[URL=”http://www.wildcatrecruits.com/playerProfile.php?Contact_ID=645&Recruit=Chandler-Shepherd”]Chandler Shepherd[/URL] is a 2011 graduate of Lawrence County HS, and a commit to Kentucky’s baseball team. I had a chance to interview him yesterday and was impressed with both his credentials and his demeanor (as I have been with all of the 2011 recruits I’ve interviewed so far). I think Coach Henderson is going to have a great group next season.
Shepherd considered most of the SEC schools before his commitment, as well as Louisville and TCU. He told me Kentucky was the obvious choice though, because he got along great with the coaches, there is a great level of competition in the SEC, he saw an opportunity to make an impact his first year and he’s always wanted to go to UK.
Chandler pitched Lawrence County to a state championship his freshman year, and set the state record for scoreless innings his sophomore year (46 in a row, which is still a Kentucky record). He missed his entire junior year due to recovery from Tommy John surgery and finished his senior year with batting statistics of 39 hits and 24 RBI in 93 at bats (.419 BA). His pitching statistics were even more impressive at 136 strikeouts, 8 walks and only 28 hits in 73 innings pitched (.67 ERA). I told Chandler that was a pretty impressive ERA, and he said that ERA is kind of deceptive, because “you have to have a good defense behind you” as well (which I thought was a very mature response).
I asked if he was going pro or going to UK (he was drafted in round 41 of this year’s MLB draft by the White Sox), and Chandler said he is “leaning UK” but that he would have to see what Chicago offered before he made his final decision. He did say that if they both decide to forego the pros and attend UK, he and fellow 2011 commit Max Kuhn were scheduled to be roommates.
Shepherd was named KHSBCA 1st team All-State and played in the East-West All-Star game this year. He is a Louisville Slugger All-American and is ranked the #1 player in the state of Kentucky by both iHigh and Maxpreps.
Big thanks to Chandler for speaking with me, and we wish him the best in whatever his future plans include.
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