By Ethan Day
PBR Staff Writer

Milford High School senior Ty Helton never anticipated being in the position he is in today.

The corner infielder originally committed to NAIA school Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill., but one phone call in July 2013 made him reconsider his decision.

On the other end of phone was interim baseball coach Matt Reid from The United States Military Academy at West Point.

“I originally wasn’t thinking about attending a military academy until the coach contacted me,” Helton said. “I looked into it and just started to fall in love with what the place (West Point) stands for. I got to go out and visit and it’s just a place of rich history and tradition.”

Unlike many college baseball prospects, Helton did not gain admission as an athletic recruit. Instead, he applied to the academy the traditional way.

Candidates for admission to West Point must apply directly to the academy and also receive a nomination, usually by a high-ranking political figure.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder received a Congressional nomination from Ohio Senator Rob Portman and was accepted based on his strong character, physical fitness and academic merit.

Helton said that West Point was the perfect fit for a well-rounded person like himself.

“Going there, it’s just an honor to serve your country,” he said. “But it’s also one of the best places to make yourself a better person. There, it’s all about making you the best person you can possibly be and it sets you up for a bright future.”

As a straight-A student in high school, Helton said West Point gives him the greatest chance for academic success and it also presents him with the best opportunity to become a leader.

On top of all that, he said getting a shot to play Division I baseball is, “just amazing.”

A self-described “cage rat,” Helton spends countless hours in and outside of practice making adjustments and fine-tuning his swing.

With that type of dedication, the Army commit projects to bring a lot of pop to the Black Knight lineup.

“I hit for both power and for average and I’m really good at knocking runs in when (my team) needs it, whether it’s just getting a guy over or getting a sac fly,” he said.

Primarily a first and third baseman, Helton said he is willing to play anywhere on the field if need be.

“I’m usually a corner guy,” Helton said. “I’m a really good defensive first baseman; although I would like to see if I could play other positions to make myself a more well-rounded player.”

With his high school graduation approaching, Helton is eagerly awaiting his collegiate career.

But what makes the Ohio native most excited to join the West Point program is becoming a member of a competitive and tight-knit group.

“I’m looking forward to the competition and being a part of the baseball family over there,” Helton said. “They have a really good program.”