Baseball: Whiteherse Finds Success in Prospect League

Bethany, W.Va – Bethany College's baseball outfield Michael Whiteherse has earned a spot to play for the Johnstown Mill Rats in the Prospect League this summer.

The Prospect League summer of 2021 season began Thursday, May 27. Whiteherse began the summer as a temporary player for the Mill Rats and quickly earned his spot as a key contributor to the team. On June 16, Whiteherse earned a full roster spot and will continue to play for the Mill Rats through the summer.

"I'm honored and blessed to be able to represent Bethany College and the Presidents Athletic Conference at such a high level of competitive baseball" expressed Whiteherse. "It has been the experience of a lifetime being able to compete at this level of baseball."

"When our manager announced that I was offered a full time spot with the team, it meant a lot to me and my family who has seen me go through ups and downs all throughout my baseball career" added Whiteherse. "It's been a blessing to be able to learn so much about the game and constantly see improvements in my game on a daily basis."

Whiteherse's summer plans did not include playing summer baseball until May 23, when he received a text from Bethany College's head coach Justin Thomas letting him know that Parker Lynn, manager of the Mill Rats, would be reaching out regarding a summer ball opportunity.

"When Parker reached out to me about Mike, I was excited for him to be in the conversation as a temp player" expressed Bison skipper Justin Thomas. "The Prospect League is a collegiate summer league that is very competitive with a lot of high end talent.  I knew it would be a test for Mike, but I know he wouldn't shy away from it."

The next day Whiteherse drove up to Johnstown, Pa and joined the Mill Rats at practice. The junior outfielder made his debut with the Mill Rats on May 27. In his debut, he made an immediate impact for the Mill Rats, driving in three runs in the 9-5 win over West Virginia.

Playing in the Prospect League has allowed Whiteherse to see different levels of competition and has prepared him for what he will see next spring. The competition he has faced thus far has taught him the importance of coming ready every single day and what it takes to get the job done. He emphasized how the experience has been an experience of a lifetime and that playing in front of large crowds and facing athletes from all over the country has been amazing.

"I'm hoping I can bring some of the knowledge I have obtained from this league and be able to give it to my teammates at Bethany to help give our team a chance at a conference championship next season" expressed Whiteherse.

Through 15 games, Whiteherse is batting .375 with 15 hits, nine runs batted in, six runs, five walks, and two doubles.

"I love that Parker and the Mill Rats thought enough of Mike to keep him around the entire summer" added Thomas. "Mike has obviously earned it based on his performance. Division III players are scattered throughout the league, but there usually isn't too many of them. I am glad one of the division III players in the league is a young man from our program."

The Prospect League is a collegiate summer baseball league comprising teams of college players from North America and beyond. All players in the league must have NCAA eligibility remaining in order to participate. So as to maintain their college eligibility, players are not paid.