Cole Neatherlin gearing up for the JUCO World Series with the Chaps, marking his 3rd World Series in baseball career.
MIDLAND, Texas — Midland College baseball has been one of the top programs in the country all season long. Now, the Chaparrals are just hours away from competing in the JUCO World Series.
For some players, a moment this big can feel overwhelming. But for Cole Neatherlin, it’s just another game.
Neatherlin has played in three World Series throughout his baseball career, Little League, Connie Mack and now NJCAA Division 1. With experience like that, the pressure of the moment never feels too large.
“I think just being in the spots that I’ve been in since I was little, I think it’s just a lot easier for me because I’ve already been in that spot before,” Neatherlin said. “I know what to expect, and it just prepares me for what’s ahead.”
That experience is exactly why Midland College head coach Hector Rodriguez has complete confidence in his center fielder heading into the biggest stage of the season.
“I think Cole will just be Cole,” Rodriguez said. “Because he’s been in those situations. He’s played at a high level in summer league baseball, he’s played at a high level in football, and he comes from a great background…I don’t expect this to be too big of a stage for him.”
That confidence doesn’t just come from the dugout, it starts at home.
“I feel like he has always made the decision that to exceed, he has to put in the extra work,” said his mother, Leslie Neatherlin. “He will definitely be one that continues to get in reps when they’re not having practice.”
His father, Eric Neatherlin, says pressure has always brought out the best in his son.
“Cole really shows himself when pressure’s on,” Eric said. “He’s really at his best when there’s a lot of pressure on him. He’s always been the guy, when the game’s on the line, you want the ball in his hand. He just handles it as good as anybody. And he actually loves it.”
With a support system like that behind him, it’s easy to see how Neatherlin has reached this point and he doesn’t take any of it for granted.
“My mom’s always been there for me,” Cole said. “She’s the backbone to all of it. She’s a very supportive woman. I love her for everything she does for me.”
“But my dad pushed me a lot ever since I was little. He’s always been on me, pushing me to be my best, hustle everywhere I go and just be the best I can. They’ve pushed me to be the best person I can and I think without them I wouldn’t be here today.”
Before Cole takes the field for one of the biggest games of his career, his parents shared one final message for their son.
“Go out and be you,” Leslie said. “Play like you always have, and I love you to the center field fence and back.”
“Go have fun, bub,” Eric added. “This is something you’re never going to forget. Once in a lifetime. Go all out and leave your heart on the field.”
Neatherlin and the Chaps will take on Wabash Valley College tomorrow night in Round 1 of the JUCO World Series as Midland College looks to continue its remarkable postseason run.
