By Daniel L. Bamberg
Daniel@Centrevillepress.com
"I love getting the chance to see more. I haven't been far outside of my hometown, and this is a great experience," said Darren Whatley who recently joined a traveling baseball program for the summer.
Whatley begins is senior year at Bibb County High School next year. He has been one of the most often mentioned names over the past few years in BCHS athletics. On the gridiron in 2008, he was a force to be reckoned with as a linebacker. In 2009, as quarterback he excited fans as he played the position of on-field general with the ferocity of a fullback. He was more of a backfield blocker than a passer. Whatley was also the kicker for the Choctaws with an impressive ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory.
Football is however, only a part of Whatley's athletic repertoire as he has been one of the most feared competitors in the West Alabama region of another High School sport, baseball. Whatley is the star pitcher for the Choctaws. That is a huge statement regarding his ability, considering the depth the team has at that position. He is also among the top hitters on the squad. Again, considering the bats BCHS has, that is an impressive compliment.
His abilities help land him an offer to play for the Atlanta Blue Jays, a wooden bat, traveling baseball squad. They travel around the southeast during the summer, competing in tournaments in order to display the ability of High School baseball's best. According to Whatley, 10 or more college baseball scouts visit every game.
This opportunity did not come to Whatley without a price. Darren's participation with the Atlanta Blue Jays, disables him from practicing with the BCHS football team during the summer. With that, he will not be suiting up for gridiron action, next season. This was a tough choice for a young man coming out of the best season in BCHS football history. The sacrifice is most significantly, his senior year with a team he's been with throughout his high school career.
"It was tough choosing between football and playing baseball during the summer. I had to make a decision that was best for me. I am trying to make something out of myself, and I think baseball provides me with a better opportunity than football," Whatley stated.
BCHS Head Football Coach doesn't take the loss of Whatley lightly. "I hate to lose Darren. He is a valuable part of our team, but this was an opportunity he could not pass up and I completely understand his decision," explained Battles.
Whatley is currently the closing pitcher for the Atlanta Blue Jays. In only ten games, (as of the interview) he has posted 2 saves and maintains a batting average well over the .400 mark. This shouldn't be surprising, considering he, along with BCHS teammate Jalen Goree, was among the leaders in batting and pitching statistics in West Alabama High School Athletics.
Thus far he has been to several places in Georgia, a few places in Florida and will be traveling to Louisiana very soon. The team may also get the opportunity to play in Puerto Rico. Some might think that a young man who hasn't had much time outside of his own community or state would be homesick.
"I haven't really had time to be homesick," said Darren, with a little chuckle. "There is never a dull moment. We are always going. If I had more time to think about things, I am sure I would miss home. That is why I like being so busy."
The Blue Jays, practice every morning before each game, then play a game, followed by drills, dinner, and return to the hotel to rest for the next day. The only real time off the players get is while they travel.
Whatley believes that this experience will not only help him in the long run, but should directly help him next season, his senior year at BCHS. "I have learned a lot of new stuff in the past three weeks. There is only so much you can learn at certain levels of the game. This league is a big difference and it should carry over for me next year," he explained.
Whatley was asked for his thoughts on the resignation of BCHS Head Baseball Coach, Darrell Hobson and the idea of playing for a new coach next season. "I am going to lace up my cleats, put on my uniform, and play the game the same way I always do. I would do this for any coach, any team. I hate to see Coach Hobson go, but that's how it is. We have to move on and play the way we always have," Whatley concluded.
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