After a visit to the campus North Atlanta’s star senior pitcher Sims DeLong recently committed to Washington and Lee University. After announcing his commitment to Washington and Lee on August 30 there was buzz all around the campus of North Atlanta and dozens of reposts of his commitment photo. With a lifelong teammate Jonathan joining him, the Generals are getting two premier Dubs for their baseball program. 

An electric starter for Dubs baseball, Sims posted a 6.65 earned run average over 26.1 innings pitched with 33 strikeouts and an opponent batting average of .284, all of which are better than the national averages. Leading the Dubs in innings pitched over the season, DeLong had a 3-2 record, but the record does not reflect the incredible play that helped the Warriors earn a 18-12-1 (13-5 record in region play). Though there was disappointment from Dubs baseball fans when the playoffs arrived, losing a doubleheader to end the season, this only motivates the team for this year, “We can accomplish anything we put our minds to if we play as a team so I expect a lot out of this team,” said DeLong. I hope everyone takes last year’s knockout as personally as I do, so we have a chip on our shoulders for the entirety of the season.”

When the season ended Sims took his talents to a Chicago showcase, which put him on the Generals’ radar. The two sides emailed back and forth before Sims was officially invited up for a visit. DeLong knew that Washington and Lee was the place for him as it checked all the boxes. “Being able to see the people the school produces gave me an idea of how the environment would be, and after my visit I realized there wouldn’t be a better fit for me,” said DeLong.

Teammates of DeLong could not be happier for him. They know the work he puts in year in and year in order to be the best player he can be. When asked about Sims’ recent commitment teammate Antonio Anderson said, “He’s a great teammate on and off the field, and brings good energy no matter what.”

DeLong has the bar set high for the Dubs this year. On paper the Warriors seem lethal, having a handful of D1 and D3 commits and talent from the top of the roster to the bottom. “There is no shortage of talent or team chemistry this year. We have an amazing group of guys that all are hungry this year. Our unmatched dedication and motivation is our key to success,” he said.

Even with his commitment, DeLong is not looking to take his foot off the gas. With his fastball now topping out at 91, he is expected to take on an even larger workload for the Dubs this season.  Batters beware, as Sim DeLong, Washington and Lee’s newest ace, is taking the mound with a revamped Dubs team and a chip on his shoulder.