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By Sedric Granger (Southern Ohio Copperheads)

Prasco Park – In the 2022 GLSCL All-Star Game, Left Handed Pitcher Alex Shea (University of Cincinnati) struckout the final batter, earning the save for the South All-Stars in their 3-0 victory. Even though the All-Star pitcher continues to pick up wins on the diamond for the GLSCL South All-Stars, Cincinnati Steam, and Cincinnati Bearcats, Shea’s biggest victory is one that he had off the field.

“During my freshman year (of high school) I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,” said Shea. “It was a six month treatment process with chemotherapy. I am good as ever now;  however, it was not fun as anyone who has been affected by cancer in their life knows. I am happy to say I overcame it.”

The junior pitcher credits his community around him for being by his side throughout not only his battle with cancer but also his college career at the University of Cincinnati. 

“No one ever knows what is going to happen in the future. I was just a high school kid playing baseball,” stated Shea. “It is icing on the cake now that I can play college baseball. It would not have happened without my family and friends who have always been supportive of me. I am forever grateful for their support.”

Shea has had a productive college career, registering 23 strikeouts in 22 innings pitched during his sophomore season with the Bearcats and amassing 12 strikeouts and a save in five appearances as a member of the Steam. As the Union, Kentucky native continues to matriculate through the baseball ranks, the lessons learned from his battle with Lymphoma still resonate with him today. 

“Follow your dreams. Whatever it is. It does not have to be baseball,” resounded Shea. “Be forever grateful for every opportunity you have because life is precious and it can change at any moment. Give a hundred percent to whatever you want to do. Have passion.”

ABOUT THE GREAT LAKES SUMMER COLLEGIATE LEAGUE 

The Great Lakes Summer Collegiate, founded in 1987, is a wood-bat league that is certified by the NCAA and is partially funded by Major League Baseball. The league currently consists of 13 active franchises in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana boasting several players that have earned service time in major league baseball.