BROWNSTOWN

Upon transferring to Brownstown Central his sophomore year, Austin Green made it clear to Braves baseball coach John Lawson that he intended to play college baseball.

This past Thursday, Green’s dream of playing college ball came to fruition as he signed to play at Earlham College.

“He has a live arm for a kid his size and a lot of knowledge of the game,” Lawson said.

“He has a quick bat and quick feet. He’s a classic baseball kid: He eats, lives and breathes it. He works hard for us and on his own, and takes it very seriously.”

The senior tested the waters early to see what schools felt like the best fit.

“I sent out my recruitment video to most schools in Indiana and (Earlham) contacted me back to come to one of their camps,” Green said. “I liked the campus and got to know the coaches a little bit. It’s one of the better academic schools around here, so that’s why it’s on my radar.”

Earlham, a NCAA Division III school, competes in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

The Quakers are coming off their most successful season heading into the 2016 spring season.

Earlham finished 26-14, which tied the 1970 team for the most victories in a season. It is the most wins since the Quakers became a NCAA school in the mid-1980s.

“Earlham has adapted a new philosophy,” Green said. “They are looking to win a national championship. I want to be a part of that and contribute in any way that I can.”

While Green can fill a number of spots on the diamond, he most likely will be used in the pitching rotation.

“Every college is looking for pitching, and I’m guessing that’s what they’re primarily looking at him for,” Lawson said. “He is capable of playing other positions. He’s not a flamethrower throwing in the 90s, but he can mix it up and throw strikes. He has done well here and if he keeps the same work ethic he will do well there.”

Green said that he has recently spent a lot of time working with Demand Command, a travel baseball program in Bloomington, while also working with a personal trainer to increase strength.

“The game is a little faster (in college),” Green said. “Everyone is bigger and stronger. I’m going to have to work really hard to fit in and do my part.”

Green said he plans to study business at the small liberal arts school.

With the collegiate papers inked, Green now looks forward to his senior season with the Braves.

“I’m looking forward to finishing with a really good team,” Green said. “I think we’re really strong this year. We have a good shot at winning sectionals. It will be a lot of fun with a lot of good guys.”