Meet the new ’Noles of FSU baseball: RHP Tyler Ahearn

In 2016 I covered a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher during the IMG National Classic. The annual tournament is an invitational that showcases high school teams from around the country battling at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. Each year the fields are littered with college and pro scouts hoping to get a look at next-level talent. On this particular spring afternoon several of the scouts were watching the same player that I was.

Tyler Ahearn (RHP)

During his junior season at Dwyer (Fla) High School, Ahearn had already committed to Florida State. His experience during the tournament certainly played a role in his decision to transfer to IMG for his senior season. In a Baseball America story from 2016, Ahearn spoke about his decision to transfer.

The Jupiter, FL native chose IMG partly because it would allow him to “get into a routine” and “get on a throwing program with good exercises.”

“Maybe a year or two ago, when I first played a tournament there, I was blown away by the facility,” Ahearn was quoted in the story. “How cool would it be to go to a school like that? And have access to all the training and nutrition.”

During a 2017 PDP interview, Ahearn opened up about some of his favorite baseball moments and who he admires most in the sport.

Prior to FSU

As a senior at IMG Academy, Ahearn posted a 6-1 record with 58 strikeouts in 44 innings pitched. His accolades included selections for All American as well as first team All Florida. Perfect Game ranked him as the eighth best RHP in Florida, and the 49th in the country. Freshman don’t always receive the most playing time at FSU, however, injuries and a stellar recruiting class could change the approach in 2018.