Hornet baseball’s junior outfielder Tim Wheeler was named as a player to watch for the 2009 Brooks Wallace Player of the Year award. Players mentioned on the list are among the top 64 collegiate baseball players in the country.

“It’s an honor to be mentioned on that list,” said Wheeler, a 6’4”, square-jawed Sacramento native.

When asked about his beginnings in baseball, Wheeler mentions starting T-ball at age 5 or 6 and then jumps right to college. His mother, Helen Wheeler, said her son’s athletic ability was very apparent by the age of eight. She said he could catch, run, hit and help his teammates catch outs in the field.

“He was just born with a gift,” she said.

Wheeler’s modest recollections of his baseball beginnings don’t include his four-year run at El Camino High School, starring in both football and baseball. The then-pitcher batted a jaw dropping .535 and racked up a collection of all-CAL awards and MVP selections. He hit eight doubles, three triples and three home runs with 15 stolen bases and 28 runs for the El Camino Eagles.

His football career was far from lackluster, as well. As a junior, Wheeler was the starting quarterback for the Eagles, leading the team to an 8-2 record. He passed for 2,273 yards and 25 touchdowns. When asked how he chose between baseball and football for college, Wheeler said he considered playing both but it seemed like too much.

“Baseball was what I played first,” he said.

It comes as no surprise that his success continued in college. Wheeler batted .310 with six home runs and 27 RBI’s his freshman year. Last season brought even more triumph at the plate. Wheeler batted .330 with three home runs and 43 RBI’s, not to mention 10 stolen bases and a team high of 56 singles.

Wheeler grew up wanting to go to Stanford for college because of its prestigious baseball program. But when it came time to make a decision, family ties played a big part in choosing Sacramento State. Helen said he wanted to stay near home and have an opportunity to play as a freshman.

“He had a few offers,” she said of other schools.

Wheeler said his older brother James, 25, went through the Hornet baseball program, so he was very familiar with it.

ventually pursue sports journalism and write for magazines or periodicals. He said he equally considers himself a student and an athlete. He jokingly admits that he might have more fun on the field, but that you can’t have one without the other. He said he works hard in the classroom, too.

Coach John Smith said Wheeler just needs to go out and do his best everyday and not get too stressed. He said Wheeler is a hardworking student-athlete.

“He’s a good example for the entire athletic department,” Smith said.

Sacrifice seems to be the name of the game, but Wheeler adamantly denies any social shortcomings due to baseball.

“I’m not really the type of guy that’s going out all the time,” he said.

When it comes to motivation, he says he needs none. When you love something, working hard to get better is fun.

“It’s my passion,” he said.

Baseball America has named Wheeler as the 38th best collegiate draft prospect of this season. That’s roughly a third round draft pick, one round higher than Hornet Baseball’s previous record. Wheeler said he plans to declare for the draft at the end of this year, possibly continuing his education in the fall if it is manageable.

“In five years, I hope to be playing big league baseball,” Wheeler said.

“I support him 100 percent in that decision,” Smith said.

He said he would love to have Wheeler back for a fourth season, but that it would be best for him to start now.

“I think he’s ready to go play professional baseball,” he said.

Helen also supports her son’s decision.

“I would love for him to finish school but this is his dream. You only get one opportunity,” she said.

She said she also thinks Tim will finish out his bachelor’s degree after he goes pro, but that it would be ok if he didn’t.

“Some people don’t finish college, and they’re ok,” she said. “Baseball will become his profession.”

Wheeler said his professional idol is Cal Ripken, Jr., who currently holds the record for most consecutive games started. He said he strives for that kind of consistency and that Ripken represents everything good about baseball.

Tim Wheeler stays down to earth despite so much recognition being thrown his way. He attempts to ignore it as much as possible. He said it doesn’t change the way he plays and he doesn’t want to get full of himself.

“I think once you start doing that, you take a step back,” he said.

Wheeler’s parents support his humble attitude, especially towards his award nominations.

“We try not to dwell on them,” Helen said. “It doesn’t make your future.”