By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
SPRINGVILLE – Signing days at Springville are becoming a normal thing these days. On the heels of Parker McAdams signing his letter of intent to play at Sewanee this past week, a pair of baseball players, Zach Brown and Brady Gillespie, did the same thing on Wednesday morning in the Springville High School gym.
Coming off the heels of back to back wins on the diamond and in the midst of a 9-8 season, the Tigers took some time out to recognize these two players in a ceremony celebrating the signings of two of their own.
Brown, known by his coach as a “vocal leader” signed his letter of intent to play at Gadsden State Community College. “I think it’s amazing that I have the opportunity to go to play at Gadsden State for Coach Lewis,” said Brown. “I’m very excited and just thankful. At Springville, I like leading our team and it means a lot to me. I hope the players coming up see this and know to just work hard and chase your dreams.”
Springville Head Coach Jonathan Ford said of Brown, “Zach, for us, the last couple of years, he’s played middle in field and pitcher. But the thing he does so well for us is just lead with excitement and energy. He is always a high-motor guy. He can obviously play the game. He fields it well and can swing it well and do those things. For us, he’s just been a big leader for us over the years.”
Gillespie, known as more a silent leader and a definite opportunity for a win each time he steps up to the plate (also this week’s Trussville Tribune Player of the Week) will be playing his collegiate baseball for Snead State. “It means a lot to me. I enjoy all of the coaches at Snead and the players and I’m just thankful for everyone who has supported me,” said Gillespie. “I can’t thank Coach Ford enough. He’s done so much for me. Freshman year he pulled me up to varsity and put me in big situations that made me mature as a player and as an individual. I am grateful to call him my coach. To the underclassmen, I say just put in the work and good things will happen. I’ve always tried to encourage that with our underclassmen. They are the future of this program and their role is huge as this year’s team is about 80% sophomores.”
Coach Ford had the following to say about Brady, “Brady is a little quieter than Zach, but he has learned to lead in his own way. Anytime he steps on the mound, we know we have a chance to win. And that is a good feeling as a coach.”
“I am super excited for both of these guys,” concluded Coach Ford.
Brown, Gillespie and the Tigers have the night off before looking to continue their winning ways on Thursday with a trip across town to play against the Oak Mountain Eagles.