SENIOR TRIBUTE: The Central Methodist University baseball team was off to a red-hot 16-5 start before its season ended abruptly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Eagles were averaging 10.07 runs per game on the season and 11.67 runs per game against Heart opponents.
Julio Canales, a Puerto Rico native, will be leaving Central Methodist after spending two seasons as a member of the program. Prior to joining the Eagles, Canales played at Kaskaskia Community College.
"Central has allowed me to think about my future and prepare for it. The only reason I won't be coming back is that I will have 150 credit hours and will be able to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam after this semester," stated Canales. "This institution prepares students for the real world, especially accounting majors."
Canales finished the season having played in 21 games while totaling 69 at-bats, 21 runs, 19 hits, 14 walks, 10 RBIs, four doubles, one homerun, and a .275 batting average. At second base, Canales recording a .962 fielding percentage on 38 chances and was involved in 11 double plays. Last season, he was honored as a 2nd Team All-Conference selection. He also was honored in the classroom last year after receiving the Accounting Excellence Award.
"During this difficult time, I just hope everyone stays safe. My advice for student-athletes that will come back is to grind every day. As we all know, baseball can be over just like that," shared Canales. "Even though my baseball career has come to an end, I will continue my life without any regrets because I gave it all I had. This situation is a reminder to everybody not to take anything for granted because it can be over in a heartbeat."
Canales is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Accountancy degree in May.
Want to keep up with Julio? Follow him on Twitter at canales6_julio or Instagram at jcanales__
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