Left-handed pitcher commits to Milwaukee

It is never too early to prepare for the future, and that is exactly what the Milwaukee Panthers did with a recent recruit. The Panthers baseball team picked up a commitment for the 2014-15 school year from Hortonville’s Alex McIntosh. McIntosh is an outstanding left-handed pitcher, who is excited to become a Panther.

“It was a place where I could get a good education and still be close enough to home. From a baseball stand point I liked the program,” said Alex McIntosh. “I liked the coaches and success of the program. I could continue to play the game I love at a high level close to home. I couldn’t think of a reason not to go to UW- Milwaukee.”

McIntosh had other opportunities to play college ball, but he knew that Milwaukee was where he wanted to be and accepted their preferred walk-on offer. Once he gets on campus he will provide the Panthers with an excellent, young arm.

Last season as a junior, he was outstanding posting a .82 ERA with 70 strikeouts, eight walks allowed, and a .136 opponents batting average in 43 2/3 innings of work. His performance earned him first team all-Bay Conference honors, while leading his team to a fourth place finish at state.

McIntosh possesses a three-pitch arsenal that consists of a fastball, change up, and curveball. His fastball tails in on right-handed hitters with a velocity in in the mid to low 80s, and his change up has a little sink, with the same spin as the fastball but at a lower speed to make it effective. His out pitch is his 12-6 curveball, and once in awhile he will throw a sweeping curveball to back door right-handed hitters. Even though he possesses a great outpitch, along with two other effective pitches, he describes himself as a command pitcher.

“I work both sides of the plate and keep the ball at the knees but elevate when needed. I also like to throw any pitch in any count versus just throwing fastballs when behind or in a full count,” said McIntosh.

Not only are the Panthers getting an excellent arm, but they are also getting a player who has a team first attitude.

“My biggest strength is my competitive and team first attitudes. I always try my hardest and play with heart,” said McIntosh. “I also want what is best for the team and not just me. I think this is important in a team sport like baseball.”

Although the 2014-15 school year is still far away Alex McIntosh is a player to be excited about. While he might only be a preferred walk-on, he possesses all of the tools to make him a successful pitcher at the next level for the Milwaukee Panthers.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity I’ve been given. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family, all the incredible coaches I’ve had, and the great teammates I’ve played with. I just want to thank all of them for what they have done for me over the years,” said McIntosh.