Although senior Sean McWilliams has hopes of being selected in this year's Major League Baseball draft, and many feel he has a legitimate chance of realizing that dream, he doesn't spend all his free time perfecting his pitching repertoire.
When not on the diamond, McWilliams, a scratch golfer, can most likely be found on the green mastering his golf stroke, playing ping pong, or conquering a new video game.
"I love golf. I play all summer long. On my r?(c)sum?(c), I have two hole-in-ones, and a double eagle," McWilliams said. "I like ping pong and video games. I'm a big 'Grand Theft Auto' guy, and I just played that game '24.' That game's awesome, I beat it the other day."
Anytime the Bulls are on the road, there's never a dull moment as McWilliams, a self-proclaimed prankster, is the one who always keeps the team smiling.
"He's a big time jokester," said Bulls sophomore outfielder E.J. Folli. "He'll lean water up against your hotel door so when you open the door water spills out. He'll use shaving cream, all that kind of stuff. He's got some good tricks. He's that kind of guy."
When McWilliams steps on the field however, he is all business. McWilliams was named co-captain on this year's team following a spectacular campaign last year. Much like his golf game, his pitching needs no handicap. Last season, he led all Mid-American Conference pitchers with an ERA of 1.71 in conference games and was the recipient of the team's Most Improved Player Award.
So far this season, McWilliams has struck out over a batter per inning, won one game and sports a 3.97 ERA. Oddly enough, for a pitcher who has experienced such great success throughout his career and garnered talk of being selected in the MLB draft, he was not always a pitcher by trade.
McWilliams arrived at Buffalo as a two-way player, but admits he wasn't especially successful as a hitter, so he focused exclusively on pitching. He can now thank the elimination of hitting, as well as hard work for bringing him to the cusp of his childhood dream.
"That's always been a dream of mine," McWilliams said about playing in the major leagues. "I picked pitching because it may give me a shot at being drafted. I work hard at the sport I do and put as much effort as I can into it."
McWilliams must still work hard this season to achieve that lifelong goal. While scouts typically look for a pitcher who can throw a bit harder than the Buffalo right hander, there is no doubt he has the work ethic necessary to reach the next level.
"He's been one of the easiest guys to coach," said Bulls head coach Bill Breene. "He works hard, and he's got a great attitude. When it's all said and done, it will have been my privilege to have had an opportunity to coach him."
McWilliams does have a backup plan for the future, even if he doesn't get drafted.
"I accepted a job three weeks ago with Northwestern Mutual, selling insurance," McWilliams said. "I'll be starting there in June. That's if I don't get drafted. That's a backup so we'll see how that goes."
Only time will tell whether or not McWilliams gets drafted. What he lacks in velocity he hopes to make up for with superb control and various off-speed pitches, including a nasty slider.
"He's just the type of kid that does everything right," Breene said. "He's smart, he knows how to pitch and he knows how to utilize the tools that he has to be successful. I don't think there's any question he can go to the next level and have success with his repertoire of pitches."
If Major League scouts agree with Breene, Northwestern Mutual will need a replacement.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
