There has been a long-standing debate about the value and importance of having a leadoff hitter in baseball.

On one hand, the leadoff hitter will only start an inning three to four times in a typical game, so that value is not always present. There is, however, a certain skill-set expected of a lead-off hitter, such as being able to get on base anyway possible, extend their at-bats to allow other players to see pitches, and of course, steal bases.

While it is obviously a polarizing topic in major league ball, the title and responsibilities remain the same in college ball.

Ed Mathey, NIU baseball coach, said his own lead-off hitter in junior Jamison Wells is key in the success of the team.

“He’s the table setter for us,” Mathey said. “When he’s going, getting on base, good things happen for us. When he’s going, guys behind him tend to see a bit more fastballs, pitchers tend to be a little bit more distracted.”

Wells said he plays a large role in his team’s success, as he feels when he gets on in the first inning in his initial at bat it usually results in a win.

Wells, batting .234 this season, has accumulated 18 stolen bases in 20 attempts.

“It definitely helped being in Arizona and playing those big time teams,” Wells said. “It’s a confidence boost when you can steal against the best of the best. When we do play teams in the MAC, I have the mindset that there’s no way they can throw me out.”

Wells also credits Mathey with help in picking pitches up and getting the sense of when to attempt a steal.

Wells is on pace to more than double his stolen base total from last season, and has confidence he can turn it around with more than 20 games left on deck.

“I think there’s definitely a scouting report on me now from last year,” Wells said. “Teams are sharing that with other teams. It’s something I have to realize. I have to figure out what they’re throwing to me and I have to adjust from there. I feel I can turn it around in the coming weeks.”