Washington Signs Wheeling, WV Native Andrew Kowalo

WASHINGTON, Pa. - When spring training begins next May for the Washington Wild Things, one player will be starting his professional baseball career very close to home, or, in his backyard, as he said. Today the Wild Things announced the signing of Wheeling, West Virginia, native and infielder Andrew Kowalo.

Kowalo played his high school baseball and graduated from Wheeling Park High School, where he was Ohio Valley All-Conference 1st Team twice and All-State at shortstop his senior year. He then began his collegiate career at Potomac State College, a branch school of West Virginia University, where he'd enjoy on-field success for two seasons. He hit .371 with a .458 on-base percentage and .507 slugging percentage in his freshman season, with two home runs and 20 RBI. He had even more success as a sophomore, a season in which he hit .405 and sported an on-base percentage of .510 and a slugging percentage of .627. He hit eight home runs and drove in 42 runs that season, while striking out just 23 times in 195 plate appearances.

The Wheeling native wasn't done there. He transferred to Liberty University, a Division I program, and hit 13 home runs and drove in 74 runs in two seasons combined with the Flames. He had OBP's of .380 and .397 in the two seasons.

He plays all four infield positions, and his versatility, along with the potential his bat carriers, was appealing to the Wild Things, who are excited to have him under contract with an opportunity to start his professional baseball career close to home.

"Andrew was another one of our workout players that we wanted to add for the 2018 season," said Wild Things' general manager Steven Zavacky. "He has some pretty unique attributes, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, yet being athletic enough to defend anywhere in the infield. We look for Andrew to carve out a role with his bat and add some quality depth to our roster. I know the Wheeling community is very proud of Andrew and excited to support him playing for his hometown team."

Kowalo said he prides himself of being the same type of guy each and everyday on the field. 

"I want to prove that I can be consistent and come out every day and be ready to compete," said Kowalo. "I've always been passionate about baseball more than anything else, and I have always taken on whatever role has been given to me. I've always been a guy that does the right things and sets a good example and that is what I can continue to do this coming season."

As for the opportunity to play professional baseball, it is a dream come true that Kowalo didn't necessarily think was coming, but an opportunity he isn't complaining about.

"I honestly did not think I was going to get a shot after the draft, but when this opportunity came about I could not pass it up," said Kowalo. "I've always said since I was in elementary school that I was going to be a professional athlete, and my time has come. The game I have played since I was 5 and put all my time and effort into the past 10 years has rewarded me once again."

"Growing up in Wheeling, I had the Wild Things practically in my back yard. I remember the first game I ever went to with my dad, my uncle and cousin. I was probably eight years old and I still have the ball that the players signed for me after the game," said Kowalo. "It’s great to be able to be back home playing after I have been gone for the last four years at college. I cannot wait for family and friends to be able to come back out to watch me play. The Wild Things have given me the perfect opportunity to start my professional career and I am so happy that I get to play for my hometown team."

As for on-the-field goals, Kowalo wants to play as much as possible, earn a spot on the team and prove he can play at a high level.

"In the last four years, I have played in more than 250 games, and I have always earned my spot on whichever team I've been on," said Kowalo. "The 2018 season will be my first as a professional, but I will not let that change anything. Baseball is always going to be an amazing game and one I understand very well. I do not want to be the local kid who was just brought in as a favor. I want to be one of the major contributors for this team and be a consistent and reliable guy day in and day out."