By Logan Arneson, Contributing Writer
Senior Hilltopper second baseman Vincent Haddox is ending his final season on a high note. Having the highest number of runs on the baseball team, an amazing batting average of .301, and being only 11 hits away from breaking the hit record here at West Liberty as of May 4, this power hitter proves time and time again that he is an all-star.
This top tier baseball player reigns from Newell, W. Va. and played baseball at Oak Glen High School. During his senior year at Oak Glen, he was awarded first-team West Virginia Class AA all-starter and OVAC Player of the Year.
Head baseball coach Eric Burkle recruited Haddox here to compete at West Liberty because, “[Haddox’s] batting skills and the fact that he is a natural athlete,” Burkle said.
Burkle’s choice to recruit Haddox has proved successful over the past four baseball seasons.
Haddox has started all four years on the baseball team here at West Liberty, and year after year he has continued to improve at second base and at the plate. Haddox is a two time first-team All-MEC honoree for the 2015 and 2017 season.
Burkle has seen the fire and passion that Haddox displays on the practice field to outperform other players during competition. Burkle said, “This year [Haddox] has stepped up to take the leadership role and get the most out of this last little bit of his career as he can; this year Haddox has decided to ramp it up.”
Last season, Haddox posted a .299 batting average while maintaining a .360 on-base average. Haddox also led the team with 11 stolen bases. As for his infield work during the 2017 season, Haddox committed an impressive total of only two errors the whole year at second base.
So far this season, Haddox has a batting average of .301 with 143 at-bats, of these at-bats he has scored and impressive 41 runs, “I feel like I have done well, but I also expect more from myself,” said Haddox.
From a team standpoint, Haddox said, “I have always wanted to go that extra step and win a championship.”
Haddox chose to join the Hilltoppers mainly because of the great coaching ability and compassion he saw in coach Burkle. “He [coach Burkle] made me feel at home right away from my first visit and made me believe I could play a large part in helping the team compete at a high level,” Haddox said.
Aside from baseball, Haddox is here at West Liberty to major in Athletic Coaching and Administration.
Once Haddox graduates from West Liberty University, he plans on coaching baseball at a high school level and then ultimately at the collegiate level.
Photo Credit: Hilltoppersports.com
Joan Reed • May 7, 2018 at 9:47 am
Way to go Bub,Grandma Sue would have been so proud of the man you have become.Not only do you excell in baseball ,but you are a very loving and caring person that always has time for family.We love you.