Cullen Smith, a standout outfielder for the Ames High School baseball team, has become the centerpiece of a squad eyeing the Iowa Alliance North title and a deep postseason run.
After a junior season in which he batted .347 with 39 runs, 22 steals and 15 RBIs, Smith committed to playing at Southeastern Community College in Burlington, a decision that has only sharpened his focus.
A Versatile Threat on Both Sides of the Mound
This spring he has shifted from right field to center field, where he is posting a .333 average with six doubles, a triple, 15 runs, 16 RBIs and 10 steals. On the mound he is 0‑1 in 7 1/3 innings with a 4.77 ERA, building on a 6‑2 record and 6.20 ERA from the previous year.
His offseason regimen — hitting drills, weight‑lifting sessions, a disciplined diet and regular throwing work — has turned him into a true two‑way player, a fact that resonates with teammates and coaches alike.
A Long‑Standing Partnership
Smith’s bond with teammate Jackson Kepley dates back to childhood, when the two first met at age seven. Together they hope to capture the magic of the 2023 Ames team that reached the Class 4A state championship game.
Coach Nick Steenhagen, who has guided the Bulldogs for several seasons, praised Smith’s leadership: “Cullen’s work ethic and versatility set a standard for the entire club. He’s the kind of player who can change a game with a single swing or a timely pitch.”
With the conference race heating up and the postseason on the horizon, Ames looks to Smith’s bat, arm and relentless drive to turn those early‑season goals into a championship narrative.