Prep Baseball Report

STORY: 2018 CF Wilson Galvan (McKinney HS)


Bruce Hefflinger
PBR Texas Writer

MCKINNEY, TX - Trying to be more patient is an area in which Wilson Galvan has improved at the plate. Patience with the recruiting process is an even bigger challenge for the McKinney senior.

“It’s been very stressful,” Galvan admitted. “For players like me, that are not high on the radar, you’ve got to do a lot of work with communication. It’s a long process. I think I’m close to the end of it, I’m just trying to close the last door. I’m trying to be patient ... I think in the end it will all be worth it.”

The 5-11 180-pounder has been talking to a variety of colleges, from Mississippi and Arkansas to Grayson, McLennon and Howard.

“I went to a PBR camp at Prestonwood (Christian Academy) High School,” Galvan said. “I’ve been texting with coach (Toby) Bicknell (PBR Texas Scouting Director) whose trying to help out. He’s done a lot for me. He was at my game on Friday night (March 23) and tweeted out a video. I appreciate all he’s done to help me.”

Discussions with Ole Miss involve the possibility of being a preferred walk-on while Arkansas has discussed being grey-shirted.

“I’m hoping to commit wherever I have the best shot, whether it’s at a junior college or as a preferred walk-on at a big Division I school,” Galvan said.

The versatile senior has shown colleges a number of strong attributes.

“My aggressiveness on the bases has been a big thing they like about me,” Galvan explained. “I use my speed to my advantage and I always hustle on and off the field. I’m also being more patient at the pate. All of those things are catching the scouts’ eyes.”

Improvement with the bat over the past year has also benefited Galvan.

“I used to have trouble waiting on pitches and I pulled a lot of balls foul,” Galvan pointed out. “Being more patient has helped me become more of a quality hitter. It has me being able to hit to the right side of the field better.”

It is something that did not happen overnight.

“Work ethic is a big part of it,” said the 10th-ranked unsigned senior in the state. “I’m always trying to get better, faster, stronger in the weight room. I enjoy lifting with my teammates and being part of a team sport. I’m willing to get better in whatever way I can to help out the team.”

For Galvan, that has also meant moving from the infield to outfield for his high school squad that this past week picked up its first district win of the season.

“I played left field the last two seasons, before that I was at third base,” Galvan said. “I moved to the outfield my sophomore year. It’s something I like better than infield. I’ve worked hard at getting good quality angles off the bat and using my strong arm to throw.

“This year I’m playing center field and the team captain. I really like being more in charge and taking a leadership role.”

A member of the football team in the fall, Galvan feels playing a second sport has been beneficial.

“It’s helped my strength and my work ethic,” explained Galvan, a defensive back and long-snapper. “It’s kept me in shape and been a lot of fun.

“Stepping away from the bat and glove in the fall and some of the winter, sometimes I worry about starting slower in the spring, but it’s not really hurt me.”

The determination to make it to college baseball is a big factor in that regard.

“I’ve dreamed about playing in college for as long as I can remember,” Galvan said. “I started playing when I was six-years-old and began club at age 10. College baseball was always on TV at my home. It’s always been my favorite sport and I’ve wanted to accomplish that goal of playing in college.”

The realization it could happen hit a few years back.

“When I got into high school I was fortunate to make varsity my freshman year,” Galvan said. “It hit me then that I was talented and had four years to improve. Then this past summer I played for the coach at South Grand Prairie (Art Senato) who has a bunch of connections and that’s been a big deal. I started out hot and we really connected and he contacted a lot of colleges. That made me think something would happen. I believe in my talent and all the great people that are trying to make it happen.”

A number of others are in that group.

“Judd Arrington was a big role model when I played on club teams in sixth to eighth grade,” Galvan said. “He played at Baylor and he helped me so much. At that age you start growing and see what talent is like. He really believed in me and was a big influence.

“My dad (Greg) got me into the game and made me love it and my uncle (Corbin McGuire) also helped me love it. He lived in Oklahoma and went to school in Tulsa. He was somebody in sports I looked up to.”

A younger brother has also been a big part of Galvan’s life.

“I try to be the best example for him,” Galvan said about 12-year-old Gage. “I go to schools and help out the PALS program.”

It is just another character trait for a player that remains in search of a college to play baseball.

“I understand there are so many great players out there, but I believe I’ve been overlooked a little bit,” Galvan said. “But it’s made me stronger. The heart I have for the game and the love I have for the game is so strong. I’m in a happy place when I’m on the diamond. It’s where I want to be.”

 

 

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