Shaw signs with hometown Mansfield.
By: Brian Fees | Towanda Daily Review | November 10, 2016
2016 NTL and District 4 News
Growing up JP Shaw always thought about one day playing for Mansfield University.
Now, the Mansfield H.S. star will get the chance as he signed with the school on Wednesday.
"My dad was a basketball coach and he had some kids from the basketball team go up there and play," Shaw said. "I always thought it would be cool if I could go up there one day."
The lure of playing near home made Mansfield the right choice for last year's All-Region Player of the Year.
"It was my hometown and I always thought about going and playing baseball there," Shaw said. "I like the coaching staff and have some friends that play up there."
After playing with the sons of Mansfield University coach Harry Hillson — first Taylor and now Kipp Hillson — Shaw knows that the Mansfield coach has watched him play a ton over the years.
"He's been at every game, every high school game, so he's seen me play a lot," Shaw said.
Going just down the road to play for a program he grew up with is something that will take a few nerves away for Shaw.
"It's definitely not as nerve wracking as going away," Shaw said.
And, it's a chance for his family and friends to see him play all the time.
"They are excited, I know my grandfather is 86, he's pretty excited to come watch me," Shaw said. "Definitely, staying at home, around family and friends had a big part in my decision."
Shaw will also be playing on a field he's been on plenty of times growing up.
"I have played on that field quite a bit, pitched on it many times, so I'm familiar with it," Shaw said.
The one difference next year is that Shaw will be on the field as a college baseball player.
"It's going to be different, and weird, but I think it will be cool," Shaw said.
Last year Shaw was the top pitcher in the NTL, but also one of the league's most imposing hitters. He knows that Mansfield University is looking at him as both a pitcher and a hitter.
"Pretty much I will work all around on pitching and playing first base and being a strong hitter," Shaw said. "I know they want me to play both pitcher and first base."
Having his decision made takes a few nerves off for Shaw this year.
"It does," he said. "I am still thinking about our team and how far we should go. We want to have a repeat of last year and win districts and see how far we can go in states."
While last year's district title and state Elite Eight trip was nice, Shaw is ready for a repeat, without the pressure of having to worry about schools looking at him.
"Last year was a lot of fun," Shaw said. "This year will be too, and maybe a little less stressful."
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