Josh Bartley has been playing baseball in this community since he was 3 years old.
But that journey is starting to near its end for the Hilltopper senior pitcher.
"I've appreciated every step of it," Bartley said.
Bartley will likely start the second game this weekend when WKU (23-18 overall, 9-9 Conference USA) welcomes Florida International for a three-game league series at Nick Denes Field.
The Tops and Panthers (20-23, 7-11) will play two games Friday with a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m., following by the series finale at 2 p.m. Saturday.
A key contributor since his freshman season, Bartley has 17 career victories and is one shy of entering the program's top 10 for career wins.