ABOVE: Josh Soelter.

FAIRMONT – Fairmont Cardinals dual-threat sophomore athlete Josh Soelter is preparing to return to the diamond after a strong offseason of training and closing out the basketball season.

“In the offseason, I work out four or five days a week,” said Soelter. “I’d say it’s been great. And then, in the fall, since I’m not in a sport, I go to the baseball fields and hit the cages. I usually get a couple of the other guys on the team to come out there with me.”

Training doesn’t end for him when the weather changes; only the location does. Soelter shifts his workouts indoors, working on building strength and honing his throwing mechanics. He also takes advantage of Luke Becker’s availability for lessons.

“I was focusing on my mechanics for throwing,” said Soelter. “And just trying to keep my arm healthy, because sometimes I have shoulder elbow issues during the season. So I really just focused on keeping my arm healthy and trying to develop some better mechanics.”

On the mound, Soelter has a formidable combination of pitches for batters to face. Soelter’s top speed was clocked at 81 miles per hour around Christmas, and he currently throws a four-seam fastball, knuckle curve, circle change, and the occasional two-seam fastball.

“Honestly, it depends on the day,” said Soelter. “But my most consistent, I’d say, is my curveball. But at the start of the season, my change has been feeling pretty good.”

In addition to playing for the Cardinals, he plays summer ball for MASH in the cities as an outfielder.

“I’d say I honestly like outfield a lot,” said Soelter. “I play it in the summer and just tracking those balls down is kind of fun running around the outfield.”

Soelter became involved with the game early, playing with his brother, Nate, in the front yard, and that passion grew into the passion he has for baseball today.

“We’d always be playing in the front yard,” said Soelter. “From probably when I was like 2 or 3, we’d be playing together. And so I think that’s what originally sparked my interest in baseball. I’ve just been playing ever since.”

Soelter has big goals for himself and his team as opening day approaches.

“Individually, I kind of want to be, since we don’t have a ton of older guys, I kind of want to be a leader on the team and just be that guy that people can ask if they need help with anything,” said Soelter. “I just want to be that guy they can go to. Hyping up the team, getting us going, being the leader. I also want to try to hit like .500. That’s a pretty big goal, but I want to try to get there. ERA wise, sub two would be nice. For team goals, I think I think if we just stay together, keep working, just staying together as a team and getting 1% better every day, I think we’ll be right on track to have that winning record and be that team that can go far.”

Soelter plans to continue his work on and off the field as he aims to continue his baseball career with hopes of playing at a college level down the road.