CALEDONIA — Caledonia High School baseball head coach Brad Hamilton once played baseball at Meridian Community College.
Previous Cavaliers head coach Travis Garner did, too. Caledonia pitcher Cade Stacy, who graduated in 2019, also signed with the Eagles.
“We’ve got a little bit of a tradition going that direction,” Hamilton said.
Thanks to senior Jacob Humbers, that custom is standing strong.
Humbers signed his national letter of intent to play for Meridian CC on Thursday morning, making the most of an opportunity many years in the making.
“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been wanting to play college baseball,” Humbers said. “When I finally got the chance to, I was thrilled.”
Humbers committed to play for the Eagles on Aug. 1 after receiving an offer from the team in late June. Meridian (31-11) is a strong squad, ranking fifth in the final NJCAA Division II poll of 2021; Humbers said he liked the culture within the program and the facilities on campus.
“I just felt like it was going to feel like home, and when I stepped on campus, it felt right, so I just made the decision,” Humbers said.
He chose the Eagles over Itawamba Community College, from whom he received an offer in July. Humbers will be able to both pitch and hit for Meridian.
“When (Meridian) finally pulled the trigger on me, I was very happy,” Humbers said. “I liked how they’re a winning team. They know how to win. They work as a team. It was just a perfect fit for me.”
Humbers will join several soccer teammates from Caledonia — Claire Benson and Clara Allen are already sophomores at MCC, and more Cavaliers will follow in their footsteps — as well as his friend Bradon Epting, a shortstop from West Lauderdale High School.
“I know they have a really strong recruiting class, and I’m really excited for what they’re going to do,” Hamilton said of the Eagles.
The Caledonia coach said he’s excited for what his own team can accomplish with Humbers leading the way. The right-hander is the Cavs’ No. 1 pitcher and will play shortstop on his off days from the mound. Hamilton said Humbers will also play some at first base and third base.
“He’s the definition of ‘the guy,’” Hamilton said. “That’s what he is.”
That extends beyond the playing field. Hamilton said Humbers is a leader in the clubhouse and works hard in the classroom.
Humbers has been a varsity starter since his sophomore season, but Hamilton has seen his progression for much longer. The coach got to Caledonia as an assistant when Humbers was in eighth grade.
Now, Humbers will continue a tradition that dates back to his coach’s college days.
“I know how hard he’s worked to get to where he’s at,” Hamilton said. “I’m extremely honored and proud that he’s going to get the opportunity to continue going.”
Theo DeRosa reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @Theo_DeRosa.
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