By Erik Harris
TRUSSVILLE – A pair of Hewitt-Trussville seniors signed baseball scholarships on Thursday night at the school.
Hewitt-Trussville catcher Justin Booker has signed with Calhoun Community College. Photo by Ron Burkett
Class of 2016 members Keegan Morrow and Justin Booker wanted to make public their college choices before the mad dash on Feb. 3 (National Signing Day), when high school seniors across the country sign their athletics scholarships.
Morrow, a centerfielder for the Huskies, signed his name to Shelton State Community College. Booker, who will replace three-year starter Cyle Moore behind the plate, has chosen Calhoun Community College.
“We’re sending these guys to two very good junior colleges,” said Hewitt-Trussville head coach Jeff Mauldin. “Both guys have been through so much the last three years. They’ve had some bad luck with injuries and missed a lot of time. What they’ve done to persevere through all that to be here today is a great thing.”
Morrow didn’t see much playing time as a junior, as he recovered from a season-ending arm injury, but is a proven outfielder that Mauldin is glad to see back in the lineup.
“He’ll be our centerfielder this year and hitting at the top of the lineup,” said Mauldin, who described Morrow as a huge add to the team. “That was a big loss for us last year.”
Booker also saw limited action as a junior in 2015 as a backup to Moore, but Mauldin loves what he saw from his new starter towards the end of the year.
“Honestly, in area games against Spain Park last year we actually started (Booker over Moore),” said Mauldin. “(Booker) had outperformed him the week leading into those games.”
That came as high praise, considering Mauldin has professed Moore as one of the best catchers he’s ever coached.
Booker hit .273 last season in 69 plate appearances with ten singles, four doubles and a homerun.
Hewitt-Trussville gets 2016 stared on Feb. 15, when Bob Jones visits Phil English Field for a doubleheader.
Erik Harris is the Sports Editor for the Trussville Tribune. Follow him on Twitter @jeharris2 or email him at jmseharris2@gmail.com.
