FAIRMONT — Reflecting on his time as a baseball player at Fairmont High School, Tyler Hodge said he’ll remember one thing above the rest.
“Just the winning,” said Hodge, who signed Wednesday to continue his baseball career at Methodist University next year.
“I’m a competitor. When I step on the field, I expect to win. That’s what I’ve done at Fairmont and that’s what I want to continue to do at Methodist.”
A three-year starter for the Golden Tornadoes, Hodge has helped the program win 56 games and counting, including a Robeson County Slugfest championship and Three Rivers Conference tournament title in 2015. Fairmont has reached the third round of the NCHSAA 2A state playoffs each of the last two seasons.
Fairmont baseball coach Sandy Thorndyke said he’ll remember Hodge as a “hard worker” who “hates to lose and just makes everyone around him better.”
It also doesn’t hurt that Hodge, an all-county and all-conference performer, has a career batting average of .346.
“I think he’ll go to Methodist and do well,” Thorndyke said. “His best asset is going to be swinging the bat. He swings the bat really well. I think he can step in and hit for them. … I’d like to see him duplicate what he did here. That would be awesome.”
Hodge said two factors played a key role in his decision to join the Monarchs.
“No. 1 is (Methodist coach) Tom Austin,” said Hodge, who raved about the 36-year veteran.
“I love his old-school approach. I feel that really fits what I’m looking for — being in a disciplined program. It’s also 45 minutes down the road so it’s close to home.”
Hodge also talked with former Purnell Swett standout Matthias Carter, who is enjoying a successful freshman campaign for the Monarchs, about attending Methodist.
“I saw a player that I had played with and he said he loves it,” Hodge said. “I figured if he loved it, I would love it, too.”
As prepares to take the next step in his baseball journey, Hodge is thankful for those who believed in his competitiveness and drive to be successful on the diamond.
“It’s a great relief. I had a lot of people tell me I couldn’t play at the college level. I just want to thank all of my coaches and family. It’s been an unbelievable four years.
“Hopefully, I can continue to produce on baseball field.”
