For Hunter Mann, a strong work ethic has served himself and his Bridgeport High School baseball teammates extremely well on the playing field. Not only was he key in last year’s state championship season, but thanks to the same attitude this year the Indians are off to a 5-0 start.

 

Now, Mann and Coach Robert Shields believe that same work ethic will serve him well next year. Today, the senior announced he will be continuing his baseball career at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Mann signed a letter of intent to compete for the Bobcats at the school’s library surround by family, Shields and school administration.

 

“I’m glad to get this done and concentrate on the rest of the season,” Mann said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play college baseball and will work as hard as possible to make the most of that opportunity.”

 

Mann’s trek to Upshur County to play for the Bobcats shouldn’t come as a surprise. Not only are several past teammates current members of the WVWC squad, but Mann’s brothers were also baseball standouts for the Indians.

 

“I’ve watched Johnny Koon, Mike Logsdon and Greg (Smith) who all helped me with my decision,” said Mann, who plans on studying criminal justice at Wesleyan. “After I went down there, I think in my first year I can make a contribution to the team.”

 

Contributions on the baseball field aren’t unusual for those in Mann’s family. Like Hunter, his brothers Corey Mann and Josh Zontek roamed center field while wearing the red and white. Whether the genetics are the reason for Mann’s outfield ability is unknown, but Shields said that Mann simply has a knack for being in the right place for the Tribe on defense.

 

“The ability he has in roaming the outfield the way he roams it is impressive. He gets such a tremendous jump off the ball,” said Shields. “He’s knowledgeable out there and he gives great command to the right fielder and the left fielder. There is no question that he captains the outfield.”

 

Shields also said Mann said is also more than competent at the plate. A frequent leadoff hitter at the plate during his time with the Tribe, Shields said he’s never worried when the count is working against Mann.

 

“Here’s a kid that gets two strikes against him and I’m not concerned,” the coach said. “We want him to work the count, which is what we want, and he’s good at it because he rarely strikes out.”

 

Mann’s participation this year will go a long way toward whether the Indians can defend their Class AA crown. One thing that has already been determined is that Mann will do everything he can to make that a possibility.

 

“He’s just a hard worker and it’s not just in games. You see it in practice from serious scrimmaging to when players are shagging balls,” said Shields. “A lot of kids take things like that in a lazy manner, but Hunter approaches everything like it is game day and his coaches and teammates notice that.

 

“What’s really impressive is he works harder on game days and that’s where he shows his true colors because he’s got the athletic tools, the mental tools and he wants to work at it,” Shields continued. “That work ethic translates well to college and is the reason I think he’ll be able to play there. He does need to get stronger and a few facets to improve on. That’s up to him to get bigger and stronger, but the fact he knows how to work is going to serve him well.”

 

Mann also said he needs to get stronger. However, he said he knows he’ll have to use the same approach of hard work – and even more aggressive – to make that happen.

 

“This summer I’m going to work out with Greg and his father to get bigger and faster,” said Mann, who would like to eventually become a game warden. “Greg has been there a year and will let me know what to expect and how to adjust. It’s going to be important to get stronger and faster and that’s what I need to do in order to be able to contribute.”
 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Hunter Mann, front middle, surrounded by his father Michael and mother Debbie. Pictured back row, from left, is Coach Robert Shields, brothers Corey Mann and Josh Zontek and BHS Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Matt DeMotto. Bottom photo is a file shot of Mann by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.