Braden River star signs with Stars

BRADEN RIVER — Austin Platt is all too familiar with having to adjust to new teammates, a new coaching staff and a new way of approaching the game.

The Braden River High senior pitcher played for three high schools, including Bayshore, before moving to Braden River this year. Now, Platt is preparing for yet another transition — this time from high school to collegiate baseball.

On May 20, Platt, who won three games on the mound for the Pirates this spring, signed a letter-of-intent to pitch for Florida State College at Jacksonville.

“It feels good knowing where I’m going to go school,” Platt said.

Platt, who looked at about 10 different schools, including the University of South Carolina, Polk State College, Rinehart College and Indian River State College, among others, chose Florida State College at Jacksonville because of the longevity of the coaching staff and the program’s indoor hitting and pitching facility, among other reasons.

“I like the coaching staff,” Platt said. “I felt like I was being jerked around at other schools, but they actually seemed to care and told me they wanted me. They instantly liked what I had and really wanted me. It felt good to be wanted.”

Platt, who plans to major in broadcast journalism, will spend the summer playing for IMG Academy before heading up to Florida State College at Jacksonville in August with the hopes of joining the Stars starting rotation.

“This year I learned how to control my emotions on the mound, keep composed and remember what I’m supposed to do mechanically — without that I wouldn’t have gone as far as I’ve gone,” Platt said.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].