From the time he began playing Little League baseball, Travis Sharpe told all who would listen that he wanted to play baseball as long as he could.

After a stellar high school career at Posen, Sharpe will continue playing baseball at the next level after he signed a letter of intent with Mott Community College last month.

“It’s a very cool feeling. I’ve wanted to do this my whole life and knowing now that I am is a great feeling,” Sharpe said. “I’ve always said to my family I wanted to play as long as possible.”

Sharpe’s path to Mott began last summer as a member of the Foutch’s 16U summer ball team in the Flint area. He earned team MVP honors after helping Foutch reach the World Series in Marietta, Georgia. Last summer he set several program records with 37 hits in 80 at-bats, seven home runs and 36 RBI. He also scored 27 runs. On the mound, he went 4-1 with three saves, 31 strikeouts and a 1.27 earned run average.

In the midst of all that, he caught the attention of Mott coach Roger Christensen, who was amazed at the way Sharpe held his own against older players.

“Really it was his presence and approach against the older kids (that was impressive). He held his own. He’s a composed athlete and he can definitely play,” Christensen said.

With his outstanding athletic abilities, Sharpe will likely be a utility player for the Bears. Sharpe pitches and plays first base with his travel team, but with his athletic ability, Christensen will likely play Sharpe in the outfield as part of his utility duties.

“He can pitch, he can swing it and he has something every coach wants; he’s a kid that can play anywhere,” Christensen said.

Sharpe had several colleges interested in him, but chose Mott after visiting the campus during the winter. During his senior baseball season hit, Sharpe proved he was one of the best players in the area. He helped the Vikings win the North Star League’s Little Dipper Division and was one of Northeast Michigan’s best pitchers.

In nearly 100 innings, he struck out 189 batters and struck out 312 batters in two seasons, setting a new school record. At the plate he batted .477. He earned all-state baseball honors during his junior and senior seasons and also won two consecutive Posen Male Athlete of the Year awards.

“I feel like I had a good career and we went undefeated in the league for two years. That was quite an accomplishment with the players we had,” Sharpe said. “It’s hard to get noticed up here, but it all came together last year.”

With the next two years of his baseball career set up, Sharpe will turn his attention to helping the Bears return to the playoffs. Mott went 15-26 last season and 9-17 in Michigan Community College Athletic Association play. The year before, Mott went 25-19 and played three postseason games.

“He’ll have a big impact on our success next year,” Christensen said. “He’s comfortable at first base, but he’s an athlete who can play anywhere.”

James Andersen can be reached via email at sports@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5694. Follow James on Twitter @ja_alpenanews.