MORGANTOWN – It wasn’t long ago that Ty Galusky thought he might never play the game he loves again. A few years later, his dream of playing Division I college baseball became a reality as he announced his commitment to East Tennessee State University.
“This is a goal that I set for myself as a child,” Galusky said. “To have this opportunity after two surgeries in high school is a fantastic feeling. This is what I’ve worked for and battled through tough times for, so this is extra special for me.”
Just before his sophomore season at Morgantown High School, the former all-state catcher and 2023 Johnny Bench Award recipient suffered a torn UCL in his right arm that sidelined him for his second year with the Mohigans.
After a six-month recovery, Ty returned to the field in the summer to prepare for his junior year behind the plate with MHS but suffered another setback as a bone spur caused a stress fracture in the same arm, requiring another operation and another grueling recovery.
Finally, Galusky returned to MHS his senior year and helped the team to a 24-8 record and an appearance in the Region-I Championship Series. He was named to the Class AAA all-state team and received the 2023 Johnny Bench Award for the top prep catcher among five states.
He joined the Fort Scott Community College in Kansas last fall and found his way into the lineup by spring. Ty caught 50 games (356 innings) with a .997 fielding percentage and caught 15 runners attempting to steal a base.
Offensively, Galusky hit .303 with four home runs, 34 RBI, and 38 runs, with 14 extra-base hits for the Greyhounds in 2024.
“Going to Junior College was the best decision I could’ve made,” he said. “It completely changed me on and off the field. The coaches and teammates I’ve been around are top-tier and have pushed me to be a better player and person. At this level, everyone’s goal is to make it to the next level; no one is satisfied with where they are. I want to take that mindset wherever I go so that everything I do on or off the field has a purpose. Not only in baseball but in life too.”
Galusky will join ETSU, which finished 36-20 (13-8 SOCON) last season. The Buccaneers finished third in the Southern Conference.
“ETSU stood out to me because they are a top program in one of the better mid-major conferences in the country,” Galusky said. “The town and people are great also. I enjoy the coaching staff, and it will be a little closer to home, so my family and friends can also come to watch me play.”
No matter where baseball or life takes him, Ty says his goal is to continue growing his game and himself to be the best version of them possible.
“I am privileged to play baseball across the country and be around a lot of positive influences who all provide me with things to help better myself,” he said. “If I continue to work hard and improve my game correctly, the stats and accolades will all come as a result. There’s always something you can improve, someone who wants your spot, and always someone who has the spot you want. It’s up to you to separate yourself by creating the right habits and changing the bad ones.”
