A few years ago, Tyler Correll initially didn't think baseball would be an option for his future.

In fifth grade, Correll decided to give the sport an opportunity, and he hasn't looked back since.

"I was a shy kid who really didn't want to be involved," recalled Correll, who is currently a senior on the Roughies baseball team. "I went to a private school and I really didn't know too many kids who were involved with baseball. But I finally signed up."

His acclimation and transition with his new teammates as well as a new program apparently didn't take long. Correll credited the patience of current Roughies' coaches Jim Kober and Steve Bradley in aiding him to his new surroundings.

Seven years later, Correll has transformed himself into a mainstay on the Roughies pitching staff with Zack Bradley and Dakota Schiffer for the 2014 campaign.

His overall growth and maturity has apparently played a role in the team's delayed start this season that eventually began Tuesday, as Correll has the outlook of a seasoned player.

"We normally are outside now," he said. "We had two scrimmages, but we were only on the field either two or three times. It really has been different than in previous years."

Knowing he would be part of the Roughies staff, Correll worked on the fine points of his repertoire during the offseason. Correll primarily spent last season in the infield at second and shortstop, and he did throw in a few games.

"I thought I did throw well last year," he said. "This year, I knew I had to work on my pitches and my strength. I wanted to get more velocity on my pitches. It was a matter of improving on what I did last year."

Bradley, who primarily was Correll's coach through the years, has watched him blossom into a solid and consistent player.

"Tyler really has worked hard," said Bradley. "He was a kid who started to believe in himself and discovered what he could do. Now he is a solid player, student, and outstanding young man who has a bright future."

Correll did evolve from a timid preteen into a confident young man on and off the field. He is a member of the school' s National Honor Society and the SADD Club. In the fall, Correll will begin his college career at Boston University, where he will study chemistry.

"I have always been interested in all aspects of science and working with experiments," said Correll. "Science has always been a favorite subject of mine. I'm really looking forward to going there."

Correll will also enjoy making the trip north as he and his father, Tom, are avid Red Sox fans.

"We went to a World Series game last year and that was cool," he said. "We both have a lot of memorabilia between the two of us."

But Correll would like to create some memorable moments for his current team, too.

"There is a lot of confidence and all of us have played together for a while," Correll said. "This really is a team of juniors and seniors. We had a nice run last year when we went to the league playoffs and districts. We lost in both of those games, but we learned from them.

"We're ready to take the next step."

Correll certainly knows about taking some major steps.