One of the higher profile prospects in second year program Scotland Campus Sports, Class of 2020 outfielder/pitcher Cameron Abele has committed to Salem University.
The Division-II program in West Virginia will invest four years in a poised hitter who boasts gap to gap power.
During fall ball, Abele displayed a knack for producing with RISP and clutch situational hitting. These were pivotal aspects in pioneering the Knights to noteworthy victories over high level junior colleges and nearby competition.
Salem, which has sustained tight ties with a Knights program that featured the likes of 2020 MLB prospect Bernard Shivers and slugger Ruben Hernandez in its inaugural season, has been actively recruiting several of the program’s players. They’ve hosted Abele and several of his teammates on campus visits this year, with the coaching staff zoning in on Abele as a highly coveted recruit.
Abele had a Division-1 offer on the table from Coppin State and several other Division-1 programs expressing interest. Ultimately, it was Salem’s culture of success and the role they had envisioned for Abele that impacted his decision. While Coppin State wanted Abele to redshirt his freshman year, Salem prioritized him as a guy who could come in and offer immediate contributions.
“I just wanted to go where I can be a factor and I know I can help them out,” said Abele, who had 12 multi-hit games last fall and was one of several players in the program to hit .350+.
“I really liked the entire coaching staff at Salem and they run a program very similar to what we have here at Scotland Campus. I thought it was the right fit academically because it is small classes and a small campus. I’ll also be able to contribute as a two-way player.”
With his workmanlike approach, high level daily workout regimen and inability to get fazed by distractions, coaches and teammates describe Abele as an old school player. He’s not one to get enamored with individual stats and accolades or self-promotion.
It’s clear that Abele’s commitment to winning and team concepts are of highest order.
Shouldering the role of a disciplined, consistent hitter who can deposit pitches into every spot in the outfield, Abele also possesses a first step as an outfielder. His arm strength and ability to make acrobatic catches enabled him to become a defensive backbone in center filed for Scotland Campus head coach Todd Weldon in his post graduate season.
“I think these attributes will transfer to the collegiate level because I will continue working hard and not change my discipline and focus.”
