By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
This year’s baseball season was filled with outstanding efforts by amazing athletes all across the diamond. Once again, Plymouth’s Eli Spruill dominated Four Rivers Conference pitching as he posted a .575 batting average to win his second straight Washington Daily News Player of the Year honor.
On the hill, Williamston’s Mathew Perry showed courage and guile every night as he overcame Hodgekin’s disease and area hitters en route to being named the WDN Pitcher of the Year.
While their efforts stood out on a nightly basis, they were far from the only ones. The area is filled with baseball talent and so is this year’s WDN All-Area Baseball team.
Pitchers
Michael Robinson, Washington
A steady and consistent ace, Michael Robinson was guaranteed to give the Pam Pack a quality start every time he took the hill. Robinson has good zip on his fastball and shows good command of his off-speed pitches. The Pack senior also led the Coastal Plain 18U Babe Ruth all-stars to a state championship.
Austin Lee, Bear Grass
Austin Lee burst onto the scene at Bear Grass this year, as he went a perfect 7-0 as a freshman. The rookie helped the Bears compile 17-4 record. If Lee continues to develop he could be really fun to watch next season.
Heath Rogerson, Williamston
A former WDN Pitcher of the Year, Heath Rogerson was heavily counted on by Tigers’ coach Hank Tice, and the ace usually came up big for his team. Rogerson had a 5-4 record, but faced some stiff competition and provided quality starts. Rogerson finished he year with a 2.05 ERA, while striking out over a batter an inning with 70 K’s in 64 innings.
Infield
First base
Ronnell Blount, Plymouth
The WDN Athlete of the Year, Ronnell Blount is a menace in the batter’s box. The 6-1, 180-pound first baseman hit .405 for the Vikings this year while driving in 24 runs. A great athlete, the rising senior shows tremendous range at first base and a steady glove.
Second base
Chris Rogerson, Plymouth
Plymouth coach Terry Perry raved about the ability of his young second baseman, and for good reason. Just a sophomore, Rogerson hit a ridiculous .525 on the year, while accounting for 33 RBIs. Rogerson only committed two errors all season, while turning four solo double plays and steeling seven bases. Can’t wait to see what the young star does during his junior and senior seasons.
Third base
Christian Leggett, Williamston
Christian Leggett is another in a long line of great Williamston hitters. The third baseman was a big presence in the Tigers’ batting order, hitting .385 with two home runs and 30 RBIs. Leggett was also very consistent in the field.
Shortstop
Jake Duke, Washington
As with softball, the shortstop position is the hardest position to fill on this team because it’s where the elite athletes play. Washington’s Jake Duke brings a combination of great hitting and a golden glove. Duke is a batting machine who hardly ever strikes out against tough 3-A pitching. The rising senior hit .367 this year, but most importantly, showed big-time range to go along with his strong arm.
Catcher
Julin Brown, Southside
A real bright spot for first-year coach Jeff Carrow and his staff, catcher Julin Brown became a force in the middle of the Seahawks’ order. Brown, a junior, won Southside’s “Big Bat” award after hitting .421 this season.
Outfield
Jimmy Hardison, Washington
Washington had a strong outfield this year, and Jimmy Hardison was a big reason why. Hardison hit .339 for Washington this and was a key bat for first-year coach Travis Rogerson. Hardison also showed good speed and athleticism in the outfield.
Foster Teaks, Bear Grass
A great table setter, the Bear’s Foster Peaks led his team in steals while hitting .383 from the leadoff spot. Peaks was also able to use his speed to track down balls all over the outfield. The junior center fielder was electric on both sides of the ball and was named all-conference this season.
Treyshon Blount, Southside
Like Teaks, Blount flashed a lot of leather in the outfield. The Seahawks’ center fielder is a big-time athlete who took home the team’s “Golden Glove” award this season. At the plate, Blount batted a whopping .405. Blount’s ability to run and hit made him a nightmare for Four Rivers Conference pitchers.
Designated hitter
Will Gurganus, Williamston
Another young, talented Williamston player on the rise, Will Gurganus packs a ton of potential. The Tigers’ sophomore shortstop batted a team-high .493 this year, while smashing two home runs and driving in 30 RBIs. Gurganus was selected to play in the state games this season and will no doubt be a big factor for South Creek next season.
Second team
Pitchers
Taylor Woolard, Northside
David Cook, Plymouth
Brandon Marsh, Northside
Infield
First base
Tyler Woolard, Northside
Second base
Luke Mathews, Williamston
Third base
Lee Williams, Plymouth
Shortstop
Josh Greenhaul, Bear Grass
Catcher
Kevin Baker, Plymouth
Outfield
Gator Moore, Washington
Weasel Moore, Washington
Buddy Rogerson, Bear Grass
Designated hitter
Will Swain, Washington
Honorable mention
Bear Grass
Bryce Harrison
Buddy Rogerson
Justin Britt
Jamesville
Lucas Gruber
Caleb Wiley
Anthony Copeland
Northside
Josh Miller
Taylor Woolard
Justin Boyd
Grey Burbage
Brandon Usery
Pungo
Tyler Mann
Zack Credle
Southside
Sam Jarman
Terrill Moore
Bill Harding
Washington
Cole Hartley
Michael Goldberg
Gage Tyson
Williamston
Matt Wisneiwski