LOGAN RATLEDGE CASTS HIS FUTURE WITH THE WOLFPACK

Seventeen year old Ardrey Kell High School baseball player Logan Ratledge has never been one to sit around and wait on things to happen.  The son of Lisa Ratledge and AJ Wright has made an early commitment to attend North Carolina State University on a baseball scholarship.   In spite of only entering into his junior year, Logan elected to accept an early offer from The Wolfpack and enjoy his last two seasons of high school.

The hard hitting shortstop has opened the eyes of many college scouts in his first two seasons at Ardrey Kell.  As a freshman, Logan stepped into the starting lineup and helped the Knights advance to the state championship series.  This past season, Logan moved up in the lineup and helped to anchor a solid infield,  A late season injury derailed Logan for the last few games of the State Championship run.  After sitting out a few weeks, he returned for an outstanding summer of baseball with The South Charlotte Panters Showcase Team.

North Carolina State was actually one of the later schools to begin showing interest in Logan. 

“North Carolina State was one of the later schools in the process. I first spoke with them about half way through the school season. After a long season and a state championship I took my first real visit in early June. After that I took two more trips to the campus.”

“North Carolina State is a great school and had many majors that I was interested in. Also they are an ACC school with a good baseball tradition and after my first visit I knew it was the place for me.”

Logan chose the Wolfpack over North Carolina, Clemson, Virginia, Virginia Tech, College of Charleston and East Carolina

 Logan reflected on his decision to commit before the start of his junior season.

 “During the process I decided that it did not matter to me how early or late I committed as long as it was the fit for me. Getting this over with so early takes a lot of pressure off me and allows me to really concentrate on getting better as a player along with focusing on winning two more state titles.”

 Logan’s brother Jonathan currently plays baseball at East Carolina University and was a big help to Logan in the recruiting process.  Jonathan played for Logan’s head coach, Hal Bagwell at South Mecklenburg and was a top recruit for South Carolina.  Injuries have limited his ability to reach his full potential during a career that has gone from South Carolina to East Carolina.

“My brothers experience with the whole process has helped me in so many ways. Out of high school he chose South Carolina and was their top recruit going in. I learned that staying healthy is the main key to having a successful college career. Unfortunately his career has been limited due to all the injuries that have occurred.”
Ardrey Kell Head Baseball Coach Hal Bagwell had the unique pleasure of coaching both of the Ratledge boys in baseball.  He is well qualified to speak on the skill set of Logan.

“Logan Ratledge has tremendous upside. The kid is winner and truly leads by example. He was a high level division I recruit for a reason. As a 2 year varsity starter he has a skill set well beyond his age. He's improved every year and is one of the most advanced junior players I have ever coached. He's also mature, dedicated, respectful, and extremely tough! Talk about a hard worker...wow! Sometimes I got nervous he'll injure himself because he lays out for everything. NC State is very fortunate to have Logan Ratledge!”

 With the decision out of the way, Logan wanted to take the time to thank a few people that have helped him over the years.

“First of all I would love to thank my Mom and AJ for taking me everywhere and allowing me to be in a position to get exposure. I also would like to thank my brother for being there for me throughout the process and opening a lot of doors for me. I would like to thank Coach Bagwell for handling all the recruiting and being there from the start to finish. Last I would like to thank Coach Bo Robinson for always being there for me as a go to guy when I really need some help when it comes to baseball.

The South Charlotte Sports Report congratulates Logan Ratledge on his commitment to North Carolina State University.  The Wolfpack has secured the services of an outstanding baseball player.  Over the next two seasons, we expect Logan and his Ardrey Kell teammates to lead The Knights to many wins and possibly another state championship or two.