Caps' Heath signs to play at Belmont

Cameron Heath has two primary goals regarding his baseball career. He's already taken care of one and still has time to accomplish the other.

Heath, a 2006 Jackson High School graduate who is in his first year with the Plaza Tire Capahas, recently signed a letter of intent with Belmont University, a Division I program in Nashville, Tenn.

"It's been a goal of mine to play Division I baseball and to eventually play pro ball," said Heath, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound right-handed pitcher.

Heath played the past two seasons at Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Ill. He said he had some recruiting interest from four-year programs out of high school, but elected to go the junior college route.

That decision paid dividends for Heath, who was 4-2 with four saves during his sophomore season at SCC.

Heath started some and also closed some for the Saints, in addition to playing the outfield. He only will pitch at Belmont.

"I'm really excited about going there," he said. "It's a small university, but it's a good school and it has top notch facilities.

"They play a real good nonconference schedule. It just clicked and I pretty much like everything about it."

Heath said Belmont showed some interest in him while he was still in high school and also this past spring during his sophomore season at SCC.

But an assist from Capahas manager Jess Bolen really helped Heath connect with Belmont.

The Bruins are coached by Dave Jarvis, a former coach at Three Rivers Community College who knows Bolen well.

"I asked Cameron where he was going to school and he said he didn't have a place yet," Bolen said. "I said let me call a good friend of mine. I've known Dave Jarvis for years and he's a real good baseball man.

"He came up here and watched Cameron throw a bullpen. He liked what he saw and signed him."

Heath said Southeast Missouri State also displayed recruiting interest and he liked the Redhawks' program.

"But I wanted to get away," said Heath, who added that Southern Illinois-Carbondale, Tennessee-Martin and Northern Illinois were among other Division I programs that showed him some interest.

Not only did Heath like Belmont the best, but he said the Bruins came through with the top scholarship offer. Heath said he will receive almost full tuition to the expensive private university.

Bolen believes Belmont is getting a talented hurler with plenty of potential.

Heath has seen limited action so far on a loaded Plaza Tire pitching staff, throwing seven innings out of the bullpen. He has allowed just two hits, struck out eight and walked two.

Twice in the past two weeks Heath was scheduled for his first Plaza Tire start only to see both games get rained out.

"He has a good arm. He throws well," Bolen said. "If we wouldn't have so many veteran pitchers, he'd throw a lot more.

"But he's been a good addition for us and I plan on getting him more work in the next few weeks."

Heath, who said he has been clocked in the 90 mph range, is pleased to be with the Capahas even if his work so far has been limited.

"It's been a really good experience, getting to play with several guys who have played pro ball, talking to them in the dugout," he said. "It's definitely been a productive summer for me."

Heath hopes to continue progressing this summer before heading off to Belmont, which went 25-33 this past season, fielding an extremely young lineup.

Belmont has posted eight winning records in 11 seasons under Jarvis and the Bruins have had several players taken in the major league draft the past few years.

"They had 15 freshmen last year. They started five freshmen," Heath said. "They should be real good next year."

Hopefully with an assist from Heath, who said he will major in education with the hopes of becoming a coach.

"He [Jarvis] said they really don't make any assumptions until you come in," Heath said. "I think I'll have my opportunities to start or come out of the bullpen. I just want to pitch and help contribute."