Shelley baseball star signs letter of intent

SHELLEY — A Shelley High School baseball star will play baseball for Georgetown College in Kentucky

After fielding multiple offers to play baseball at the college level, Austin Batement signed a letter of intent with the Georgetown Tigers Tuesday morning at Shelley High School.

“I think it’s going to be a learning experience. That’s what I’m excited about. Just to try new things. It’s a long ways from home — 1,500 miles,” Austin told Community Pioneer.

Austin spent all four years of his high school career as a catcher for the Shelley Russets varsity baseball team.

“He’s one of the best catchers in the state. He’s phenomenal,” Shelley High School assistant baseball coach Eran Byington said. “He’s the type of catcher that calls the game. Not once have I ever seen a coach try to call in a play or pitch or any of that. It’s always Austin, and he does a phenomenal job.”

For Kim and Shane Bateman, Austin’s parents, they couldn’t be more excited for him, but also a little nervous having their son move so far away from home.

“Austin, he’s a great kid. He is the first to serve people. He loves just being active, outdoors, anything. He grew up loving baseball from the time he was two. He’s just a natural athlete at it,” Kim said.

Shane said Austin works hard and goes after the things he loves doing.

“We’re excited for him. This is something that he’s wanted for a long time. We’re glad to be a part of that journey and support him in any way that we can,” Kim said.

Austin said one of the reasons he chose Georgetown College is because it is a small school, which is something he enjoys about Shelley.

He said he wants to study education so he can become a teacher and coach high school baseball.

“If he keeps putting in the dedication and the hard work like he has been, he’ll go far,” Byington said.