiland said. “I’m just glad that I have the chance to play the game.”
This season, Eiland is batting .425 with a .574 on-base percentage. He scored 17 runs, knocked in 11 RBIs while drawing 14 walks. He's struck out just six times this year. He also has four double and two triple to go with one home run.
While Eiland’s on-the-field production speaks for itself, Ming said his value to the team comes in ways that aren’t necessarily measurable.
“He’s a great kid,” Ming said. “He hustles and works hard with his game and in practice. He’s a great leader. He’s not the vocal leader, but he lets his playing and his actions lead. They’re getting a great athlete,” Ming said. “He’s very fast, and he has a strong arm. He hustles, and he’s going to give you everything he’s got on every play.”
Holmes is currently 23-10 and 6-9 in the MACJC. Eiland will join the team later this year and prepare for its season opener next February.
“I’m looking forward to going in and starting,” Eiland said. “Just going in there and working hard and getting my bat and fielding ready.”
