Roberts commits to playing college baseball

  • Gary Corsair • Clay County Progress Hayesville standout student/athlete, Tate Roberts, is joined by, front, from left, Jason Roberts, Tate and Anisa Roberts; back, Don Roberts, Melissa Roberts, Betty McKinney and Carroll McKinney as he commits to attend Bryan College, where he will play baseball.
    Gary Corsair • Clay County Progress Hayesville standout student/athlete, Tate Roberts, is joined by, front, from left, Jason Roberts, Tate and Anisa Roberts; back, Don Roberts, Melissa Roberts, Betty McKinney and Carroll McKinney as he commits to attend Bryan College, where he will play baseball.

    By Gary Corsair

    Sports Writer

     

    Hayesville multi-sport star Tate Roberts always wanted to play college football, but he abandoned that dream when Bryan College invited him to play baseball at the 90-year-old liberal arts college in Dayton, Tenn.  

    “I talked to some small schools about football but they were just too far and then the opportunity to play baseball presented itself so I was like, yeah, that’s what I want to do,” Roberts said during a signing ceremony at Hayesville High School last week. “I love football, but I think I might have had enough head banging. I really like baseball, so I’m going to stick it out.”

    Roberts made the decision after his second consecutive standout season. The Hayesville shortstop/pitcher batted .342 with an on base percentage of .603 and posted a lowly .88 earned run average in leading the Yellow Jackets to a 14-9 record, Smoky Mountain Conference title (11-1 win/loss) and third-round playoff appearance. 

    Now he’s focused on making his mark for an NAIA school coming of a 30-20 season and 17-12 showing in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

    “They have a JV program that I think I’m going to be able to step right into and compete. Hopefully, I’ll develop, let them coach me and get to their varsity team,” Roberts said. “They made it clear during our visit that if we’re willing to put the work in we’ll get the opportunities. I’m going to get myself some opportunities. I want to be the hardest worker at Bryan.”

    Hayesville baseball coach Joe Jack Sellers is confident Roberts will make the grade. 

    “He’s going to be successful,” Sellers remarked. “I’ve been around coaching for 25 or 30 years and he’s one of my best. One of my favorites. I’ve always thought that. Great family, great friends. Great part of this program and always will be.”

    Tate will hit the books hard while he tries to sparkle on the diamond.

    “I’m trying to pursue a career in Civil Engineering, so it’s going to be a very tough major, especially with time management with baseball. I’m honestly really looking forward to that. I think that engineering is going to be right up my alley.”