By Kyle Parmley
TRUSSVILLE – Hewitt-Trussville infielder and rising senior Tyler Tolbert has committed to UAB.
Tolbert visited with Blazers head coach Brian Shoop Monday morning and informed him of his intent to sign with the school following his final year on the prep level.
“The coaches, their character, and what they’re about,” Tolbert said when asked why he chose UAB over a number of other Division 1 scholarship offers. “This is the place I want to be, even though there were other schools to choose from. Shoop was really honest with me and I loved them.”
During his junior season, Tolbert compiled a .316 batting average, 15 runs scored, 14 RBIs, and nine stolen bases.
“We are excited to send Tyler to UAB and for him to have the opportunity to represent Hewitt-Trussville at the college level. It is a perfect fit for him,” Husky head coach Jeff Mauldin said.
Tolbert will join former teammate Carter Pharis at UAB, who signed with the Blazers in February. Tolbert competed with the East Cobb Astros 18U team (Marietta, Ga.) this summer along with Clay-Chalkville’s Thomas Johns.
However, baseball was not Tolbert’s first love. He played basketball through his sophomore season, when he achieved status on the varsity team.
“My initial plan was to play basketball all the way through, but baseball is what I want to do with my future,” he said. “I had to be realistic. I was not going to go anywhere in basketball because I’m short.”
Despite not making the playoffs last season, he is confident that his team has what it takes to make a run in 2016. He is expected to serve as the Huskies’ starting second baseman.
“The main thing is the seniors have to lead and the team has to stay healthy,” Tolbert said. “We all need to get better and develop in the fall and as the season progresses.”