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At The Yard Podcast: New Episode LIVE now!

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIF. - At just four years old, Carson Sheffer knew he loved the game of baseball. At sixteen years old, he has a 1.92-1.97 second pop time and can reach up to 95.7 mph exit velocity off the bat.

“Every time I stepped on the field I was so happy. Something about it [baseball] was just different compared to other sports and the love for the game has always stuck with me.”

The sixteen year old utility player who currently plays for Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, CA, will soon be headed off to the Big 12 where he will be playing under Josh Holliday at Oklahoma State. Sheffer knew that he was meant to play in Stillwater after his official visit.

“I knew it was my home. The facilities and everything about OSU were fantastic. Walking around the campus knowing this is where I’m gonna go was such a surreal feeling, knowing I would be in this exact same place in 2 years as a student.”

Sheffer is one of the many players in the class of 2026 committed to play for Oklahoma State University who also attended the 2024 Prep Baseball Future Games in LakePoint, Georgia. Jack Laubacher, a right-handed pitcher and teammate at Oaks Christian School, will also join his battery mate in Stillwater when the fall of 2026 rolls around.

At the 2024 Prep Baseball Future Games, Sheffer felt that it was the best event he had attended all summer.

“I walked into LakePoint the first day and immediately saw the hundreds of coaches that were there to watch us perform. The exposure that the event gave me was just amazing.”

At the 2024 Future Games, Sheffer’s arm strength behind the dish stood out amongst the rest with his max throwing velocity reaching 84 miles per hour. Additionally, Sheffer was able to show off his athletic instincts and impressive pace in the field, further proving he is able to play anywhere he is needed.

Listed as an all-around utility player, Sheffer feels that there is more to his game than just being a standout backstop.

“I think my greatest skill as a baseball player is my versatility. I had always grown up playing every position and never really stuck to only one. To this day, I am still able to play all 9 positions at a high level.”

 

(Carson Sheffer at the 2024 Prep Baseball Future Games)

Under assistant coach Jacob Galloway, Sheffer chose his primary position to be a catcher for Oaks Christian.

“There was a lot to improve on when I came in as a freshman. I had one of the best coaches to teach me everything I know about catching. I have really worked on my blocking, receiving and footwork. Thanks to Coach Galloway, I am at where I am today.”

Now under recently hired head coach Rick Hirtensteiner, Sheffer hopes to continue to be a versatile and vital asset wherever he is needed. Hirtensteiner brings years of experience in coaching, having previously held the head coach role at Pepperdine University for nine years. Hirtsteiner has nearly accumulated three decades of coaching experience at Lamar University, the University of San Diego, as well as in the Cape Cod league. Additionally, Hirtenstiener played for Pepperdine University for four years and was drafted by the California Angels in the 8th round of the 1989 MLB Draft.

With still two years to play at Oaks Christian, Sheffer is surrounded by a team filled with talent, ready to make a push for a CIF Southern Section title. Quentin Young, a 6 '4'’ shortstop and top draft prospect is committed to play in Baton Rouge at LSU in 2025. Ty Hanley, a left-handed pitcher, is committed to play for Cal State Bakersfield in 2025. James Latshaw, a right-handed pitcher and outfielder, and Joshua Brown, a versatile infielder, are both talented recruits in the 2025 class who are currently uncommitted. Luke Puls, a left-handed first baseman in the class of 2026 also remains uncommitted. 

“I’m really excited for what this season holds. As a freshman, I was nervous to be a leader around a lot of the older guys. Last year, it naturally kicked in with me being a catcher. Now, I’m excited to be a leader for this team going forward.”

For Sheffer, the proverbial Love of the Game has never diminished. 

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