photo by: Courtesy photo

Free State pitcher Michael Uhler sits in the dugout during a game this past season. Uhler, who was the ace for the Firebirds this spring, was named Sunflower League's pitcher of the year after his strong senior season on the mound. Photo courtesy of Susan Wolfe.

Former Free State pitcher Michael Uhler finally knows where he will continue his baseball career. Uhler announced his commitment to Hutchinson Community College via a tweet from his personal Twitter account on Thursday.

“I want to thank all my coaches, trainers, teammates, and family for making me the athlete I am today,” Uhler wrote in the tweet.

Uhler had a sensational senior season as the ace for the Firebirds, who went 13-10 overall and made it back to the Class 6A state tournament. Uhler, who started in 11 of his 12 appearances, went 7-4 with a 1.21 ERA. The crafty pitcher finished with 54 strikeouts and 16 walks over 63 2/3 innings.

Yet the end of the season was when Uhler was at his best. He won four of his final six outings, a stretch that included four complete-game performances. His best games took place in the regular-season finale against Lawrence High and the regional championship against Wichita West.

It all led to an impressive list of accolades for the talented hurler. Uhler was named the Sunflower League’s pitcher of the year and earned a first-team all-state selection in Class 6A.