Senior Joshua Butler took a major step in his athletic and academic journey on Friday, officially signing his National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Rhodes College in Memphis. Butler, a pitcher, has posted a 4.6 Earned Run Average (ERA) and earned three big wins throughout the season. He varsity lettered all four years, being a starter in three seasons. In the summer, he plays for 643 DP, a nationally ranked travel ball team. Butler shares what it means to him to be able to go to Rhodes College to play baseball.

“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid to play college baseball,” Butler said. “To get the opportunity to do it at a school like Rhodes, where I can get a great education and keep pitching, it’s just a blessing.”

Being in the baseball program has shaped the way he plays, acts and how he is a leader on the field. Butler shares how the baseball program has helped him on this journey as a baseball player, student and leader.

“Darlington has really helped me become not only a better baseball player, but also a better person,” Butler said. “I believe that playing here has helped shape me into the person I am today.”

Butler plans to major in biochemistry and molecular biology and minor in physics. With Rhodes being an academic school, he shares how balancing baseball and his schoolwork will go.

“They have a balanced schedule made for us athletes so we can not miss too many classes,” Butler said. “With them [Rhodes] being an academic school, I will have to focus on my grades as well as performing on the field. I am going to have to make sure I stay on top of my academics for sure.”

Butler shares what his biggest challenges were in high school and how he overcame them to be where he is today as a player and a leader.

“I think my biggest challenge was overcoming injuries and making sure I was there for the team. Also, trying to stay focused on keeping the team together,” Butler said. “We only have two seniors and both of them are pitchers, so I really try to make sure I am a leader on and off the field. It is very important for me to lead by example to show the underclassmen what the standard is here at Darlington, even though I have been hurt.”