LPJ Sports Report
NATCHITOCHES, La. — Former Ruston High School pitcher Peyton Beck will continue his baseball career at the Division I level after committing to play for Northwestern State University.
Beck, who spent the past two seasons at Hinds Community College, said several factors made Northwestern State the right choice as he looked for his next opportunity.
“I love their coaching staff first and foremost,” Beck said. “They care a lot about player development, even at the Division I level, which is something that I care a lot about.”
The former Bearcat also cited family ties to the university and confidence in the program’s future.
“Both my grandparents also went to Northwestern State,” Beck said. “After talking to my family, I just felt like it was the right fit. I think they have a good ball program and I’m ready to make an impact.”
Beck plans to study business while attending Northwestern State.
His commitment comes after a strong junior college career that showcased the potential that first made him a standout at Ruston High School. Beck’s former head coach Dan Rives (Hinds Community College) believes Beck has the tools to succeed at the Division I-level, particularly in a bullpen role.
“Peyton, I think, could be a dynamite reliever at the Division I level or four-year level,” Rives said. “The breaking ball is, in terms of metrics and all the stuff in today’s world, it’s up there really, really high.”
Rives said Beck’s combination of velocity and off-speed pitches should translate well against higher-level competition.
“He got up to 92 this year, so he’s definitely got the velocity and the type of off-speed stuff that could play at that level,” Rives said.
Beck joins a Northwestern State program that competes in the Southland Conference and will look to make an immediate impact on the Demons’ pitching staff as he begins the next chapter of his baseball career.
