This is an opinion piece.

Earlier this year, I received an email from Fruitdale High baseball coach John Hobbs.

It was April. The high school baseball season was concluding, and the Alabama Sports Writers Association was seeking nominations for the annual All-State Baseball Team.

John sent in one nomination. That, in itself, is unusual for most schools.

At first glance, the statistics associated with his nominee weren’t overwhelming. The junior hit .444 in 27 at-bats, scored 18 runs, drove in 7 and stole 15 out of 16 bases. He played multiple positions – catcher, third, shortstop, pitcher.

In addition to the excel sheet that included the players’ statistical information, John attached a short note.

“I would like to add some things that a simple stat sheet will never show. The nominee

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