Story by Jeff Moeller

Playing sparingly last season as the team’s prime courtesy runner and getting eight at-bats, Richmond Hill’s Braxton Helsel has developed into one of the area’s and region's top hitters. 

But hitting didn’t always come easy, he says. 

“Hitting was a bit of a challenge for me growing up,” recalled Helsel. “I always had good mechanics but timing was a little off. When I was younger, it also was a  challenge mainly just because after a bad at bat, I would get frustrated. I would take it into my next at bat just thinking about the last one.”

Heading into his week’s play, Helsel is .327 overall and .410 in region play. Yet speed also continues to be a major part of his game. He swiped 30 bases last season, and he has only been thrown once in eight attempts this season.

Along with his speed last season, head coach Hill Thomas also viewed Helsel as an offensive threat. Helsel simply has to wait his turn. 

“We knew he had this potential,” said Thomas. “He had a couple of seniors in front of him, and his bat developed in the offseason. He worked hard, and trusted his development.

“His speed is a real impact. He has shown that he can manufacture a run by himself with his speed.”

Helsel can trace his baseball roots back to his father, Tyson, who played high school baseball in Missouri and continued his career as a pitcher at Kansas State University. 

His speed began to surface at a young age. 

“I started baseball when I was five years old,” said Helsel. “My dad and I were always throwing and hitting around since I was young.  I was small, but a very fast runner and always did well in the outfield.”

Even though Helsel continued to battle with his hitting fears, he kept his father’s advice in the back of his mind. 

“In middle school, I definitely had less confidence than I do now,” said Helsel. “My dad constantly kept telling me that  ‘it’s going to click for me one of these days.’ “

“Sure enough, it did.”

Helsel played junior varsity his first two years, and he split time between JV and varsity last season. He ended up hitting .275 overall last year, but he found his stroke playing for Diamond Elite during the summer, hitting .510.

A Piedmont University commit, Helsel is grateful for his parent’s support as well as a divine force.    

 “God and my parents have been my biggest influences in my game,” said Helsel. “I don’t have a favorite story, but the favorite thing about it is just having my parents be at almost all of my games since I was younger.”

Despite having an overall 9-11 (4-5 region), Thomas is staying optimistic.  

“We have two region series left and our goal of hosting the first round of the playoffs is still a possibility,” stated Thomas. “We’re playing solid defense right now. The bats are streaky but the pieces are there. It’s all about getting hit at the end to make a run through the playoffs.”

Helsel certainly will play his part.

“I have always done what I can to help the team win,”said Helsel. “So far I’m having a good senior year. I’m looking forward to ending the season strong.”