DETROIT -- Jeremy Carrell, a former infielder for Wayne State University's baseball team, has taken his skills to the Major Leagues after completing his time as a student-athlete for the Warriors.

Carrell was recruited to WSU out of high school and was happy to become a Warrior and share his love for baseball, while also being close to home.

During his career, Carrell suffered from an injury that set him back a year, making him a redshirt senior, but that wouldn't stop him.

Carrell accomplished a lot as a student-athlete.  From the moment he stepped on the field, to the completion of his time at Wayne State, he was named to the All-GLIAC Honorable Mention Team (2013), selected to the CoSIDA Academic All-District team and voted to the All-GLIAC First Team at shortstop (2014), recipient of the DII ADA Academic Achievement Award (2016), and to conclude his time at Wayne, Carrell was a CoSIDA Academic All-District nominee, a GLIAC All-Academic Excellence Team selection, and named Best Defensive Player at team awards banquet (2017).

"It was the best experience of my life," Carrell said.  "I learned so much from head coach Ryan Kelley both on and off the field."

"As a student-athlete at Wayne State, Coach Kelley did a great job at teaching me accountability and time management; these are the things that help you be a successful person in the real world," he explained.

"During his time on our campus, Jeremy Carrell was a genuine leader," said Kelley.  "He was an instrumental figure on and off the field for our program. Jeremy was disciplined and successful in the classroom concluding in a tremendous degree from our University.  Beyond being a fixture at the top of our line up and an instrumental middle infielder, his passion to compete and win for Wayne State is always enjoyable to reflect on. He evolved into a two-year co-captain as voted on by his peers."

"In my opinion, earning the respect of teammates doesn't just last during an athletic career; it stands across the test of time, continued Kelley.  "Jeremy was a great player, but his passion for his teammates was exceptional.  Immediately following his student-athlete tenure he approached our coaching staff with a desire to pursue a career in baseball.  Across early success as a college coach in Florida it is exciting to have him back in Detroit.  Just like his tenure with Wayne State University,  he is performing a tremendous job with the Tigers.  I know it was special for Jeremy to put on the Wayne State Uniform and represent it to the best of his ability.  He carries the same team first passion when wearing the historic Detroit Tigers uniform."

During his time at Wayne, Carrell mentioned how he and his roommates frequently attended Tigers games.  Carrell watched the bullpen catchers and thought, "How cool would it be to have that job?"

Fast forward to graduation, Carrell took a leap, packed his bags, and moved down to Marianna, Florida, where he coached a junior college team for a little over a year.

From there, Carrell received a phone call from the Detroit Tigers after being referred by Coach Kelley and was offered the position of bullpen catcher.

Carrell packed his bags once again, and was on his way to Lakeland, Florida, the Tigers spring training location.  After practicing with the team, he accepted the offer of becoming the new bullpen catcher.
 
Carrell mentioned that the skills he acquired at Wayne State have helped him a lot in his position with the Tigers.

"Dealing with adversity and how you overcome it has been a huge aspect, not only with the Tigers, but with everyday life."

Working for such a large organization where there are so many players and coaches, Carrell noted some important things to remember.

"Find a way to get things done and do your job to the best of your ability.  Go above and beyond, while making impressions on people so they remember you," he said.  "When you have people remember your name and consider you for different positions or job openings, it is exciting."

Carrell explained that the connections and opportunities that came out of Wayne State were unimaginable.

Carrell's take on working for the Tigers:  "The best part is, I get to go to all the big-league stadiums and be on the field while considering that as my job.  Being in that atmosphere every day of the year, you wake up and get excited to go on the field, you just can't beat it.  It never gets old and the atmosphere is just awesome."

Carrell said he could see himself working for the Tiger's for the next few years, but eventually, his ultimate goal is to get back to coaching college baseball.

"There's not a better place that has people that want you to succeed more than Wayne State.  The number of people that care so much about your future is amazing," he said.