Northern Star: Ben Welle

Welle has posted two complete games for UWS this season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS baseball team has been building a successful program in the last several seasons with head coach TJ Oakes at the helm.

Over the years the foundation of the program has been built off of the team’s ability to make plays in the field.

“Pitching and defense has been kind of our program the last couple of years and why we’ve been successful. We have guys on the mound that can throw strikes, and our defense has been rock solid,” said UWS head coach TJ Oakes.

Apart of the pitching foundation for the Yellowjackets is Senior pitcher Ben Welle, who has been lighting up the mound this season for UWS.

When Welle takes the hill, it’s going to be a dog fight between him and the batter.

“He’s not going to back down from anyone. He’s not scared of anyone. He pitches fearless and absolutely attacks hitters and absolutely trusts his stuff. We love giving him the ball and the defense loves playing behind him. He pounds his own, throws strikes,” said Oakes.

Over the season, Welle’s ability to pitch fearless at the mound comes from the confidence he has in the other eight players out in the field.

“Having that trust is really huge because that means you can throw any pitch you want at any moment. Anywhere in the zone, even if it’s right down the middle you know that you have that defense behind you that you can trust and that they are going to make plays behind you,” said UWS pitcher Ben Welle.

Even for pitchers who are fearless at the mound, it is still important to stay mentally focused all game.

“One pitch at a time. If you make a bad pitch, flush it and rest, make the next pitch,” said Welle. “If I am struggling a little bit, I will rest a little bit, take a step back, look at my surroundings and, then focus on that next pitch.”

With Welle’s fearless mindset and ability to take it one pitch at a time.

He has given his team the confidence that he will make a play, no matter how big the moment is.

“I will give him the ball anytime he wants the ball, and in any big game, any big situation we know he wants the ball. We have a 100% confidence in giving him the ball in any big situation for our team,” said Oakes.

The Yellowjackets are back in action on Saturday, April 12th against North Central.

First pitch is at 1 p.m.