Dutch Fork’s T.J. Shook signs with USC baseball

Dutch Fork outfielder/pitcher T.J. Shook signed his letter of intent Wednesday to play baseball at South Carolina.

Shook committed to USC in July and didn’t take any other visits.

“I know I made the right decision because I haven’t second thoughts,” Shook said. “I never thought this day would happen. It is very satisfying knowing the hard work paid off.”

Shook, whose fastball tops out at between 88-90 mph, isn’t sure whether he will be used as an outfielder or pitcher for the Gamecocks. The 6-foot-4, 190-pounder went 5-1 with a 1.29 ERA last season and also hit .457. He was the Region 4-4A Player of the Year and an all-state selection.

Shook had a home run in last month’s Border Battle, which is made up of the top baseball prospects in North and South Carolina.

Chester pitcher Jake Wright announced his signing Wednesday with USC. Wright last year batted .422 while striking out 67 batters in 43 innings as a pitcher. Infield Carlos Cortes of Winter Park, Fla., also announced his signing with the Gamecocks

USC historically confirms signees at the end of the weeklong fall signing period.

This story was originally published November 11, 2015 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Dutch Fork’s T.J. Shook signs with USC baseball."