Greenville’s Brandon Beyke commits to the Muskingum University baseball team

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GREENVILLE – Greenville senior Brandon Beyke committed to play college baseball at Muskingum University following the Green Wave’s win against Trotwood-Madison Friday evening.

Beyke, the son of James and Michelle Beyke, said he chose Muskingum because it feels like home. Also, New Concord is close enough to Greenville that he will have opportunities to come home and see his family.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” he said about committing to Muskingum. “It’s something you always dream about as a little kid, being able to go on and play after your high school career. I’m really glad that I chose Muskingum. Their community is just like Greenville. It will feel just like home. Really happy with the coaches there, Coach (Gregg) Thompson and Coach (Mark) Walton. Great staff there. Got to meet some of the guys on an overnight stay. A lot of great guys there.”

Beyke will join a Muskingum program that competes in the NCAA Division III Ohio Athletic Conference. The Fighting Muskies currently are 8-11 this season.

“I couldn’t be more proud of him,” Greenville baseball coach Eric Blumenstock said. “Great kid. He’s really, really worked his tail off. Every offseason opportunity we’ve had he’s been all over it. Smart kid. It’s just great to see a kid like that get to move on and get his education and play some more baseball.”

As a junior last year Beyke was named second team all-North Division by the Greater Western Ohio Conference. He had a .325 batting average, .409 on-base percentage, five doubles, one triple, 13 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 27 games.

So far this season Beyke – who has had an opportunity to play varsity ball with his brother, freshman Tyler Beyke – has a .417 on-base percentage and two stolen bases in seven games.

Beyke, a three-year starter for the Green Wave, is a huge asset in the outfield because of his speed, Blumenstock said.

“He greatest attribute is his speed by far, especially playing center field,” the Greenville coach said. “Anytime he gets on base he’s a stolen base threat, and he can go flag it down in the outfield with the best of them.”

Beyke will study biology in college. After earning his bachelor’s degree he hopes to go to graduate school and then become a physician’s assistant.

As he prepares for college the Greenville senior has several goals that include his academic and athletic pursuits.

“I hope to get into graduate school right away,” he said. “I’m looking forward to trying to be on the varsity team my freshman year; that’s a personal goal of mine. Something else I’d like to accomplish in college is expanding my horizons, maybe traveling abroad, seeing another country, something like that.”

It’s always an adjustment for athletes moving into the college ranks, Blumenstock said, but he thinks Beyke is the type of player who can handle the college game.

“It’s going to be an adjustment, but he’s the kind of kid that will definitely take it in stride I’m sure,” Blumenstock said.

Greenville senior Brandon Beyke committed to play for the Muskingum University baseball team following the Green Wave’s game against Trotwood-Madison on Friday. Pictured are (l-r) Greenville assistant baseball coach Chris Ward, brother Tyler Beyke, mother Michelle Beyke, Brandon Beyke, father James Beyke, Greenville assistant baseball coach Mark Ridgeway and Greenville head baseball coach Eric Blumenstock.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_Brandon-Beyke-WEB-2.jpgGreenville senior Brandon Beyke committed to play for the Muskingum University baseball team following the Green Wave’s game against Trotwood-Madison on Friday. Pictured are (l-r) Greenville assistant baseball coach Chris Ward, brother Tyler Beyke, mother Michelle Beyke, Brandon Beyke, father James Beyke, Greenville assistant baseball coach Mark Ridgeway and Greenville head baseball coach Eric Blumenstock. Kyle Shaner|The Daily Advocate

By Kyle Shaner

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Kyle Shaner may be reached at 937-569-4316. Follow me on Twitter @KShanerAdvocate or get updates on Facebook by searching Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com.

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