Joey Buchanan posted a 2.90 ERA in 43.1 innings pitched during his junior season. Photo provided.
Bowling Green is a Division I school that competes in the Mid-American Conference. Photo provided.
Photo provided.
One of the best arms in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference has found his home at the next level.
Milford senior Joey Buchanan made his commitment to Bowling Green official on Nov. 13. He will join a Division I program that competes in the Mid-American Conference. The school is located in Bowling Green, Ohio.
For Buchanan, choosing Bowling Green came down to wanting to go to a school that felt like home, and one that supported his academic needs.
“As soon as I stepped on campus and talked to the staff, it just felt right there. I visited other schools in the past and none of them felt like home. I love the environment, and I was able to build a connection with their staff and some of the players,” Buchanan described.
Bowling Green has a stellar aviation program, even having their own airport on campus. He plans on studying aviation, so the academic fit is perfect for him.
He had a stellar season last year on the mound, posting a 2.90 ERA in 43.1 innings pitched. Although he will only pitch in college, he has been a productive hitter as an Eagle. His career average sits at .316. He has also been a versatile defensive player, playing both the infield and the outfield.
Milford Head Coach Asif Shah says that coaching him has been nothing but a pleasure, and also says that Buchanan is always willing to do whatever the team needs.
“It’s been a great experience coaching him. He’s contributed as a two-way player for us. He does everything at a really elite level. He’s a great teammate. He does everything that we asked him to do. He’s somebody that has done everything the right way for us. He’s always had a natural ability, but he doesn’t take it for granted. He finds every possible way to improve,” Shah described.
For the last several years, Milford has had at least one player commit to the Division I level, with Buchanan being the latest to do so. Coach Shah feels like it’s a sign that the program is moving in the right direction and that all the Division I commitments can create confidence for younger players who aspire to get there.
“It shows that it’s possible, but there’s also a level of commitment from each player that sets an example for everybody else based on how hard they’re working. It just shows that it is possible and that while each path is different for each player that has made that commitment, it definitely shows that it’s something that is achievable within the program,” Shah proclaimed.
Buchanan and his teammates will look to improve upon a 12-17 finish from a season ago when they take the field this spring. For Buchanan, this is one last chance to show the Milford community how much they mean to him.
“I want people to remember how much baseball and Milford in general, mattered to me. I want them to know that every time I stepped on the field, that I stepped on the mound, I was going to give 110 percent for them and for the program,” Buchanan proclaimed.
Milford has had an impressive run of college commitments over the last few years, with Buchanan being next in line. Don’t be surprised if he and his teammates surprise some people in the ECC when the spring rolls around.