Shaffer taking baseball talent to Oregon Tech

SANDPOINT — Recent Sandpoint graduate Tyler Shaffer signed a letter of intent last week to play baseball next season at Oregon Tech University, becoming the fifth Bulldog player from a talented senior class to take their skills to the next level.

Shaffer played in all 20 games for the Bulldogs, mostly at second base, where he hit .309 on the season and led the team with 17 runs scored. He also tallied seven RBIs and was a perfect 8 of 8 in steal attempts, helping lead the Bulldogs to their first state tournament in 10 years.

Shaffer plans to study environmental science at the NAIA school in Klamath Falls, where he hopes to help the Owls of the Cascade Collegiate Conference improve on last year’s 24-28 record.

“I wanted to stay semi-close to home while being able to play for a great program. I am looking forward to the great coaching, competition and overall experience,” said Shaffer, who loves the challenge that baseball presents. “Some days it just isn’t your day, and some days you are untouchable.”

Shaffer will join fellow Bulldog Jacob Cometto on the Owls, as the two join Preston Pettit, Thomas Riley and Trey Flint as college bound players from Sandpoint.

Bulldog head coach Chase Tigert says Shaffer’s biggest strengths are his work ethic and attitude, traits that play well with any college athlete.

“He loves the game and puts forth his absolute best effort in all he does. He’s the type of player who wants to work, who wants to get better and is willing to do whatever it takes to improve his game,” described Tigert. “Not to mention, he’s a line drive machine with a strong arm in the infield.”

Shaffer also pitched in a few games, able to contribute in a variety of ways between the lines. His plus arm and quick turn led to a handful of double plays on the season at the keystone position.

Tigert, a former college pitcher and pro prospect, sees Shaffer having an exciting and rewarding collegiate baseball career.

“He’s going to head into Oregon Tech in the fall and grind every single day. I’m expecting him to be a contributing player and to leave a lasting impression on the program,” said Tigert. “He projects well for a NAIA infielder. He’s quick, has a strong arm, a smooth bat and knows the game very well.”