Newcomers Cummings, Wheeler make early impact with Redhawks

It hasn't taken Justin Wheeler and Tyrell Cummings long to make their mark with the Southeast Missouri State baseball team.

The junior college transfers have been the Redhawks' top all-around hitters during the early part of the season, while also providing stellar defense at several positions.

"They've just been off the charts offensively and defensively," said Southeast coach Mark Hogan, whose 3-4 squad had today's scheduled game at Saint Louis University canceled because of bad weather. "They're great kids and everybody loves them.

"You can see why we were so thrilled when we signed them."

Wheeler, a California native, is Southeast's leading hitter at .367. He is second on the squad with 10 RBIs, and is tied for second with two home runs.

"I played in a pretty good junior college league and I thought I'd do pretty good here," said Wheeler, who batted .381 with eight homers, 17 doubles and 41 RBIs at Golden West Community College in his home state last season.

Wheeler, who is from Lakewood in Southern California, played left field in junior college, but he has been strictly an infielder with the Redhawks.

After playing third base in Southeast's first six games, Wheeler moved to second in the Redhawks' most recent contest. He has not committed an error.

"They liked me at third base and second base here," said the powerfully built Wheeler, who is listed at 5 foot 11 and 205 pounds. "I haven't had a problem with it."

One thing a laughing Wheeler said he has had a problem with is the Missouri weather, although he claims to be rapidly adjusting.

"The weather here is different, the wind and the cold. I wasn't used to that," he said.

Needless to say, Hogan is glad the Redhawks were able to pluck Wheeler out of California.

"He's been a pretty quick study no matter where we've put him," Hogan said. "He's showing a lot of maturity."

According to Hogan, the same can be said for Cummings, an outfielder from Oklahoma.

After blasting two home runs and driving in five runs during Sunday's wild 14-13 home win over Northern Colorado, the 6-foot, 205-pounder leads Southeast with three homers, four doubles, 11 RBIs and nine runs scored while batting .281.

"I'm comfortable here. I like it. I'm just doing what I know I can do," said Cummings, who hit .351 with eight homers, 20 doubles and 49 RBIs at Seminole State, which also plays in a solid juco league in Oklahoma.

Cummings, a native of Muskogee, Okla., said he became enamored with Southeast when he visited.

"I loved it. It was a great atmosphere," he said.

Like Wheeler, Cummings has played more than one position with the Redhawks. The majority of his time has been spent in right field, but he played center field Sunday.

Like Wheeler, Cummings has no errors and has come up with several highlight-reel plays.

"He's a great outfielder with a great arm," Hogan said. "We're very fortunate to have both those guys playing for us."

Wheeler and Cummings will try to continue their strong starts this weekend when the Redhawks host three games, starting with Saturday's noon doubleheader against William Woods from Fulton, Mo.

"I think they're only going to get better and better," Hogan said. "We're excited about having them here for the next two years."