Wheeling Park's Platt chooses UC

By Rick Thorp
Wheeling Intelligencer
April 18, 2007

Donnie Platt enjoyed two milestones Tuesday.

First, the Wheeling Park senior celebrated his 18th birthday. Second, he announced his college choice.

Platt, who is 4-0 on the mound so far this spring for the undefeated Patriots, revealed he will be attending the University of Charleston in the fall to continue his academic and athletic careers.

‘‘I think Charleston is a perfect fit for Donnie,’’ Park coach Chad Stout said. ‘‘I remember the day he came home after his first visit (to the campus) and he called me and was just excited.

‘‘He fell in love with the campus and he fell in love with the coaching staff.

‘‘He’s had other offers and other people have been interested in him, but Charleston was the place for him.’’

Platt, who has hurled three shutouts and only allowed two runs this spring, said he looked at many West Virginia schools.

‘‘It finally came down to Wheeling Jesuit and Charleston,’’ he said. ‘‘And with Charleston, I really liked it down there and I wanted to get a little bit away from home.

‘‘And they have an amazing ballfield down there with Appalachian Power Park.’’

The Charleston ballpark is home to the West Virginia Power and the West Virginia state tournament, which is where Platt and his teammates hope to be late next month.

‘‘I hope so,’’ he said. ‘‘I definitely think we can (get there). With the coaching we have here, the senior leadership and the people we have on the team, I think we can really make a run at it.’’

Platt was one of the key components in Park’s run toward an OVAC Class AAAA crown last season, a campaign that saw the Patriots win the most games in school history.

And the bulk of that squad is back this spring, including nine seniors.

‘‘We’re really close and it helps on the field,’’ Platt said.

Platt played in his first varsity game as a freshman and his role has steadily increased each season. Last spring, the son of William and Tracey Platt earned All-State honorable mention accolades.

‘‘Wheeling Park is going to miss Donnie Platt for many reasons,’’ Stout said. ‘‘His leadership is well beyond his years.

‘‘He has matured so much as a baseball player ... learning the game and learning how to handle situations when things are going bad and when things are going good.’’

Platt is quick to point out his coaches, including ex-pitching coach Tom Pasco, have been key in his development as a player and a person.

‘‘The coaches know the game better than anyone I’ve ever played with,’’ he said. ‘‘They really teach us how to play the game and think the game.’’

Stout is also impressed by Platt’s prowess in the classroom.

‘‘The way he is in the classroom is unbelievable,’’ he said.

Platt is active in many academic endeavors at Park, including National Honor Society and Young Life.

While college is a challenge, Stout believes it’s one that Platt will meet head on.

‘‘He’s going to have to step up his game, but I think he has the work ethic and maturity to know what he has to do,’’ Stout said.

‘‘His character is contagious, and I think that’s what’s good about our seniors this year.

‘‘Donnie is truly a wonderful kid and that will take you a long way.’’