Senior Spotlight: Mark Yorkey

With the cancellation of the remainder of the spring season and the winter championships, at least one Wells College senior spring student-athlete will be highlighted each weekend. Today's featured student-athlete is senior Mark Yorkey from the baseball team.

Mark is an environmental science major from Baldwinsville, N.Y., that primarily focused on pitching and infield play this past season.

First-year Wells head baseball coach Ryan Stevens had the following to say about Mark, "Mark has been a rock for the Wells Baseball program since its beginning. His versatility, ability and intelligence have given the Express what they have needed for four years of growth. Being one of the top starting pitchers on the staff, as well as a starting infielder, Mark displayed his value and versatility. His presence every day will be missed for Wells. Mark will be a very successful young man with whatever he does moving forward!"

Over his 103-game career at Wells, Mark had 76 hits with 17 going for extra bases that included one homerun, three triples and 13 doubles. Mark scored 47 runs and batted-in 47 runners with a .257 batting average, .341 on-base percentage and .331 slugging percentage.

Away from the plate, he stole five bases and retired 23 batters in 19 appearances from the mound with a 6.18 earned-run average. His fielding percentage was .934 with 194 putouts and 176 assists with 22 double plays.

During the shortened 2020 season, Mark recorded three hits and brought in three runs with a .200 batting average, .316 on-base percentage and .200 slugging percentage while scoring three runs during eight games. In the field, he recorded 32 putouts with one assist and five double plays for a .971 fielding percentage. In nearly seven innings of work from the hill, Mark recorded eight strikeouts.

In addition to baseball, Mark aided the athletics department during events over the years and often served as a game's official scorer.

Why did you choose Wells College?

I liked the idea of a small college. It was my dream to play college baseball and Wells gave me that opportunity.

What is your favorite memory at Wells College as a student-athlete?

My favorite memory as a student-athlete was our playoff win against Keuka in 2019. We played really well as a team and I hit my first collegiate homerun in that game.

What are your plans after Wells College?

My plans after graduation are to work as a forest/park ranger. 

What advice would you give to the next person wearing your number?

My advice would be to play as hard as you can every time you are out on the field. Do not let anyone tell you that you are not good enough, and work as hard as you can to prove them wrong.

If you had a favorite class during your time at Wells College, what was it and why was it your favorite?

My favorite class at Wells was geology with Professor Schnurr. In this class we went on a lot of field trips throughout the region as well as an overnight camping trip. My classmates were very enjoyable and made this class enjoyable and great to be in.

What will you miss the most about being a student-athlete at Wells College?

I will miss my teammates. I built a strong bond with almost every teammate I've had in the four years and wish it didn't have to end.