From Colusa to MLB radar: Ethan Lay turning heads at Sacramento State

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) — At Sacramento State, Ethan Lay is putting together one of the most impressive pitching seasons in the WAC.

But his story doesn’t start in a big city or a powerhouse program.

It starts in Colusa, a Northern California town of about 6,000 people, where Lay says everyone knows everyone.

“My parents are teachers, my dad is the athletic director, so pretty much everyone in town has had them,” Lay said. “They are kind of like celebrities in our county.”

Growing up in a tight knit community, Lay says there was not much to do other than play sports. Baseball quickly became his passion.

“I grew up playing a lot of different sports, but baseball is definitely the one I always excelled in,” Lay said. “It has always been something I really enjoyed. It is like a home away from home being on the field.”

Lay began his college career at Chico State, where he spent two seasons continuing to develop his game. But with aspirations of playing at the highest level, he knew he needed to take the next step.

“I always wanted to play at the highest level of baseball and play the best teams,” Lay said. “It just made sense for me to come here, elevate my game and compete against the best competition.”

That decision led him to Sacramento State, where his growth has been evident.

Now a senior, Lay has emerged as one of the most efficient pitchers in the conference. He ranks near the top of the WAC in strikeouts while issuing very few walks, a combination that has put him on the national radar.

Earlier this season, Lay was named to the College Baseball Foundation’s National Pitcher of the Year watch list, an honor that caught him by surprise.

“It was pretty surreal,” Lay said. “I never thought I would be up for anything like that. I have never really been the big award guy. I just try to go out there and be the best that I can be.”

While the recognition is meaningful, it’s not what drives him. Lay says his focus has always been on consistency and continuing to improve.

“I am not reaching for the award or anything like that,” Lay said. “If it happens, it happens, but there are a lot of really good pitchers out there. I am just trying to do the same thing every single day.”

Still, there is one part of this season that has felt different.

The phone calls.

Lay says he has had conversations with multiple Major League teams, something that once felt far out of reach.

“I have had some good conversations with some teams and put myself in a good position to hopefully play at the next level,” Lay said.

One moment in particular stands out.

“I had a call with the Giants the other day, and you see the logo and it is surreal,” Lay said. “It is pretty crazy. It is nothing I would have ever imagined.”

Back home in Colusa, those moments carry even more meaning.

“I told my aunt about it and she is a huge Giants fan, and she was tearing up,” Lay said.

Sacramento State head coach Reggie Christiansen says Lay’s rise is no surprise, pointing to both his ability and his approach.

“He has four or five really good pitches, and he throws a lot of strikes,” Christiansen said. “He just keeps getting better.”

Christiansen also emphasizes what makes Lay stand out beyond the mound.

“He cares about his family, he cares about his teammates, and he wants to win,” Christiansen said. “He is everything you want your program to be about.”

For Lay, the goal is simple. Keep playing.

“I really want to keep playing,” Lay said. “I hope to get drafted, but there are a lot of different avenues. It is something I want, but it is out of my control. I am just going to keep doing what I am doing.”

From a small town where his family is known by nearly everyone, to hearing from Major League organizations, Lay’s journey has been anything but typical.

And while he still considers himself under the radar, that may not be the case for much longer.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.

Tags: