JD Barr (South Sioux City, NE/Bishop Heelan Catholic) of the Marshalltown Community College Baseball team will join the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers for the 2017 season.
Western Kentucky, a NCAA Division I program located in Bowling Green, KY, is a member of Conference USA. The Hilltoppers posted a record of 24-30 in 2016 while boasting an American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-American.
Among an array of reasons for choosing Western Kentucky, Barr noted a strong coaching staff along with excellent academic opportunities. "I chose Western Kentucky because once I went on a visit, it just felt right. Coach (John) Pawlowski has an awesome history between playing at the professional level and coaching at big-time Division I schools. The team plays in a strong conference and I feel that I'll be able to reach my potential at WKU."
In regards to making the transition to a premier university from junior college, Barr looks to make the most of the next step in his athletic and academic career. "It's going to be kind of a culture shock, going to a school that has around 20,000 students, but I'm extremely excited to be able to see new faces all the time and have the ability to attend athletic events that draw thousands of people. As for the academics, I'm ecstatic that WKU has a criminology major so that after law school I plan to apply to the FBI."
After missing most of the 2015 season with an injury, Barr came back in 2016 and played a major role in helping MCC achieve its most successful season in program history. The right-handed reliever set the school-record for most saves in a season with nine. Barr recorded six of his saves in a seven game stretch, including two in one day against Indian Hills on May 8. Barr was named to the All-Region XI Second-Team and was a three-time member of the Academic All-Region XI First-Team.
"MCC helped me become a better baseball player because of the competition you face throughout the region," Barr stated. "Coach Grife brought me in and was always there to help me whenever I needed anything. The entire coaching staff were awesome to play for and I am so grateful to have an impact on our great season."
MCC head coach Rich Grife commended Barr for adapting to a new style of pitching following his surgery. "For JD to be where he's at now," Grife mentioned, "he committed to a completely different pitching approach not knowing if it would pay off. Not only did it pay off, but he's exceeded all expectations. He's moving on to a very high level of baseball where I know he'll be able to fully succeed."
Barr added his personal thoughts on his time at Marshalltown. "My overall experience at MCC was bumpy because of my surgery and had to sit out last year, but it was worth it and I am so happy I went to MCC. The faculty is awesome and I loved these past two years there. It is bitter sweet leaving MCC because I am going to miss the team. I have become so close with the guys and the coaching staff but I am grateful for the opportunity to move on and continue my education and baseball career at WKU."
