Somerset's Krotzer to join Indiana (Pa.) baseball program

Adam Ripple, The Daily American
·3 min read

Somerset pitcher Hunter Krotzer a year ago helped the Golden Eagles capture their first district championship since 2014.

The 5-foot-11 senior will be a key cog in the wheel for coach Jimmy Mayer's staff once again this year if the Golden Eagles are going to repeat as champions.

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Krotzer will be able to showcase his talents without the worry of "what's next," after the season comes to a close. Tuesday, Krotzer announced his commitment to Division II Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he will play as a preferred walk-on for coach Steve Kline and the Crimson Hawks of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

Flanked by parents Kelly and Craig Krotzer, Somerset senior student-athlete Hunter Krotzer announces him commitment to attend and play baseball at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Tuesday, in Somerset. Pictured in middle row, from left, Somerset Strength and Conditioning coach Dave Polcha, assistant baseball coach Austin Sleek, Somerset American Legion Baseball Club assistant coach Randy Close and Somerset assistant coach Dave Walker, back, Somerset athletic trainer Justin Delaini, assistant coach Bart Close, head coach Jimmy Mayer and assistant coach Bob Mayer.

"This feels great," Krotzer said of his commitment. "It is a lot of weight off my shoulders. Now, it's time to get to work and win another district championship."

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IUP is a short distance from Somerset. That is just one of the many draws the university presented Krotzer.

"It felt like home when I got on campus," said Krotzer. "Everyone was very nice when I went on the tour with the coach. There are a few majors that I am interested in there, as well."

Krotzer, who has a 3.3 GPA at Somerset, has yet to decide on a major at IUP. He is the president of Student Council, student section leader and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Somerset. He was also a former member of the swim team.

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The southpaw went 2-0 with a 1.62 ERA in three starts and five appearances as a junior. He took great strides last season under the guidance of a new coaching staff.

"It was nice to have (Somerset assistant coach) Bob Mayer there," Krotzer said. "We would throw bullpens twice a week. (Somerset strength and conditioning coach) Dave Polcha was also a major help. We would lift at 8 a.m. every day during the summer. Lifting helped me out a lot as well as the coaching staff having confidence in me. Being on the left side, I now have a pretty good cutter and good command."

Krotzer thanks his parents Craig and Kelly for always being there for him, the Somerset American Legion baseball program as well as the high school team, coaches and the weight room staff. He is eager for what lies ahead following graduation.

"I am excited to play with new teammates, make new friends and have some fun at IUP," Krotzer said.

Jimmy Mayer, who was in his first season at the helm of his alma mater in 2022, saw Krotzer's dedication to improving his craft in the offseason and throughout the 23-game season, where the Golden Eagles went 15-8.

"I saw a kid that put everything into becoming a better pitcher," Mayer said. "He did everything we asked of him ― not just pitching-wise ― in the weight room, as well. He epitomizes what hard work, dedication and commitment can do for you.

"He's improved so much, and I can't wait to see what he does this spring. For him to have the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level, the program is just so proud of him."

Krotzer is someone Mayer is going to rely heavily on this spring to log innings and be a leader of the ballclub.

"He's got a bulldog mentality. Nothing bothers him," Mayer said. "He would drive you nuts as a coach sometimes, because he takes hitters deep in counts, but his command has improved so much. His misses are so much smaller. He throws strikes and keeps the ball down. He is going to get a lot of people out and he is going to be fun to watch. Nothing fazes him. He can go 3-0 and battle back. That is a huge asset for him on the mound."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset's Krotzer to continue baseball career at Indiana (Pa.)