STORY: 2018 RHP/OF Cole Payne
March 13, 2018
CUERO, TX - An injury at the most inopportune time cost Cole Payne valuable exposure last year. It also changed the college baseball avenue that the Cuero senior is considering.
“I got injured last March and was out until August so I didn’t get in front of coaches,” Payne related about a stress fracture in the lower spine that resulted in three months of therapy. “I did well when I pitched in the spring, I made second team all-state even missing the last portion of the season, but hurt me getting looks..”
At his current pace this year, Payne could be looking at first-team honors. Through three games, the 6-foot, 175-pound right-hander has yet to allow an earned run. It started with a four-inning, seven-strikeout performance. A five-inning no-hitter with 13 Ks followed before Payne went 51/3 innings without allowing a hit his next outing while fanning 14.
“I’ve worked hard on my core strength,” Payne explained about recovering from the injury. “I really worked to strengthen the lower back and the arm. I feel a lot stronger now.”
Payne participated in the PBR All-State event at Premier during the early stages after being cleared.
“My numbers were decent, but not like they are now,” pointed out Payne, who was eyeing Division I colleges prior to getting hurt. “I was still getting back into it.”
With senior year going by fast, Payne understands time is not on his side.
“At this point, I’m looking at junior colleges,” the 181st-ranked player in the 2018 class said. “I’m trying to find one that’s the best fit for me as far as playing time. I want a place I’ll get a lot of innings and a lot of exposure on a quality club that can develop and promote me. I want to help a good team become better and achieve their goal while I’m achieving mine.”
Payne has received different levels of offers from Bossier Parish Community College in Louisiana and A&M International in Laredo. Blinn College in Brenham and McLennan Community College in Waco are also showing interest.
“Coaches say they like the way I command the zone and work in and out with my fastball and also work levels up and down,” Payne noted. “My offspeed I can throw for strikes when I want. The way I command it puts me ahead of other guys.”
There is more to Payne than just pitching ability.
“I’m a hard-working athlete that not only can pitch but play any position,” explained Payne, who would be given an opportunity to play middle infield by Bossier and is being looked at by Blinn in the outfield. “If I’m on the mound, which I like best, I attack hitters. I’m confident in all my pitches and feel I can get anybody out. I like to go out and dominate.”
The dream of pitching in college started at a young age for Payne.
“I never thought I’d be anything else,” Payne said of playing baseball after high school. “My freshman year I realized it was going to happen. I pitched one game with the JVs and was moved up to varsity. When I wasn’t pitching, I was at second base. It was then I realized if I really worked at it I can play at the next level.”