Derry native Ward hopes to make impact for Seton Hill baseball

Pitcher Omar Ward pondered the future of his college career like he was glaring in at his catcher. The hard-throwing right-hander saw a sign, but shook it off and waited for a new one.

Curve or slider? To stay or to go?

When he finally realized his best option was to start fresh at a new program, he gave an agreeable nod and delivered a confident strike.

Suddenly, Ward is leaving Canisius after two seasons and is returning to Westmoreland County. He announced recently he will transfer to play at Seton Hill, departing one set of Griffins for another.

A Derry native who played at The Kiski School before signing with Division I Canisius, Ward did not see his playing time or standing in the bullpen improving any time soon, so he decided his best course of action was to leave for a Division II program that could provide a greater opportunity.

On the mound, the 6-foot-1, 230-pound Ward had no decisions at Canisius — until he made a big one to leave.

“It was not easy, but going into it, I didn’t travel to any of our away conference series and my playing time was almost equivalent to my freshman year,” he said. “I wanted to help the team out, but when it came to playing and what I know I can bring to the table, I felt as if it was best for me, and ultimately for Canisius, if we parted ways.”

Ward, who will be a junior, said the thought of potentially playing more, and doing so in front of family and friends, was enough to lure him to Seton Hill.

He wants to see the field more and make a greater impact.

In two seasons, Ward appeared in just 11 games and 10²⁄₃ innings (5 this season). He allowed 15 runs, struck out 10 and walked 17. He had zero wins or losses — and just as many at-bats.

He anticipated a closer’s role and thought he might be a two-way player where he could show his hitting talents. But instead, he grew impatient and became somewhat stagnant.

“Knowing I had the opportunity to be able to do both (pitch and hit at Seton Hill) it was hard to pass up,” Ward said. “Given the chance to explore both again this year and help Seton Hill with wherever I am needed is nice. To have that option is nice because I won’t feel as if I’m not being able to help the team win ballgames.”

Like soon-to-be teammate Tommy Pellis, a rising senior who left Penn for Seton Hill, Ward hopes to blend in to PSAC baseball and find an immediate role on coach Marc Marizzaldi’s team.

“During this process, I talked to Tommy (Pellis) and not even about Seton Hill but knowing my worth,” Ward said. “He really helped me look deep into what I really wanted and where I could perform to the best of my ability.”

Pellis is a Greensburg Central Catholic graduate.

Ward had one of the most thrilling summers of his baseball life last year when he won a national title with Martella’s Pharmacy of the Johnstown Collegiate Baseball League.

An outfielder and pitcher, he won MVP honors during the regular season before Martella’s rode a hot streak to take the championship in the 74th annual All-American Amateur Baseball Association Tournament.

Ward will return to Martella’s this summer.

“I’m very excited to try to repeat history,” he said.

Have to start off by thanking Canisius for the two years of development and the brothers I made there, y’all will always be with me. But I will be transferring to Seton Hill University. S/o my family and close friends who have supported me through all of this. All Glory to God?? pic.twitter.com/fEgwualBfQ

— Ozamataz Buckshank (@Omie005) June 13, 2019