Chase Moseley thrives in return to Kirkwood baseball program

CEDAR RAPIDS — Athletes normally transition from a two-year to a four-year college program.

Chase Moseley was on his way to doing just that when he shifted his career in reverse, returning to Kirkwood baseball for an extra year of eligibility available because his first season was canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Moseley has thrived as a redshirt sophomore, leading the fifth-ranked Eagles on and off the field. He hit his fourth home run of the spring in Kirkwood’s 12-1 loss in seven innings to Iowa Western Monday afternoon at Kirkwood.

Moseley has been happy with the decision to take advantage of another NJCAA season.

“One hundred percent,” Moseley said. “I wouldn’t do anything else.”

The former North Scott prep attended Mount Mercy, playing fall ball with the Mustangs. He decided to head back to Kirkwood after the first semester. Moseley said he had a desire to help Kirkwood return to the NJCAA World Series and the coaches impacted his choice.

“Just getting so close to winning a national championship, last year, we kind of tasted it,” said Moseley, noting that he committed to the change in December. “We were right on the edge and that was my main reason for coming back.

“It was definitely the development part of what the coaches bring to the table. They do an awesome job of developing everyone as a human and as baseball players. That was another key aspect of coming back.”

Kirkwood Coach Todd Rima said he recalled receiving a call from Moseley, asking if they could talk. The coaches supported Moseley’s decision and welcomed him with open arms. The move has paid dividends.

“Chase Moseley is a kid you want in your program,” Rima said. “He makes your program better and he helps you win. He’s been fantastic.”

The Eagles are 17-6 overall. Moseley has played a major role. Not only is he nestled in the middle of the batting order and a mainstay in right field, he made a considerable impact with an immediate command of the locker room.

“We would not have had the start that we’ve had without him,” Rima said of Moseley. “It’s not just what he brings talent-wise, but his leadership is as good as we’ve had in our program.

“It was pretty neat to see the first day he was here. He spoke and everyone listened.”

Moseley ranks among team leaders in almost every offensive category. His .400 batting average is first among Eagles with at least six at-bats. He leads Kirkwood in triples (two) and is tied for the team lead in home runs. He sits second with 20 runs and 20 RBIs and tied for third with 24 hits.

“It’s looking pretty good,” Moseley said about the season. “I’m trying to help my teammates win. Keeping the pitchers off their heels. Just trying to help them.”

The mental approach has improved this season. He is confident and has a better grasp of what he will see from pitchers.

“The maturity aspect of understanding college pitching and tendencies,” Moseley said. “I think I’ve advanced in that.”

Moseley accounted for the Eagles’ lone run with a solo home run in the fourth. He belted a full-count pitch over the left field wall.

“I was trying to cover all parts of the plate and search fastball,” Moseley said. “I tried to protect and just ran into it.”

On Sunday, Moseley burned Iowa Western as well. He smacked a walk-off solo home run in a 1-0 victory in the first game of a doubleheader.

“He’s not afraid of the big moment,” Rima said. “He’s been there and he’s a tough kid that loves to compete. We’re glad he’s a Kirkwood Eagle.”

Rima said that Moseley is starting to garner interest from NCAA Division I programs. The opportunities should set him up down the road. Rima said Moseley loves to compete and can help D-I programs win.

Moseley is only concerned with returning to the World Series and will let things play out on their own.

“Just getting back to Enid this year is really what I’m focused on,” Moseley said. “Just letting life play out, whether I end up getting a scholarship or not.”