NOTRE DAME'S EFTINK SIGNS WITH SOUTHEAST

Josh Eftink may not have the agility or the physical frame of a typical Division I athlete.

He's only about 5-foot-9 and has average speed.

But boy can he hit.

And because of that hitting -- Eftink is known for hitting home runs of more than 400 feet like he did in the state semifinals last year -- the Notre Dame senior has signed a letter of intent to play baseball for the Southeast Missouri State Indians next year.

"We're very pleased to sign Josh," said Southeast coach Mark Hogan. "I feel like he's one of the finest players from this area in a long time."

Hogan didn't hold back when describing what he expects out of Eftink.

"He reminds me in ways of how Jeremy Johnson hit when I saw him in high school," said Hogan. "He'll (Eftink) make an immediate impact for us offensively."

Johnson, a four-year starter for the Indians, is Southeast's all-time hit leader and is getting ready to break the school RBI record.

But Eftink's not talking about breaking any Southeast records.

"My goal right now is to just get in there and play and see how I play at the Division I level and see how I compare," he said. "From there, I'll set more goals and just take it step by step."

Eftink, a four-year starter at Notre Dame, seems to be at his best in key situations and against top-notch pitchers.

"Jeremy was that way and (current shortstop) Zach Borowiak was that way in high school. And with Josh, I've seen him hit at a high level regardless of who he's facing."

Aside from an occasional pitching assignment, the strong-armed Eftink plays shortstop for Notre Dame. His position at Southeast, however, is still to be determined.

"What I'm looking forward to is having him for a full fall and letting our coaches get their hands on him to find out where he will fit in on the infield," said Hogan. "We project him at either second or third, but probably at third."

"I'll play wherever I need to to help the team out," said Eftink. "It's just great to know where I'm going to go to school and knowing that it's all taken care of. It's a good feeling."

Though Eftink is most known for his home runs, the stout, right-handed batter is not just a power hitter. Eftink has a keen eye at the plate, he can hit off-speed pitches as well as fastballs, he often drives the ball to the opposite field and he rarely strikes out.

"He'll be a tough out," Hogan said.

One thing that Hogan respects about Eftink is his mental approach.

Eftink is the undisputed leader on and off the field for Notre Dame.

"I'm usually the one who gets the players ready to go and tries to get them focused," said Eftink. "I try to get their mind on baseball because sometimes some of the players let their minds wonder off. But I don't do a lot of talking out there. I just lead by playing."

"I've been very impressed with his leadership ability," said Hogan. "He's not only a potentially great offensive player, but a leader as well. I just like the way he handles himself. He's a first-class young man and that kind of thing will carry over to college. He's got some very admirable traits."

Eftink is just as happy to be landing at Southeast as Hogan was to land Eftink.

Eftink likes the thought of playing close to home and having his parents able to attend games.

But, as an added bonus, Southeast has a good baseball team.

"They've got a great Division I team and each year it seems that they get better," said Eftink. "I want to be part of a team that has had that success."

Eftink will join a handful of area players on Southeast's team, including Kelly graduate Denver Stuckey who was an assistant coach for Eftink's American Legion team last summer.