Cassville senior CJ Rose has been playing baseball most of his life, and he will continue to do so in the fall, as he’s signed on April 24 to pitch for Missouri State University in West Plains.

Rose said it has only been the past couple years he’s gotten serious about playing collegiately, and he’s happy to make the move.

“It feels good,” he said. “I’m glad to be able to play at the college level. I’ve played since I was 4-5 started pitching seriously before my junior season.”

Shawn Trent, said though Rose has only been pursuing college ball recently, he has the skillset to do well.

“It’s every young boy’s dream to play at another level, and he will do good because he’s a very hard worker,” he said.

That hard work is what Trent said has propelled Rose to an offer.

“He has a strong work ethic,” Trent said. “CJ has come a long way since I’ve known him, and in his development as a pitcher. He does a great job on the mound.”

Though he’s seen more time on the field as he’s matured, Rose said his favorite baseball memory with Cassville came before his senior year.

“My best memory is when we played Spokane and I threw a no-hitter in my first varsity game,” he said.

Looking to play in college, Rose said he went to some sponsored events to get looks, which is how West Plains found him.

“I went to a showcase and they asked me if I wanted to come play,” Rose said. “Even though it’s a new program, they have good facilities.”

Rose said another factor was the efforts he’s made playing the game.

“It takes hard work. I make sure to try to be better every day,” he said.

Rose said for younger players looking to make it to a college roster, every day means exactly that.

“Make sure to work hard in the offseason and be consistent, because that will help you during the season,” he said.

Rose is the son of Cody and Starla Rose, of Cassville. He plans to major in sports marketing.