NILES — Mahoning Valley Scrappers outfielder Nick Williams knows it’s a long shot.

Williams fully understands that it’s the dream of every player in the MLB Draft League to hear his name called on draft day or to sign a professional baseball contract as a free agent.

The odds are stacked against most any given player, but Williams has already bucked the odds once.

Why not do it again?

“I’ve always been kind of overlooked, under-recruited, and I like flying under the radar,” Williams said. “I like to think I thrive in the underdog role.”

Williams recently completed his senior season at Michigan State, where he earned a degree in advertising management. His time with the Scrappers isn’t a stopgap between college seasons, but rather an opportunity to garner attention ahead of the upcoming MLB Draft.

Following a stellar high school career, which earned him All-Wisconsin honors, Williams played two years at Wabash Valley College. During his sophomore season at Wabash, Williams helped lead the team to its first trip to the Junior College World Series title game. For the season, he batted .482 with 102 RBI, earning NCAAJC All-American status.

Williams’ standout sophomore season caught the eye of Michigan State coaches, and it provided him the opportunity to live out a dream – sort of.

“Growing up, my one goal in life was to play hockey at Michigan State,” Williams said. “I was pretty decent at hockey. The skill was there, but something just didn’t click. After my sophomore season in high school, I decided to go all in on baseball.”

“I wasn’t highly recruited out of high school. I wasn’t highly recruited out of junior college. I sent letters to Michigan State, making them aware of my interest. They started following me online, and eventually expressed interest. My heart skipped a beat when I actually signed with the Spartans.”

This past spring at MSU, Williams batted .333.

“I feel like I put myself in the mix,” Williams said of his draft chances. “I feel like I grew up in so many ways, both as a player and person, over the past few years. I put in the work, and I was happy with the results. Being (with the Scrappers) gives me an added opportunity to move to that next level.”

As for his obsession with Michigan State? Well, it goes far beyond just the Spartans.

“My dad is from Detroit, my entire family is from Michigan, so I was brainwashed at an early age,” Williams said. “Bring up the Tigers, and I’ll talk forever. The Lions, Red Wings, Pistons, I love them all.”

Away from baseball, Williams’ other big obsession is art. He says he is “super duper into drawing,” and has sketched everything from portraits to team logos to nature scenes. In high school, he sketched a large portrait of Jackie Robinson. Looking back, Williams says the finished product “was pretty darn cool.”

“The hardest thing to draw is a portrait,” Williams said. “You want to be perfect, you want to highlight the best features. It’s always a challenge.”

Williams says he also loves working out and enjoys delving into the fitness and nutritional side of athletics.

For now, Williams is focused solely on his opportunity to catch the eye of a big league scout, just as he did with the coaching staff at Michigan State.

“It might be a long shot, but my baseball career to this point has been all about beating the odds,” Williams said. “I’m in a position where I can prove myself, where I can make a statement. I’m thankful for this opportunity; it’s all I can hope for following a rewarding college career.

“I made lifelong memories and lifelong friends at Wabash. Then I did the same at MSU. It’s been a great journey. I just hope it can continue at the next level.”