Mefford Signs with Milligan College

Jeffrey Mefford, Jr., of Springfield, Ohio, has signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Milligan College in Tennessee following his final 2017 season at Edison State Community College. 

"The Edison State coaching staff is very pleased to see Jeff continuing his baseball career at Milligan," said head baseball coach Scott Jones. "He has put in a lot of hard work both academically and athletically." 

Last season alone, Mefford had a 4.64 ERA and 77 strikeouts with the Chargers. "Milligan has granted Jeff a very generous scholarship and in return will be receiving a good pitcher as well as an outstanding competitor. We wish Jeff the best," added Jones. 

Mefford will be the second player in the last two years to advance his baseball career outside of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). "Our program is all about moving players beyond the NJCAA, " said Jones. 

As a Charger, Mefford has been able to develop and enhance his skills. "Playing baseball at Edison State has prepared me to play the game at the next level by instilling a great work ethic, prioritizing my college work, practice, getting to the gym, and working two part-time jobs with time management playing an important role." 

Mefford credits head coach, Scott Jones, for helping to develop him as a player. "Coach Scott has been very patient with me. Coming into Edison State, I was very green and raw. My mechanics weren't fluid, and I couldn't repeat them consistently." 

"Coach taught me different pitching grips and how to throw the pitches correctly with the spin and arm slot. He's also worked with me on how to hold runners on efficiently to help make it easier on not only myself but my brothers behind me on the field to help control the running game." 

"Having a pitching coach of his caliber, someone who has been around the game at a very high level, giving me tips along my journey has been a blessing. I will be forever grateful to have crossed paths with such a great coach and even better mentor." 

The 6-foot-4-inch pitcher hopes to continue his success while playing at Milligan. "Continuing my baseball career has always been a dream of mine and the fact that it's also helping me pay for my education is something that is truly important to my family and I. I'm eager to get on the field and start working towards furthering my career." 

Before Mefford advances, he would like to see his team excel in his final season as a Charger. "As a team, I want us to make a run for a conference championship and the postseason. I'm fully confident we can do this since we've got more depth on the mound and in the field this year." 

Upon graduating from Edison State, Mefford will pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree at Milligan College. 

"I'll be the first person in my family to graduate from college, and I take great pride in this. If it wasn't for my mom, I don't know where I would be. I just want to thank her for all that she's done because, without her, none of this would be possible." 

The Milligan College Buffaloes compete in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national affiliation.