Clarksville, Ark.-Freshman first baseman/designated hitter Brett Hays was named the 2003 baseball American Southwest Conference East Division co-Freshman of the Year, announced today by the league office.
Hays, a 6-4, 195-pound right-handed hitter from Little Rock, hit .307 and recorded 23 RBI while leading the team in runs (31), total bases (57) and stolen bases (10). Hays tied for the team lead in hits (39) and doubles (9). Hays had 12 multiple hit games and hit three home runs this season. "Brett had a tremendous year for us," said head coach Jimmy Clark. "He is able to hit for power and average because his swing is flawless. Brett really stepped up in the Mississippi College series. They have the conference’s top pitching staff and he showed he is capable of hitting against the best. He has a lot of natural ability, and his work ethic is second to none. He has a chance to be great." Hays’ best three-game conference series of the year came against Austin College when he went 7-for-13 from the plate and drove in the game-winning run in game two. "Brett runs especially well for his size," said Clark. "He produces runs through his speed on the bases. He led our team with 31 runs scored and 10 stolen bases." Hays is a graduate of Arkansas Baptist High School where he earned All-State, All-Conference and was a member of the 2002 Arkansas Activities Association All-Star team and Democrat Gazette All-Arkansas team.
Topics: Athletics