Lebanon's Linton signs with Muskingum University

Mar. 16—LEBANON — Caleb Linton has worked hard on all aspects of his baseball skill set.

Now, the Lebanon senior has earned the opportunity to play at the next level when his Tiger career comes to a close.

Linton signed with Muskingum University to continue his academic and baseball careers. He had a signing ceremony at the high school on Thursday afternoon.

"I'm really thankful for this opportunity," Linton said. "Thankful for my parents, my coaches and the staff recruiting me and blessing me with the opportunity to have an opportunity to show my skills to the world. The school really liked me and I really liked the school, so it was a perfect match."

Muskingum is an NCAA Division III school located in New Concord, Ohio.

The team plays in the Ohio Athletic Conference and is coached by Jake Krupar.

The Muskies are off to an 8-2 start so far this season.

"The facilities were great and the coaches are awesome," Linton said. "They treated me like I was one of them from the beginning, even before I said I was going there. It felt like a family and I just felt very welcome when I was there."

Pitching wise, Linton was 3-2 on the year with a 3.50 ERA, striking out 26 in 22 innings. In four of his six starts he allowed one earned run or less.

At the plate, he was second on the team with a .375 batting average, hitting four home runs in 24 plate appearances while missing some time due to injury.

Linton said he is excited to pitch and hit in college.

"They said they saw me hitting and pitching, and I was pretty pleased with that," Linton said. "I didn't want to give either up, so I was happy they gave me the option. I don't think any other school would have given me that. (Krupar) is flexible about me being a pitcher, which is great."

Linton said this off-season he worked a lot of all aspects of his game and has tried to improve each and every year.

Coming off a sectional championship last year, he said he and the team have big goals for this upcoming season, which is scheduled to begin Wednesday, April 5.

"I think we can get a lot done this season, I am pretty confident in that," Linton said. "We want to capture the Sagamore Conference and sectional title, then possibly the regional too. I know we can do it because we have great team chemistry and are senior led. We have a good group of seven or eight seniors that are ready to make the jump this year."

When he looks back on his Lebanon career, Linton said he would value the relationships he built and how they always stood by him.

"They were always accepting who I am and never tried to change me," Linton said. "They all helped me with all the stuff I had to deal with in high school and furthered my knowledge."

Linton plans on studying special education.

Will Willems is the Sports Editor of the Lebanon Reporter. Follow him on Twitter @Will_Willems.