At an age when careers are typically just beginning, Seth Hobbs knew the clock was ticking if he wanted to take a shot at fulfilling a dream.

Months after graduating from Ball State University with a degree in construction management, the Seneca native spent much of his winter in Yuma, Ariz. trying to showcase his baseball talents and to latch on with a professional team. One prospective opportunity arose with an independent team in the southwest, but it did not work out.

Hobbs eventually returned home, and it was there that his chance finally came. He recently had a personal workout with the Joliet Slammers of the independent Frontier League, and they announced his signing this week. They plan to use the 6-0, 175-pound right-hander as a relief pitcher.