Durango High School’s Andrew Selser looks like he was born to play baseball.
With a stocky build and sunglasses set on a straight-brimmed cap pulled down low, the pitcher’s mound is his home – and he’s been doing a lot of housework early in the season.
The right-hander began the year with a nine-strikeout performance in a five-inning, 16-1 clubbing of Eagle Valley. He gave up only three hits and allowed no earned runs to start his senior year and followed the impressive outing with a gem against Farmington. Though Durango lost the game 2-0, it wasn’t because of a lack of effort on the mound, as Selser allowed just two hits in six innings pitched.
“Andrew is one of those guys that really worked himself into being successful wherever we put him,” DHS head coach Eric Baker said. “I had him as sophomore on the (junior varsity) team, and his work ethic has always been impressive. He’s put in the effort to get stronger, and the results of that work are evident on the mound and at the plate, too.”
When he’s not on the mound, the son of Linda and Rick Selser plays first or third base and has been swinging a hot bat. He’s hitting .357 on the season, which is fourth best on the team. In the last three games, he is 4-for-8 at the plate with three runs batted in.
It hasn’t always been easy for Selser who came into high school, like most kids, a completely different person and ballplayer. He’s grown eight inches since his freshman year and put in the extra work in the weight room in the offseason to become the player he is today.
The work ethic and passion doesn’t stop at the dugout for Selser, though. He’s a mathematics junkie and has dreams of becoming an engineer when his baseball days over. He’s also a regular attendee and proud member of First Presbyterian Church in Durango.
The pitcher’s mound, however, is where he’s been working the last few weeks.
Opponents are hitting a measly .190 off Selser, which is the lowest batting average against the Demons’ staff. He’s struck out a team-leading 17 batters in 14 1/3 innings and surrendered eight walks, which is the best ratio on the staff. He leads a deep and experienced Durango rotation with seniors Dylan Carlson and Lawrence Mayberry taking the majority of the innings on Selser’s off days.
“He’s a good team guy,” Baker said. “He’s not a rah-rah type, but rather a guy who is going to lead by example. When the younger guys see him working in the offseason and putting in extra time in the bullpen, that makes a difference, and he’s a great example for them to follow.”
In his last outing, facing a strong Denver North team at Metro State University’s field, the senior was roughed up in an all-around poor performance by the Demons. Having been around the game for awhile, Selser’s handling of that loss is an example of the winning attitude and maturity he possesses.
“It was a tough game, but I know I’ll have more good days than bad,” Selser said. “You can’t let one start carry over to the next, so I just try to use it as motivation for the next game, and it’s been good for us I think. We’ve been working really hard since that loss, and I think it’ll make us better in the long run.”
Selser will get the ball as the Demons’ starting pitcher at 4 p.m. Tuesday against Montezuma-Cortez.
jfries@durangoherald.com
Behind the scenes with Andrew Selser
who is the pitcher you try to emulate?:
Houston Astros’ ace Dallas Keuchel.
What is your favorite baseball movie?:
“The Sandlot”
Who is your celebrity crush?:
Selena Gomez
What is your favorite outdoors activity?:
I grew up in Texas, so I love to hunt.
What is your favorite subject in school?:
Math
Do you have any pets?:
I have two Jack Russell’s named Bow and Arrow.
What is the best baseball field you’ve ever played on?:
My summer league team played in Phoenix on some spring training fields. I like the Angels and Padres stadiums down there.
Do you have any superstitions?:
I have to listen to music right before the game.
What is your go-to song to get pumped for the game?:
“You Can’t Stop Me,” by Andy Mineo.
What is your proudest baseball moment?:
I threw a no-hitter last year against Ignacio, and that was pretty cool.
Durango Herald
