Somerset's Harris makes declaration to play baseball at Saint Vincent College

Eric Harris had a significant role in Somerset's run to a District 5-8-9 Class 4A baseball championship this past spring. The junior dazzled out of the bullpen.

Harris' success was noticed not only at the high school level, but in at the collegiate ranks as well. Recently, Harris announced his intentions to attend and play baseball at NCAA Division III Saint Vincent College.

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"It's always been a dream for me to play college baseball," Harris said. "I have always tried to work towards that. Being undersized, I know I have had a lot of doubt with some people, so to officially be able to commit is very relieving. This shows me that if you put in hard work and have good work ethic, good things will come from it."

Harris, a 5-foot-9, 120-pound right-hander, knows he found a good fit at Saint Vincent.

"The atmosphere and the people there ... it's so welcoming," Harris said. "Knowing some students who already go there and what to expect every day, helps. The education they provide for my major is very good as well."

Harris, who boasts a 3.8 GPA, plans to major in sports in media. He is a member of National Honor Society and the leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

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In his junior campaign, Harris went 2-0 with two saves and a 1.54 ERA in nine appearances. He allowed 11 hits, three earned runs and three walks while striking out 14. In his first appearance against Bedford, Harris entered with the bases loaded in a tie game. He struck out the No. 3 and 4 hitters in the Bedford lineup, keeping the game tied, before Somerset walked it off in the seventh.

"I was really proud of what I was able to do. This past season, being able to go out and throw in varsity games, I was finally able to build confidence to go out there and compete," Harris said. "When I realized the potential I had, I developed the work ethic to be able to succeed. I put my mind to it and went to work last summer in the gym and throwing bullpens twice a week with Bob Mayer."

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Harris, the son of John and Diane Harris, thanks his coaches, including skipper Jimmy Mayer for allowing him to showcase his talents, family, teammates and friends.

Jimmy Mayer, who was in his first season at the helm of the Golden Eagles, found a diamond in the rough with Harris.

"Eric's confidence grew as the year went on," Mayer said. "That first outing (Bedford), I put him in a pretty tough spot, and he ended up getting us a win. We're proud of how hard he has worked and the opportunity he is going to get. He is a great kid. He is a great student, and he is going to be successful in whatever he does.

"We're going to see even better things from him this year. Saint Vincent is going to love him because he gets outs. He won't overpower anyone, but he keeps the ball down, has a good two-seamer and throws a lot of strikes and ground balls."

Harris is looking forward to the upcoming season, hoping to finish his high school career in style.

"The seniors have invested in the weight room this summer," Harris said. "We have one goal and that is to win another district championship, win the Laurel Highlands and make a state playoff run."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.