FAYETTEVILLE — Blake Baxendale wasn’t too disappointed when the major-league amateur draft came and went without his name being called.

He kind of expected that after telling teams he wouldn’t sign if selected later than the seventh round. Baxendale was emboldened with a good backup plan after signing with the University of Arkansas.

So instead of pursuing a pro career, Baxendale will begin classes at Arkansas this week and compete for the starting catcher’s position when the Razorbacks take the field again.

“All I can do now is make those [pro] teams wish they had taken me when they could have gotten me cheaper,” said Baxendale, who played his junior and senior seasons at Rogers Heritage. “That’s my attitude anyway, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Baxendale will arrive at Arkansas with plenty of credentials and a familiarity with the program after watching his brother, DJ, pitch for the Razorbacks for three years. The younger Baxendale will keep DJ’s No.24 uniform in the family after the former Razorbacks right-hander signed a professional contract with the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday.

Four years after DJ was named the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Mr. Baseball, Blake Baxendale is this year’s recipient after hitting .467 with 6 home runs and 30 RBI for the War Eagles.

“Blake was the cornerstone of our program for the last two years, and you can’t replace a guy like that,” Rogers Heritage Coach Keith Kilgore said. “Blake understands the art of hitting and he built great confidence in our pitching staff with the way he handled things behind the plate. He has a work ethic that was well-respected by his teammates and coaches. He’s living the dream most every kid who grows up in Arkansas has of some day playing for the Razorbacks, and we’re all excited about what the future holds for him.”

Baxendale was a four-year starter at catcher in high school, beginning at Sylvan Hills where he won the job as a freshman. He played one year at Bentonville before transferring to Rogers Heritage, where he helped the War Eagles to a 22-9 record as a senior. Rogers Heritage made it to the Class 7A state final this season before losing 4-2 to Bryant.

“I really enjoyed my two years at Rogers Heritage, and I had just an awesome senior year,” Baxendale said. “We had a lot of young guys on the team this year, and we were still able to get to the finals. The whole experience is something I’ll never forget.”

Baxendale had some memorable games, including 2 two-run home runs in a 12-2 victory over Conway,the defending state champion. He also had a two-run double against Conway in the semifinals of the state tournament when the War Eagles eliminated the Wampus Cats 3-2.

“The thing that jumps out at you about Blake is his consistency and the way he competes,” Kilgore said. “He was up to every challenge and helped lead us to the finals with a young team that’ll return seven starters next year. Blake’s ahead of most players his age because he comes from a baseball family and he’s been around the game all his life.”

Baxendale recently returned from the College World Series in Omaha, Neb., where he watched the Razorbacks come within a victory of the championship series for the second time in four years.

“That was an awesome trip and something I hope to get to experience three or four times as a player,” Baxendale said. “Seems like the whole city of Omaha shuts down during the College World Series, and the people treat the players and coaches like celebrities. I got to meet Ray Tanner, the South Carolina coach, and I got to meet some of the players from other teams.But the best part was getting to see my brother, DJ, play in the College World Series and reach a goal he’s had since high school.”

Blake Baxendale said he is focused now on making a name for himself at Arkansas, where he’s already enrolled in English composition and history classes for the summer. He’ll face stiff competition at catcher with Jake Wise and John Clay Reeves returning for the Razorbacks. But the younger Baxendale, like his brother,is not intimidated.

“I’m coming to Arkansas to compete for the starting position at catcher,” Baxendale said. “I can play first or third base or, maybe DH if needed, but I plan on catching. I’ll get an early start in the weight room this summer where, by fall, I’ll be ready to compete.”

Blake Baxendale SCHOOL Rogers Heritage CLASS Senior POSITION Catcher HEIGHT 6-4 WEIGHT 215 pounds NOTEWORTHY Batted .467 with 6 home runs and 30 RBI as a senior this season at Rogers Heritage. Had an on-base percentage of .559 and a fielding percentage of .979. ... A four-year starter at catcher, beginning when he was a freshman at Sylvan Hills. ... Batted .500 with 6 HR and 31 RBI as a junior. ... Committed to play for the University of Arkansas after his sophomore season. ... Younger brother of former Arkansas pitcher DJ Baxendale.

How they were selected

Members of the All-Arkansas baseball and softball teams were selected by a panel of coaches whose teams advanced to the state semifinals. Not all coaches asked to participate submitted a ballot.

Statistics

Baseball and softball statistics were provided by the teams’ coaches. Hitters are listed in order by their batting average (high to low); pitchers are listed by their earned run average (low to high).

Sports, Pages 30 on 07/01/2012