By Jeremy McDonald
jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– Greyson Hanowell has always been the guy who would look out for his team over himself, the shear definition of a leader of putting team before self.
With the pandemic canceling the promise of finishing his final High School season, capping his prep career with the South Salem Saxons off right, Hanowell Saturday signed his Letter of Intent to catch at Chemeketa Community College starting next season with the Storm.
“First of all just would like to say thank you to everyone taking action in honoring this class of 2020 in all ways, shapes, and forms,” said Hanowell. “Obviously the pandemic has taken a lot of things near and dear to our hearts this year but great athletes don’t miss opportunities and this spring has been a true test of grit, especially not knowing when we will be able to play again. As for me I’ve been working a lot on the farm while keeping the wing loose, bat fresh, and body fit, chomping at the bit to get back out on the diamond.
“I owe a lot of my catching development to Ryan Gorton, Beau Day, Brett Timmerman, and Cole Hamilton. I worked with Hamilton this previous summer, and he really gave me a great picture of what an elite catcher is and small goals I can work towards. “
Hamilton, a North Salem-Graduate in 2016, helped with the Withnell Dodger American Legion Triple-A squad this past Summer while healing up from an injury. Hamilton played at Oregon State University, started five games for the Beavers and appeared in six games in the shortened-season.
The past three-years with South Salem had developed and gave Hanowell his identity as a ball-player, the Saxons reached the 6A State Semi-Final round in his sophomore and junior seasons, as Hanowell starts the next chapter of his academic and playing career with the Storm.
“Playing as a Saxon these past few years has been one of the highlights of my life. It’s where I really found my identity as a baseball player and realizing what I can offer to any team I’m with. I made lifetime memories with some lifetime friends that will always be right beside me,” said Hanowell, who will be pursuing a degree in Veterinary medicine.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the pitching staff at Chemeketa and dominating the NWAC. It will be nice to see some familiar faces like (Elijah) Enomoto-Haole, (Sean) Alverado, and Doten, who were my brothers in the 2019 season. It makes transitioning just that much easier when you know people.”
Chemeketa finished 9-3 in their shortened-season.
