The time has come for Chayse Frye to hang up his cleats.

The former Pioneer standout recently finished his senior year at Milligan College, completing a four-year college career that began with two seasons at Jackson State. He went out with a bang, hitting .309 for the Buffs while starting 39 games.

“We had a great group of guys here – pretty young guys with lots of talent under a good coaching staff,” said Frye. “I thought it went well. Having above a .300 average is tough, even at the NAIA level.”

Frye has always been a dangerous hitter, dating back to his senior year when he was named all-state for the Pioneers while leading the team in home runs and RBIs. He’s also a stout defender, locking down first base since a young age.

This season, Frye was asked to do even more. He had to serve as a leader.

“I feel I can speak for the good majority of the team when I say we shocked a lot of people with the young team we had,” said Frye. “We had a lot of adversity to overcome – negative people talking about the program, things happening with the school and others. In my eyes we had a successful season.

“Some of my favorite moments were winning a series against ranked Bryan College and being part of back-to-back shutouts from two fellow seniors, Jeff Mefford and Camron Harper.”

Milligan finished 20-26 this season, a step up from 19-31 in Frye’s junior season. Frye was just a role player last season, but stepped up and finished fifth on the team in batting average and RBIs (21) in his final season.

Frye also hit a pair of homers this season, going deep against Brewton-Parker, Ga. and Bluefield, Va. Against Brewton-Parker, Frye also had a go-ahead hit in extra innings.

It won’t be easy to let go of the game Frye has loved since childhood. It will be even harder losing teammates.

“We had a special bond at Milligan. I’m definitely going to miss being around the guys on and off the field the most,” said Frye.

Frye has carried on the family legacy of successful athletes. His father Tim Frye was the starting quarterback for the Pioneers the last time Warren County had a winning season (1990), while his sister Morgan Frye played two years of college softball. Tim and Morgan went into coaching after their playing days.

If it means being back on the diamond, Chayse - who will graduate soon with a degree in physical education - will do it.

“I am going to try to get on the coaching staff as a student coach or graduate assistant.”