Facing eventual shoulder surgery, Aaron Ordy almost decided not to play baseball for Butler High School this spring.

The senior shortstop faced a change in position if he played.

"I had a labrum tear in my right shoulder and couldn't throw well enough to stay at shortstop,"Ordy said. "The injury came from wear and tear on my arm.

"I'd been playing 30 or 40 games a year and pitching a lot in the summer."

When he learned that playing his senior season would not further damage his shoulder, Ordy decided to play.

He wound up at first base, hit .345, led the team with 28 hard-hit balls and was voted the Golden Tornado MVPby his teammates.

And Ordy, who underwent shoulder surgery two weeks ago, landed a baseball scholarship to California (Pa.) University.

"I had heard Aaron was a good hitter, but honestly, I didn't know where we could put him,"Butler coach Dave Florie said. "First base seemed like the best spot because he wouldn't have to make many throws and we could keep his bat in the lineup."

Ordy hit .400 his junior season, leading Butler in batting average that year.

"Aaron had never played first base before and (fellow first baseman) Brad Cottage worked with him to teach him the position,"Florie said. "It took some time, but Aaron had gotten pretty good defensively over there by late in the season."

Before choosing California, Ordy had considered West Virginia, Liberty (Va.), Ohio University, Kutztown and Wofford (S.C.).

"I opted for California because it's the best situation for me,"Ordy said. "That's quite a baseball program and they're willing to be patient with me while my shoulder heals.

"I'm hoping to participate fully in their fall program, but if I can't, they'll help me along and I still might get a chance to start as a freshman next spring."

Ordy participated fully in Butler's practices this spring, including throwing.

"He winced at times and you could see the pain on his face,"Florie said. "But he never opted out of any drills. I have a lot of respect for that kid."

Ordy shrugged the pain off.

"New coaching staff, my senior year — I had to play," he said. "I was going to do whatever it took to play."

Mike Conte has been the head coach at California for 10 years. The Vulcans have won or shared the PSACWest title for three straight years and California won a school-record 33 games this spring.

Their current shortstop, Dustin Woodring, hit .360 with seven homers, 31 RBIand 28 stolen bases. He will be a senior next year.

"There's a chance he'll get drafted (Tuesday in baseball's amateur draft),"Ordy said. "If that doesn't happen and I can't get on the field, they'll probably redshirt me and I'll have another year to strengthen my shoulder."

Either way, Ordy is headed to California to major in sports management.

He struck out only five times in 55 at-bats this season, but had only three doubles among his hits.

"I'm sure his shoulder limited his power somewhat,"Florie said. "This is a challenging choice for Aaron. They play pretty good baseball down there."

Florie coached former California standout shortstop Brian Stoecklein at Seneca Valley nearly 10 years ago.

Butler pitcher Josh Marchinoski and catcher Rob Cochran are planning to play for Butler County Community College next season. Third baseman Adam Miller is headed to St. Vincent College.