A New Era for West Virginia Baseball
Steve Sabins capped a breakthrough year by steering the Mountaineers to their best record in program history and delivering the school’s inaugural trip to the College World Series. The run, built on a potent mix of pitching and timely hitting, transformed expectations in Morgantown and beyond.
Central to the program’s future is right‑handed pitcher Cole Cheatham, a member of the Class of 2027 who has already drawn interest from several powerhouse programs. Cheatham’s recruitment underscores the Mountaineers’ ability to attract elite talent despite the competitive landscape.
Cheatham’s résumé includes appearances at the Perfect Game National Showcase and the 18U National Team Camp, where he logged a 97 mph fastball — one of the fastest readings of the event. In high school baseball in Indiana, he posted a 5‑0 record with 103 strikeouts in 45.2 innings, averaging more than 20 strikeouts per nine innings and earning first‑team all‑state honors.
The pitcher is slated to compete in the PBR All‑American Game in September 2024, an showcase that will further spotlight his abilities. Following that event, Cheatham plans to visit Morgantown for an official trip, giving him a chance to experience the campus atmosphere and the Mountaineers’ baseball culture firsthand.
Sabins views Cheatham not only as a potential ace but also as a cornerstone for a recruiting pipeline that could sustain success for years. The combination of a historic season and a promising newcomer has ignited optimism among players, coaches, and fans alike.