By Matt Browning

Tyner Horn of Eisenhower and a Wichita State commit was voted the Wichita Large School Preseason Player of the Year by VYPE fans online.

Last season Horn went 5-0 in 38 innings, while striking out 52 of the 111 batters he faced. 

“This means a lot but it’s just another step of the journey,” Horn said.

Being able to develop a secondary pitch to his fastball was a priority for Horn this past offseason.  

“My changeup was terrible,” Horn said. “I couldn’t throw it or even try to throw it during outings. I developed one over the off-season and now it’s my No. 2 pitch.”

Wichita State’s head coach, Eric Wedge, who spent more than 30 years in Major League Baseball as a player and a manager, was a huge attraction for Horn’s college recruitment.

“Having 30-plus years of MLB experience in the college dugout is what is going to help me succeed at the next level,” Horn said.

Not being an all-league or all-state selection is a primary motivator for Horn this season. 

“Some goals I have for myself is to be selected all-state, all-conference and all-metro,” Horn said. “I also hope to win Gatorade Player of the Year.”