When it came time for Cincinnati native Tim Issler to make a decision that would fulfill his lifelong dream of playing Division I baseball, he said he had two potential career paths.
The first was to stay in Ohio and play for Wright State, which plays in the Horizon League. However, Issler said he was attracted to Ball State's academic standing and the chance to play for a program that has experienced much success this decade.
Cardinals coach Greg Beals announced Wednesday Issler's intent to play at Ball State, a signing that could help fill the vacancy left when Dean Anna was drafted by the San Diego Padres following the 2008 season.
After winning the Mid-American Conference in 2005, the Cardinals have failed to provide an encore performance the past two seasons. Issler said he wanted to help lead the program to another conference title and the NCAA Tournament berth that accompanies it.
"I'd say a big part of it is the baseball reputation," Issler said of why he wants to play for Ball State. "I'm really excited about the team. It's a really young team, and coach Beals is really optimistic for the next few years. Hopefully we can get back to the top of the MAC."
Perhaps Ball State's most glaring weakness while posting a 28-25 record in 2008 was in the field. The Cardinals' .953 team fielding percentage was the third-lowest mark in the MAC. Anna finished with a .940 fielding percentage and 16 errors.
Beals said Issler's best asset as a player was his glove, and the new recruit will help solidify Ball State's subpar middle-infield defense.
"It's very exciting to get a player of Tim's caliber," Beals said. "He's a very good defensive player, and that was obviously one of the weakest parts of our team last year. We're looking forward to adding his glove to our ballclub."
Batting in the cleanup position during his senior season at Xavier High School, Issler posted a .426 batting average with nine doubles and 24 RBIs. Despite his good numbers at the plate, Issler said he expects to earn his place in the Cardinals' batting order.
"I pride myself on my defense, but I've always been a decent offensive player," Issler said. "I don't hit for the biggest power, but I hit for a decent average. I would say I expect to be at the bottom of the lineup hitting-wise. I'm really happy wherever they put me."
As good as Issler is with a glove and bat, Beals said, he's every bit as impressive when he's not in a baseball uniform. Issler received a presidential scholarship from Ball State, and he said academic success is necessary to his college experience.
Beals said one of his primary goals is to recruit kids who can be counted on on the diamond as well as in the classroom because there's usually a direct correlation with having success in both realms.
"The whole idea is to recruit student athletes," Beals said. "Baseball is very important to me in my life, but I coach at Ball State University, and education is the No. 1 priority. I want to find a high school kid that performs well in both areas. If an assignment is due, they turn it in. If they're supposed to get the bunt down, they get the bunt down."
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