MASON - There was some uneasiness when it came to a future in college baseball for Ben Stuart.

After all, it was four months into senior year and the 97th-rated 2021 in the state had still not made a decision about where - or even if - he would be playing after high school.

“Covid made it a lot more difficult for schools to see me during the whole dead period,” Stuart said. “Everybody wants to play at the next level, it’s fun playing with people watching you, but this year was different and it will be for the next few classes.”

Fortunately for the Mason High School senior, the concerns about a future in college baseball have ended.

“I went to the PBR Senior Uncommitted showcase and got a lot of attention and video from there,” Stuart related about the December event held at Bo Jackson Elite Sports for unsigned seniors. “Evansville reached out and showed interest after they saw my youtube video from there. I sent them my transcript and they offered a few days after that.”

It proved to be just what the doctor ordered for the 17th-ranked senior shortstop in Ohio, who confessed to a little apprehension committing to a school he had never visited.

“It’s a very good academic school which is my top priority,” noted the 3.9 student, who is considering a major in finance or accounting. “On the baseball side I want to see how long I can play. Evansville and some of the teams in their league send guys to the pros and I like that idea. (Head) Coach (Wes) Carroll has pro experience so that can help as well.”

Stuart admitted to a bit of anxiety as far as the recruiting process before interest came from the school in southwest Indiana located less than four hours from his home in Mason.

“Before covid, I was talking with a few D-I and D-II schools and a lot of them said they’d like to see me in the spring and summer but covid shot that down,” Stuart noted. “I talked to some JUCOs as well but that wasn’t my first choice.”

Advice helped ease the worries according to the 17-year-old.

“It was definitely stressful with the dead period moving back further and further and just not knowing,” Stuart explained. “People I talked to who have played, my parents and my coaches all kept telling me to be patient, that I did everything I could do. I sent video to coaches, I went to PBR showcases. They said just be patient.”

A lifelong dream admittedly made it difficult to do.

“I’ve wanted to play college baseball my whole life,” Stuart said. “My dad played some college baseball at UC and it was a dream of mine to play at the college level and hopefully past, that’s the ultimate goal.”

His father, Jim, played a major role in helping the dream become a reality.

“Every coach that I’ve had has been a big influence but my dad has been the biggest impact for me,” Stuart explained. “He studied the game a lot watching hitters on youtube and watching MLB hitters. He’d break down what he saw with me. He’s always invested in my dream and helping me try to get where I want to be and that means a lot.”

Evansville liked what the 6-3 190-pounder showed as a player as well as a potential college student.

“Academics is a big part of what they said they like about me,” Stuart related. “One of the assistant coaches also said they preach good fundamentals and being a strong defensive team. They like me at 6-3 in the infield staying on the left side.”

Being solid defensively is just part of what Stuart feels he can provide the Missouri Valley Conference program at Evansville.

“Coach Carroll said they take pride in their team GPA and I take pride in being a good student,” Stuart said. “I feelI can help teammates in the classroom in that regard if needed. On the field I’ll compete with anyone. Hopefully, I can earn that starting spot.”

The opportunity to prove what he can do at the next level brings an exceptional feeling to Stuart.

“It’s a breath of relief not having to worry about knowing where I’m going to go and not having to deal with the uncertainty of not knowing if I’m even going to play baseball,” concluded Stuart. “I knew there would be some place for me, but to be able to go to a four-year school is definitely a relief.”