March 28, 2024

Leal signs to play WPU baseball

Thursday was a red-letter day for Newton High senior Ben Leal in a manner of speaking. It was just a good day for him.

Leal signed his national letter of intent to play baseball next year at William Penn University in Oskaloosa. And, he was cleared to resume playing baseball for his senior season for the Cardinals.

Leal suffered an ankle injury in the Cardinals’ sixth game of the 2019 season. He has been sidelined for nine games.

“I got cleared today,” Leal said just before signing on Thursday. Leal was Newton’s starting center fielder.

Leal’s versatility as a player should provide him opportunity to battle for a spot on the Statesmen’s team next year. He plays outfield, pitches and plays behind the plate.

“Baseball is a first love for me as a sport. It’s always been a sport where I can be myself,” Leal said. “It’s not about size or speed necessarily. If you are a player and if you practice hard enough you can be good one day.”

William Penn’s 2019 season ended at 33-12 overall under head coach Mike Laird, who finished his 38th season at the Statesmen’s helm. WP won its first Heart of America Athletic Conference regular season championship (18-6) since joining in 2016 and its first conference championship since 2013.

The 33 wins are the team’s most since its 36 in 2009. William Penn is a NAIA program.

“William Penn has a rich baseball tradition and I’m excited about this opportunity to go and play there,” Leal said. “It’s close to my family and there’s a really nice environment there.”

Before his injury this season, Leal was batting .235 with four hits and one double. He had four RBIs and six runs scored. His fielding average was .857.

He also had pitched 7 2/3 innings allowing eight hits and nine runs. Leal had walked seven and struck out three.

As a junior, Leal had a fielding average of .952 with only two errors. He hit .282 with 24 hits, one double, six RBIs and 14 runs scored.

Leal went 1-5 on the mound for the Cardinals in 2018 with a 6.48 ERA. He allowed 36 hits and 43 runs. He struck out nine and issued 17 walks.

In his sophomore season, Leal had a .925 fielding average. He had 12 hits, one double, scored seven runs and drove in nine.

“A lot of work and dedication to the sport and sportsmanship are things I believe I can give to the William Penn program,” Leal said. “I will give the team whatever I’m asked to and play wherever the coaches want me to.”

Baseball has been a part of Leal’s life since he was 4 or 5, he said.

“His first work was ball,” Leal’s father said.

Leal is the son of Denise Peterson of Newton and Ben and Cindi Leal of Altoona.

Leal plans to pursue a degree in physical therapy at William Penn.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535
or jsheets@newtondailynews.com