BANGOR – One of the state’s top high school pitchers won’t have to leave his hometown to continue his career on the collegiate level.

Josh Young, a righthander with a 16-1 record over three varsity seasons at Bangor High School, has announced his verbal commitment to attend Husson College this fall.

Young, 4-0 this spring after pitching the Rams to a 9-4 victory over Brewer at Mansfield Stadium on Wednesday, was attracted to Husson by a number of factors, among them the opportunity to play for Braves coach John Winkin, the new baseball complex on the Husson campus, and the chance to stay close to home.

“I just figured Husson would be the place for me,” said Young, who also plays first base for Bangor. “I already know a couple of guys on the team, and Husson’s going to be pretty good in the next couple of years. And with the new facility they have, I’ll be happy there.”

In 24 innings this spring, Young has allowed 11 hits and six earned runs for a 1.75 earned run average, while striking out 38 batters and issuing just four walks. His four complete games this season include two shutouts.

The 17-year-old Young hasn’t lost a game in nearly two years – the only blemish on his high school record being a 5-4 loss at Brewer on May 23, 2002.

As a sophomore Young compiled a 6-1 record, and he was 6-0 last spring with a 0.23 ERA.

His career totals at Bangor include 10 shutouts, five one-hitters, and 134 strikeouts compared to just 24 walks.

Young also pitched Bangor to a victory in the 2002 Senior League World Series held in Bangor, and he is a three-year veteran of the Bangor American Legion baseball program, for which Winkin has served as an assistant coach.

“I’m definitely looking forward to coach Winkin coaching me at Husson,” Young said. “He knows so much about baseball and I’m planning to learn a ton from him.”

Young also credits his success to the input of Bangor American Legion head coach Jay Kemble, Bangor head coach Jeff Fahey, and Bangor assistant coach John Tennett.

“I think Josh can pitch at Husson because he’s a pitcher, he’s not a first baseman that also pitches,” said Fahey. “He’s always been a pitcher. He understands how to pitch, he works the hitters and he pitches in and out. Location is a big thing for him.

“He also throws in the mid-80s, he’s built up his upper body, he’s a competitor, and since he’s developed his breaking pitch over the last two or three years, it’s really made him a better pitcher.”