SHELBY - As a three-sport athlete, Marshall Shepherd is enjoying his high school days at Shelby.

“It’s a lot of fun playing three sports,” explained Shepherd, a quarterback on a football team that advanced to the Division IV Region 14 championship game and a starter on a basketball squad that has locked up the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference title and is currently 14-2 on the season.

But there is also a downside to not being able to focus on his sport of the future - baseball.

“It’s hard to get a good lift in, especially in-season,” Shepherd pointed out. “It’s hard to train, but I still try to throw bullpens during basketball. So there are pros and cons to playing three sports.”

It was only recently that baseball became his sport of choice when it comes to life after high school.

“When I was younger I always loved all three,” Shepherd reflected. “But in the last two years baseball has become number one and I want to continue that in college.”

The 18th-rated 2022 right-handed pitcher in the state took a major step in that direction last August as a member of Team Ohio at the Future Games.

“I went there for one game, to pitch against Michigan under the lights,” the 6-2 180-pounder said about the PBR event in early August in Pennsylvania. “It was fun hanging out with those kids. I pitched two scoreless innings. I threw 40 pitches and the bases were loaded in one inning but I got out of it. It was a lot of fun.”

Jordan Chiero, PBR Ohio Director of Scouting, saw a lot to like in the 53rd-ranked junior in the state.

“He showed quality stuff,” Chiero said of Shepherd, who has touched 87 with his fastball. “He was up to 85 at the Future Games with a hammer of a breaking ball. He’s a high-spin guy on both offerings. He is another arm you can expect another velo jump from and his ability to really spin it makes him a must-see for college coaches.”

Akron, Eastern Michigan, Toledo, Hillsdale, Wright State and Mount Vernon have shown an interest in the seventh-rated uncommitted 2022 RHP in Ohio.

“The big thing that helped was the Future Games,” Shepherd explained about his college interest. “Most reached out within a month of that. It really helped me out a lot.

“They like my ability on the mound and that I have a live arm,” Shepherd added. “They also like my athletic frame and the potential there.”

Improvement continues to benefit his game.

“I’ve thrown a lot of bullpens this winter,” Shepherd noted. “The movement and velocity has stepped up. I’m also running and lifting with basketball.”

It has Shepherd still hopeful of getting an opportunity to be more than a pitcher at the next level.

“No one has talked to me about hitting and playing third base yet,” Shepherd related. “But I’ve gone to a lot of PBRs and signed up and done two-ways. I love hitting. It’s one of my favorite parts of the game.”

High school coach Jon Amicone and travel coach Buck Workman have had the biggest impact in his game to date according to Shepherd.

“They’ve taught me everything I know,” the 17-year-old said, pointing out he has been with the same summer organization since 9U.

Admittedly, his recruitment took a hit prior to the Future Games.

“It definitely hurt to have my sophomore season of high school taken away,” Shepherd said in reference to the coronavirus. “That hurt me the most. But once I realized we were going to play summer ball things picked up. Playing summer ball and going to the PBR Future Games were the best things that could have happened.”

Focus remains on making improvement, while also enjoying his time on the basketball court.

“The biggest thing I need to do is put on weight and get stronger in the weight room,” Shepherd explained. “I need to improve my velocity. Hopefully, I’ll break 90 within the year to help get me further.

“Once I’m done with basketball, high school (baseball) practice will start and I’ll be a little behind. But once summer comes along, I’m hoping coaches will be able to see me more and be able to talk to me.”

As for what he is looking for in a school, Shepherd has an idea.

“I’ve thought about it a lot,” admitted Shepherd, who has a 3.95 GPA and is looking at a major in engineering or business. “Honestly, I’m just looking for the best fit. I don’t want to go super far away from home, but if that’s what it takes I’ll do it.”
No matter the school, there is belief he can make a major impact at the college level.

“I’m the type of guy they can trust to be a top pitcher and be a great addition to their program,” Shepherd said. “I’m someone you can trust to win a game.”