AKRON – Baseball has always been a big part of Tanner Andrews’ life.

It will become an even bigger part from here on it for the Tippecanoe Valley High School senior.

Andrews, a three-sport star, has made a verbal commitment to play on the diamond for Purdue.

Andrews, who announced his decision via Twitter Wednesday night, says it was a decision that a lot of thought went into.

“It was a really tough decision that I put a lot of thought and prayers into,” said Andrews in a phone interview Friday afternoon. “But, I’ve always loved baseball and this is the best option for me.”

Andrews’ family has quite the history playing America’s Pastime.

“My older brother is playing in college right now and my Dad played at Grace,” recounted Andrews. “I’ve grown up in a baseball family and it really was my first love.”

Andrews, an athletic 6-3 standout, has excelled on the diamond, gridiron and hardwood at Valley. He owns every receiving record for the outstanding football program and recently became just the sixth boys basketball player in school history to score 1,000 career points. The power forward led the Vikings to a 20-4 mark last year and a Class 3-A sectional championship. Valley is 7-2 on the hardwood this season prior to a home game with rival Rochester tonight.

Andrews got hooked up with the Boilers just recently after a workout in Fort Wayne with Nick Wittgren, a relief pitcher in the Miami Marlins organization who played at Purdue.

“He told me that I had a Major League caliber  arm and then I went and threw a bullpen session for Purdue on Dec. 30 and it went from there,” said Andrews, a right-hander who has been clocked as high as 91 miles per hour from the hill.

“I’ve always excelled at baseball, especially with my arm. I’ve always known that the ability was there. To play in the big leagues has always been a dream of mine. But, right now I just want to help the team at Purdue when I get there.”

Andrews, who was slowed by a shoulder injury during his senior football season, says it’s a relief to have his college decision done.

“It’s a a big weight off my shoulders,” admitted Andrews. “It was really stressful and I put a lot of pressure on myself. It’s just a blessing.”

Andrews says that the Boilermakers are looking at him as a pitcher and then also possibly an outfielder.

“All my focus now can be on the rest of basketball season and then our baseball season in the Spring,” said Andrews. “My career here at Valley has meant a lot to me, as have all of my coaches and teammates in all three sports.

“I’m going to miss it. But, I’m also looking forward to the future.”