‘Long Journey’ Believed To Be Far From Over For Widger
January 20, 2025
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‘Long Journey’ Believed To Be Far From Over For Widger
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Owen Widger 3B / 1B / Southington, CT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 49 / POS: 3
SOUTHINGTON, Ct. - “It’s been a long journey,” according to Owen Widger, who believes the recruiting process will not come to an end any time soon. “In eighth grade I was a really big kid,” the Southington High School junior reflected. “I was good at baseball, but I didn’t have speed. I was 280 pounds. I’ve really worked hard the past couple of years and now I’m down to 175 trying to get faster and stronger.” Recognition has come “somewhat slow” in the eyes of the top-rated 2026 third baseman in Connecticut. “I got a text from the Coastal (Carolina) coach and that was big for me,” Widger related. “I went down there to a camp in September but I didn’t play very well.” There was other interaction with coaches on Aug. 1, the initial day contact with players in the 2026 class could be made. “I received some emails from Wofford and a couple of other schools,” Widger noted. “I didn’t have the best performance that I wanted at the Futures and maybe that hurt me a little.” Still, the 49th-ranked junior in New England is confident he can make an impact at the next level. “Last summer I realized I could go far with this,” the left-handed hitting Widger said. “I was glad to go to the Future Games, I feel I was one of the better kids there. But it’s been a long journey figuring out my potential, trying to get my name out there and get ranked. “Knowing Coastal recognized me from the Future Games, I’m certain I have the ability to go down south and play after high school. I’m not overlooking schools up north, but I would like to go south to play. Those are where some of the better schools are to make an impact.” Admittedly, Widger had no idea what to expect come Aug. 1. “I was uncertain,” Widger explained. “I didn’t know if I’d get anything, I didn’t know if I’d get a bunch. I just tried to do my best in big tournaments in the south. In the winter I went to Area Code to try to get my name out and I got myself invited to the Futures which was big for me. I’ve been sending emails and getting help from my travel coach and high school coach.” Trevor Brown, Prep Baseball New England co-Director of Scouting, believes Widger has a promising future in the game. “His top tool is his ability to really swing the bat.” Brown noted. “He hits to all fields, and has plus-ability to go opposite to left-center. He is an extra-base guy who has the potential to really hit at the next level. Defensively, he can play all corner spots, but projects out at first base and left the most.” The sixth-rated uncommitted junior in Connecticut is hopeful improvement will help land a spot on a college roster. “I’m quicker and my arm strength has definitely improved since the Future Games where I didn’t throw well in the showcase,” explained Widger, a first baseman most of his life. “Hitting is my strong point, but I’ve focused on fielding after the Future Games after seeing what my numbers were. I know they need to get better if I want to play in the south. I’ve been lifting a lot to get quicker and I’ve fixed my swing up a little bit. My numbers are better throwing wise and speed wise. “I know I can bring a good power bat to the middle of a lineup,” added Widger about his prospects at the next level. “My strong point is hitting. I feel I can help a team by driving in runs.” It has not been the recruiting process expected according to the 28th-rated uncommitted 2026 in New England. “It’s a little different than I thought but I know it takes time,” Widger related. “It’s slower than I thought it would be but not as stressful. “I’m open to whatever. I don’t need to stay close to home. I’d like to go to a decent-sized school where they have some campus life. I definitely want a coach who not only cares about winning but cares about players individually. I just want to prove myself wherever I play.” Only 16 years of age, Widger is considering the possibility of reclassification. “Based on that I’m a little young for my grade, I just turned 16 at the Futures and a lot on my team are now 17, with all the college eligibilities now with kids 25 playing, it would not be an advantage for a coach to take an 18-year-old out of high school over someone in the transfer portal,” Widger concluded. “I think an extra year at a private school known for putting out good players would give me a chance for more coaches to see me and, hopefully, I could go back to the Future Games and do better. “But right now I’m working on getting stronger, doing well in the high school season and getting some recognition playing in the south in the summer. Hopefully I’ll talk to some coaches, get some interest and go on some visits.” |
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