Smoked to dead center field, the fly ball looked like it was destined to go over his head. Turning right and then turning left - backpedaling the entire time - Tyler Wiltsey found himself completely turning around before the ball landed safely in his glove. If you had never seen the Audubon senior play the game, you would have thought he had no shot to catch the ball. In the end, it proved to be just another athletic play in a career of athletic plays by the four-year standout. “Tyler is an opposing coach’s nightmare,” Sterling coach Tadd Kozeniewski said. “He’s an old-school player who shows up every day to do his job and be the best teammate he can be without all the talking and extra nonsense,” Haddon Township coach Nick DelGozzo noted. “He’s a coach’s dream, someone that you pencil into the lineup every day and you know he’s going to play the game the right way.” Whether he’s in center field or at shortstop, where he’s spent the majority of his playing time, or barreling up pitches to all fields, Wiltsey has firmly established himself as one of the region’s elite baseball players and among the state’s finest. In his final season, this Rutgers commit just wants to finish the job. “From when I was a kid, I’ve always enjoyed it,” he said. “I just enjoy every second of it. I really want to have fun with the guys one last time this year. “Obviously, if you do well (individually) it’s a plus. The goal, though, is to win every game.” A two-time statewide All-Group 1 and three-time All-Colonial Liberty selection, Wiltsey is hitting a team-leading .429 (9-for-21) through eight games. He has two doubles, one home run, 11 runs scored, five RBIs and 12 stolen bases. Audubon’s leadoff hitter, he hit safely in each of the first six games. Wiltsey is a .421 career hitter with 110 hits - fourth among all active players in the state. “I’d call myself a thinker, but you can never assume anything,” he said. “You just have to sit fastball and react. If it’s a strike, swing. “Hit the ball hard. That’s about it.” Having coached a number of All-State players throughout his career, Rich Horan has high expectations for Wiltsey. He didn’t hesitate to pencil the newcomer into the starting lineup as a freshman and knows he can lean on him for the type of leadership an experienced senior can only provide. “Over his first three years, I got to use him a lot because was my best athlete,” Horan said. “He means a lot to this team and I have great expectations. He’s going to steal a lot of bases because he can create havoc with his speed, he’s going to hit for average. He’s our top guy.” Wiltsey has always been a player opponents have noticed. “We, like many other teams, have had him circled on the card as a guy to stay away from each time we play,” Collingswood coach Brad Kline said. “Still, he finds a way on. And with his speed, if he’s on first he’s on second. “Beyond his talent, I’ve always been impressed with his composure. He’s been tabbed as a top talent for years, is pitched around often, and has stayed focused and mentally tough in the games we’ve played against him. This is not always the case with guys, and is nearly impossible to teach.” Said Kozeniewski: “He’s a leadoff hitter who can hit, run and throw. He has all the tools. When he’s not hitting extra-base hits, he converts singles into extra-base hits with his legs. I have seen him play at a top level at shortstop and outfield, and I also like the fact that he is an exceptional soccer player as well. He has a very bright future ahead of him.” “He’s a problem for every team he plays against at the dish, on the bases and roaming around center field as a plus-defender,” DelGozzo said. “If you walk him, it’s usually a triple as he will steal second and third. If you pitch to him, he can beat you in multiple ways. He’s been a four-year stud for Audubon and opposing teams will be happy next year when he takes his talent to Rutgers University.” From an impact freshman to seasoned veteran, Wiltsey is the heart and soul of Audubon’s senior-ladened team. He’s put up tremendous numbers and is looking to end his career by making memories that will last a lifetime. “As a freshman, you’re just trying to fit in and not get taken out of the lineup any day,” he said. “Sophomore year, you’re trying to have that breakout year. As a junior, you’re trying to do well for yourself and the team, put up some good numbers. “Senior year, you just want to appreciate it all … and try to win, finish the job.” The N.J. High School Sports newsletter now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now and be among the first to get all the boys and girls sports you care about, straight to your inbox each weekday. To add your name, click here. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Kevin Minnick covers South Jersey baseball. He can be reached at kminnick@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @kminnicksports