Walters State's Bell weighs options: UT or pros?

MORRISTOWN - Walters State has won countless games with one swing of the bat, but a line drive hit April 17 nearly put a serious dent in the No. 6-ranked Senators postseason plans.

Walters State left-handed pitcher Chad Bell was struck by a hard line drive on his left elbow just a few pitches into the game against NJCAA Region VII rival Motlow State. The Senators won 13-7, but for a few tense moments, there was a real fear that Bell's season was over.

"It turned out to just be a bone bruise," Bell said. "We had some X-rays and I started feeling better as soon as I knew for sure it wasn't broken. I've gone to rehab twice a day and got back to throwing last Friday. It's still a little tight, but I feel like I'm back to normal now."

Bell (8-1, 1.89 ERA) can no longer claim to be the Senators secret weapon. The former South-Doyle High School standout has become so feared in junior college baseball that he's forced Walters State's opponents to alter their pitching rotations.

"We've had teams face us throwing their third pitcher in the first game," Walters State coach Ken Campbell said. "They feel that Bell can beat them so they want to throw their No. 1 against our No. 3. It hasn't worked."

Walters State (45-9) enters the Region VII tournament in Columbia as the top seed. The Senators play the winner of the first-round game between Southwest Tennessee and Roane State on Saturday. After dominating the region, the Senators have good reason to feel confident.

"We've played hard enough to get that top seed," Bell said. "I don't think there's anybody in our conference that can beat us right now."

Walters State has put up huge scores, mainly with power hitters such as former Seymour standout Kyle Koeneman and Riverdale's Will Skinner. Bell's pitching then becomes a way not only to win a game, but to decimate an opponent.

"Our kids have confidence when he is on the mound and we feel like we're going to win every time," Campbell said.

Walters State catcher Jesse Wierzbicki couldn't agree more. Wierzbicki has been Bell's batterymate the last two seasons and knows exactly what the pitcher means to the team.

"He takes the pressure off of us," Wierzbicki said. "This team is built to score runs, but it seems like we all play better when he's out there."

Bell's talent has not gone unnoticed. He was drafted out of high school in the 25th round by the Milwaukee Brewers. Forgoing pro baseball, Bell had his choice of attending the University of Tennessee and Auburn, before finally landing at Memphis. Before the season started, Bell made the switch to Walters State to keep his pro prospects open. Bell was drafted again last year, this time in the 37th round by the Cleveland Indians.

"I felt going here gave me the choice to pursue the draft again," Bell said. "I've played with a bunch of these guys since we were seven- or eight-years-old. This program is usually in the top 10 in the country and it's fun to keep that tradition going."

According to Bell, what might be best for him is a move to Knoxville to play for the Vols, depending on where he's drafted in June.

"I'm in a great situation and it all comes down to whichever one works out best for me," Bell said.

For now, Bell has his sights set on helping Walters State capture its second Junior College World Series title. The Senators made the tournament last season, but suffered a quick exit.

"We have a bunch of depth pitching-wise and that's what you need," Bell said. "As a whole, I feel like this team is better and can compete for another national championship."