By Staff
Hartselle senior decides he wants to stay a Tiger
Blake Heym announced last week he would sign with the Auburn Tigers for the 2003-2004 season.
"They (Auburn) have been recruiting me since the middle of the summer," the senior outfielder said. "They have really pursued me and I love the campus."
Alabama and Birmingham Southern had also offered scholarships to Heym.
"He's a hard worker," Hartselle high baseball coach William Booth said. "He had a big year last year, and if he plays that way again this year, we'll be fine."
Heym broke the school batting record with a .455 average last season, and led the Tigers to a 39-8 mark.
Along with that .455 average, Heym has a 3.67 GPA.
"He's an excellent student," Booth said. "He comes from a good family."
As far as the .455 average goes, Heym has bigger expectations for himself, as well as the team, for the 2003 season.
"Last year, I broke the batting average record," Heym said. "This year, I want to break the record for doubles, RBIs, runs and home runs. There's no reason why we shouldn't be one of the top teams in the state." Heym shouldn't have to wait long to see his first action as a member of the blue and orange. He expects to compete for time as a freshman along with three other outfielders.
"Playing time was a big factor for me," Heym said. "Alabama has a problem with over-recruiting, and really didn't show as much interest as Auburn."