After playing in the majors, 2001 Mr. Baseball and NHS grad Wes Whisler returns home to help young ball players
By Mark Ambrogi
Wes Whisler’s major league career might have spanned just two weeks, but the former Noblesville High School standout made it and no one can ever take that away from him.
“I’m fortunate to live out a dream,” Whisler said. “The numbers are few and far between on how many kids are going to be able to do that. Hopefully there are some that I work with that will get that chance.”
Whisler, 31, had started instructing kids as a side business to stay busy in the wintertime while in the minors.
“I wanted to be able to help kids and pass on the knowledge that I have with my experiences and what I’ve learned,” Whisler said.
Now it is his full-time pursuit, he runs Wes Whisler Baseball Academy at The Strike Zone in Fishers. Whisler had worked for The Strike Zone for nine years but took over running it in late fall and the name was re-branded. There are eight instructors (seven baseball, one softball), three retractable cages and two portable pitching mounds. Whisler lives in Noblesville with his wife and triplet daughters, who were born in October.
Whisler pitched in three games for the Chicago White Sox in 2009. The 6-foot-5 left-hander spent 10 seasons in the minor leagues, including several with Triple-A Charlotte, before retiring in 2013. He was traded to the Miami Marlins organization in June 2010 but then was re-signed as a free agent by the White Sox in March 2011.
Whisler, named Mr. Baseball as a Noblesville senior, played three seasons at UCLA. He played first base and pitched at both Noblesville and UCLA.
As the Major League Baseball amateur draft approached during his junior season, Whisler said half the teams were set on him as a pitcher and the other half as a hitter. The White Sox took Whisler in the second round (53rd overall) in the 2004 draft.
Whisler started out as a first baseman in the minors but White Sox officials soon determined he would be more valuable as a hard-throwing left-handed pitcher.
“It’s hard to have any regrets when you make it to big leagues,” Whisler said. “I was a guy that still likes to be in the mix every single day. I loved playing every day. I loved swinging the bat. I wish I could have made it as a hitter. But I made it as a pitcher and I’m thankful for it as well.”
Whisler made his debut for the White Sox against Oakland on June 2, 2009.
“It was the shortest/longest run in from the bullpen,” Whisler said. “It was weird for me because I’d always been a starter before. My first big league strikeout was (six-time All-Star) Matt Holliday. I got him looking on a cutter inside.”
Whistler also struck out Bobby Crosby in that one scoreless inning against the Athletics. He pitched in two more games, recording one out and allowing two runs with no decision.
After that two-week stint, Whisler never got back to the majors. Yet Whisler had reached the pinnacle.
“That was my goal and dream as a little kid,” Whisler said.
Now his mission is helping others reach their full potential. Whisler works with all ages, trying to instruct them physically and mentally.
“The big thing is having them understand baseball is a marathon,” Whisler said. “The days that are good are easy, anyone can do it. Days that are bad are what I classified as money-maker days. What can you do to get through it? I’m trying to get them to understand about being mentally tough and facing adversity. Right now, it’s a game. Have fun and play.”
In addition to his academy, Whisler serves as an assistant strength coach for Noblesville High School.
Dennis Kas, who was the Nobleville baseball coach when Whisler was there, isn’t surprised Whisler is instructing.
“The fact that he’s able to give back to the kids fits two of his passions (helping kids and baseball),” said Kas, who is now an instructor at Power Alley Baseball Academy in Noblesville. “I’m glad to see he’s involved because he has a lot to offer young people.”
Whisler started all four years for Kas at Noblesville.
“He was ahead of the curve as regard to his talent and skills,” Kas said. “He also was very mature with how he carried himself. I thought that was key for Wes and the success he had throughout his career in baseball.”
Whisler said his academy is the only one in the area that can be accessed 24/7, 365 days a year. The academy features camps and clinics. For more information, visit thestrikezonellc.com.
Meet Wes Whisler
Birthday: April 7, 1983
Personal: Whisler and wife, Kara, have triplets: Molly, Gwynn and Vivyan, born in October. “They already have me wrapped around their fingers — Daddy’s little girls.”
Favorite Noblesville restaurants: I’m not picky when it comes to food. I’m a big breakfast eater so I’d have to say the Sunrise Cafe. We used to go there before pre-game meals before basketball. I love that spot. I’ll eat anything from Matteo’s (Ristorante Italiano) and you can’t go wrong with a good old tenderloin from Syd’s (Fine Food & Spirits). That wasn’t on my diet when I was playing. I had to stay away from those.
Favorite music: Workouts are different when I’m in here training, I have a wide variety (playing) from county to alternative to hip-hop.
Favorite reading: Since I was kid, I like to keep up with Sports Illustrated. I’m always into sports and keep up with the news in the papers as well.
Favorite movie: I’m a huge movie guy. My favorite movie is “Top Gun.” When I was young, definitely not now being 6-5, but when I was young I wanted to be a fighter pilot. I love that movie.
Hobbies: I love to play golf. Here in Hamilton County, there are courses galore. I love the lake, too. We go up I’m a huge water sports guy. Snow skiing as well, got back into that after baseball. I love the outdoors —hunting and fishing.
