Washington signs LOI to play at Shawnee

Blytheville's Jamal Washington signed a Letter Of Intent to attend Shawnee Community College next fall on a baseball scholarship.

SCC is a junior college located in southern Illinois near the town of Ullin and is a Division 1 junior college program.

While college signing days are always a great memory for the athlete, they also are a source of pride for those associated with the player.

"As an athletic director, days like this are a crowning moment for us," said Blytheville Athletic Director David Hixson. "Anytime we can get a student to continue their education is a great day. Jamal just happens to be a favorite of mine."

"Shawnee's getting a good player," said Blytheville head coach Randy Smith. "Not only a good player but a good person. That's the biggest thing he's going to give a program is the kind of kid he is. You're not going to get a better kid than Jamal."

Washington has been playing baseball since he was a young child and said the reality of playing at the college level is a dream come true.

"I've just worked hard and tried my best," said Washington. "I always thought about playing college but I didn't think I'd play at a pretty good school like Shawnee. It was a great school. I went to visit the campus. It was great. Plus, I want to get out of the state. That was a great experience."

Washington is a three-year starter for the Chickasaws and has excelled at multiple positions. From center field, to pitcher, shortstop and even catcher, Washington has shown he can do it all. He also has provided a steady bat at the top of the Chickasaw lineup with a lot of speed on the base paths.

"When Jamal came up for his workout with us, I told coach (Smith) I don't know what I'm going to do with him," said SCC head coach, Greg Shepard. "He worked out in the outfield, he worked out in some infield spots. Right now, outfield might be his natural spot, but he looked good when he worked out at every spot for us. That's a good thing. You want to be flexible in college. We enjoyed having him. He got to talk to the players and I think he's going to be a good fit."

Washington's versatility isn't limited to just the playing field. He also excels in areas that aren't accounted for on the official scorecard.

"The biggest thing with Jamal is that he just loves to play," said Smith. "He's always got a smile on his face and shows that he really loves to play. Kids today, that's unusual to find sometimes. I think the sky's the limit for Jamal."

Washington said he credits his years at Blytheville along with the past two summers playing Legion Baseball for the Blytheville Casons with the development of his skills.

"Coach Smith has helped me a lot," he said. "With pitching and the basics, the fundamentals, hitting, everything. He and Coach (Blake) Burnside have helped me a lot with baseball fundamentals and attitude.

When asked where he thought he'd be playing on the field, Washington echoed coach Shepard's thoughts with one word and a huge smile.

"Everywhere," he said. "Wherever he thinks will best fit me."

afitzpatrick@blythevillecourier.com