Central Methodist signs Palmer High senior

JEREMIAH BARTZ/Frontiersman sports editor

PALMER - There are not many Valley baseball players who have the opportunity to play on the college level. But that does not mean there are not any.

Palmer High School David Breck signed a National Letter of Intent on Friday to join the Central Methodist University baseball squad.

Breck, a pitcher and middle infielder for the Moose, said his goal is to play shortstop for the NAIA program based in Fayette, Mo., and he may have the opportunity to compete for the playing time early. Two of CMU's shortstops are in their senior seasons this year. Palmer head coach Steve Mossburgh believes Breck has the potential to compete for playing time and do well at the next level. Mossburgh said Breck's technique is what stands out.

"He has real good foot work, real quick hands. I think that's his biggest asset at shortstop," Mossburgh said. "He gets rid of the ball probably faster than anyone I've seen up here."

Mossburgh also calls Breck, a left-handed hitter, his best player at the plate. Breck is expected to hit in the three-spot for the Moose.

Breck has played baseball all through his childhood, competing in the Valley organizations since his family moved to Palmer when he was 9 years old. He is entering his fourth season in the PHS baseball program, but did miss all of last season due to an offseason knee injury. Breck did heal in time to play during the summer for the Wasilla Road Warrior American Legion squad and expects to play for the Road Warriors again this summer.

Breck explored several options and his final choice came down between Central Methodist and Eastern Oregon. Breck visited both colleges and ultimately preferred what CMU had to offer. Breck said the Fayette area was similar to the Valley, but also has the big city atmosphere of Columbia and the University of Missouri close by.

Breck is one of numerous Palmer High School athletes who will be on college rosters next season.

Palmer alumni can be found on college football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, cross-country running, track and wrestling

squads.