For Philip Wilber, the baseball journey is continuing. This weekend, the standout senior signed his letter of intent to be the newest member of the Vikings.

“When I went down there last week, it was amazing,” Wilber said. “Coach Waddups is awesome. (He) reminds me just like our high school coach. Everybody there was welcoming, and it was just a (good) fit for me.”

Wilber earned first team all-district as well first team all-conference honors this year. He caught over 156 innings this past season, racking up a .980 fielding percentage and a 22% throw-out rate on opposing baserunners. He also batted .322 with a .456 slugging percentage and a .450 on-base percentage. Wilber led the Cardinals with 10 doubles as well finished second in walks (23) and fourth in OPS (.906).

“I’d say last year to this year, I'm much stronger physically,” Wilber said. “Mentally, I know the game better. Last year, I was playing and did good, but this year, I bought into baseball.”

When asked about Wilber’s accomplishments, Big Rapids Head Baseball Coach J.T. Scarpelli said he was a pivotal piece to the Cardinals’ success the past few years.

"Phil has worked incredibly hard these last 3 years and deserves this accolade,” Scarpelli said. “Leadership was instrumental to our success and his abilities won us numerous games over the past couple seasons. Phil is a special player and a special kid. He thrives in competition. He has that 'put your head down and get it done' mentality that will serve him well at the next level as well as in life."

Wilber will play for head coach Tucker Waddups with the Vikings, who finished 9-35 this past season. Waddups also has experience as an associate scout with the Kansas City Royals.

Wilber is also playing this summer for both the Post 98AA Rubberducks and the Big Rapids Lumberjacks baseball teams.

_{Photo credit to Chris Teceno.}