Steffen Herter, Garrison Banas sign to play Division I baseball
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Steffen Herter and Garrison Banas were both outstanding baseball players coming out of high school. But both decided they weren't ready to play in college just yet, and enrolled at Salisbury School in Connecticut to hone their skills and prepare for the next level.
At Salisbury they became roommates, friends, and teammates. Although their baseball season hasn't officially begun yet, both have committed to play Division I college baseball next year. Last week, Herter signed to play at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., while Banas signed to play at Stetson University in DeLand, Fla.
"I got a really good feeling from the school," Herter said, "I felt that they really wanted me on the team, and I was told that I would start all four years. It was the best choice for me."
"I chose Stetson for several different reasons," Banas said. "The coaches were very respectful to me and took the initiative to get me there. They were also respectful toward my dad which I liked and drew my intention of going there. The campus is also very nice and I can picture myself being a student and an athlete there."
Herter graduated from Amherst Regional last spring. The catcher/outfielder led the Hurricanes in batting average (.476), slugging (.683), hits (30), runs (24), triples (three), total bases (43), and stolen bases (26). He was one of the top players in western Massachusetts last season and one of the fastest players too.
But it's after a player's junior year when recruiting is at its highest, and Heter was sidelined following shoulder surgery.
"I couldn't really do any of the recruiting things that I wanted to do," Herter said. "I kind of missed out, but I had a couple of options and one of them was to go to a prep school."
Herter is a little over a year removed from surgery and he feels like his shoulder is healed. He also thinks it won't be a problem in the future. Herter just finished soccer season at Salisbury and is trying out for the hockey team. He also has been working out in the gym to get stronger and increase his athletic capabilities.
Herter has the choice of deciding what position he wants to play at Quinnipiac. He has been catching his whole life, so he would like to continue to catch. Catchers are also involved in every play of the game, another reason why Herter wants to remain behind the plate. However, Herter said his physical frame might make him a better outfielder.
"Once you get to the college level everyone is better and everything is increased," Herter said. "The pitchers will all be faster, curveballs will break quicker and sharper, and fastballs will be in on your hands quicker, so I am just trying to get ready for that."
Banas also had a tremendous senior season playing for Hopkins Academy. Banas was the ace of his staff and an absolute workhorse for the Golden Hawks. The lefty went 10-1 with two saves and threw 87-2/3 innings as a senior. That season he struck out 173 batters, walked 39, allowed 28 hits, none of which were for extra-base hits, and had a .048 earned run average. He also pitched a no-hitter against Pioneer Regional and also combined for a no-hitter against Greenfield. He finished with 415 career strikeouts.
"I realized that another year wouldn't hurt." Banas said. "It would make me a stronger athlete. I wasn't quiet sure if I was ready for college. (Salisbury) will prep me for college and can help me get a good work ethic down."
Banas also went to Salisbury because he will face better competition than what he saw at Division 3 Hopkins.
Banas throws three pitches: a fastball, curveball and a change-up. According to Herter, who has only caught Banas two or three times, Banas has a real good curveball that breaks hard, and he is also good at locating his pitches.
"I don't know about what my role (at Stetson) will be yet," Banas said. "I've talked to the coaches, they just want me to throw good innings for now. Either as a reliever or starter, I can't go wrong. I'm happy with either or."
