Diamond Hogs land righty pitcher out of Valley View

Valley View pitcher, Eli Crecelius, decided to join his former teammates in Fayetteville for 2024.

Valley View junior pitcher Eli Crecelius committed to Arkansas on Sunday night, adding to the pipeline.

Crecelius joins his Valley View teammates, Lawson Ward and Jonesboro transfer Lance Davis, as well as 2026 prospect Keaton Mathis, as fellow Arkansas pledges for the 2024 season.

“That was one of my other (factors) in my decision,” Crecelius said. “I know people as well as it being my dream school. I’ve spent my whole life with them, and to be able to have another year of high school and then go spend four more years with them in college is just awesome.”

During the 2023 season, he had a remarkable record of 8-1 and an impressive ERA of 2.04.

Crecelius played a crucial role in leading the Blazers to victory in the 5A East division and securing their place in the state finals for the third consecutive year. His performance was outstanding, with 93 strikeouts in over 61 innings of work.

The two-time All-State pitcher flipped from UL-Monroe to join the Hogs. He admitted he committed to Monroe too early and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play for his dream school.

“My fastball velocity went up and I decided to de-commit and see things out. The Hogs hopped on me and it’s just a blessing really.”