By Louis Galdos
Elm Staff Writer
CJ Gillmer is in his first season as an infielder for the Shoremen and he has one goal: to win.
It is in his competitive nature to win and that is the mindset he takes into every game he plays as a Shoreman.
“We understand the importance of making baseball fun, but we are all here to win. Everyone in this program puts the work in to get better, if we are working hard, we are putting ourselves in the best spot to win games. The reason I love this team is because everyone wants the same thing, and that is to win games,” Gillmer said
From Doylestown, Penn. he played for Central Bucks East High School. During his high school career, he earned first-team all-conference and All-Intel honors as he played second base.
Gillmer said he feels high school baseball and college baseball are considerably different, and is adjusting to the transition.
“The transition from high school baseball to college baseball has been a drastic change. College baseball is very time consuming, which makes it more enjoyable for me as I love the game of baseball. My high school season was around 20 games, our season here at WC is 40 games,” he said. “Both my team’s coaches and upperclassmen have helped a tremendous amount in getting me to adapt to the competitive style of play.”
Head Coach Cory Beddick and the rest of the coaching staff have been impressed with Gillmer’s performance so far this season.
“Not only has he been able to step in as a freshman and make a significant contribution on the field, but he has also shown leadership qualities off the field. He has shown an ability to be an elite defender in the middle infield position while contributing offensively with his competitive nature and athleticism,” Beddick said.
Beddick said he feels Gillmer will be a great contributor and leader to the team for the next four years of his collegiate career.
“We believe he has an opportunity to be a building block for our team as we look to move to the next level. He is an extremely hard worker who expects a lot of himself and his teammates. He is a great reflection of the type of high quality student-athletes that we want represented in our program,” Beddick said.
Team captain Luke D’Ostilio said Gillmer’s transition has been very smooth this season and that he is a very hard worker on and off the field.
“He has gelled with everyone very well, and has worked hard on the field, in the weight room, and in the class room to be the best teammate and student-athlete he can be,” D’Ostilio said.
He also believes Gillmer has the potential to “be a top shortstop in our conference, both offensively and defensively.”
“I’m looking forward to watching his development for the next few years,” he said.
Assistant Coach Cooper Belyea said that Gillmer’s transition has been great as he fits perfectly on the team.
“On the field, he’s a great talent and an even better competitor. He’s had to step in after a few injuries and done a great job filling in and getting the job done right away,” Belyea said.
Belyea also said that Gillmer will be a great leader for future freshman to learn from.
“As he gets older and gets increasingly comfortable, we look at CJ as a guy who could be an All-Conference type of player that can lead the program to new heights,” he said.
Looking to the future, Gillmer sees himself coaching youth baseball when his career winds down.
“I can’t imagine a time where baseball isn’t playing a big role in my life, so I plan on balancing my time after college between coaching and working,” he said.