Sometimes, a person’s mindset is as important as their skill set. Take for instance Bridgeport High School senior Hunter Haddix.

 

Although a talented pitcher, Haddix wasn’t always thought of as one of Bridgeport’s aces despite pitching – and winning – a game in last year’s Class AA state tournament in Charleston. With the Indians returning seniors Logan Smith and Jared Cleghorn, both who started and won the last two state title games, respectively, Haddix was probably not getting his due.

 

When injuries eventually ended both Smith’s and Cleghorn’s season, for those he hadn’t given Haddix much of a thought, he was no longer an afterthought.  Suddenly, he became the Indians’ top pitcher and hasn’t disappointed.

 

“It made me better, but I was never the guy that wanted to be the number three guy,” said Haddix. “I’ve always thought I was the best because that’s how I am.

 

“I’m always confident out there,” Haddix continued. “I’m never afraid to go out there and pitch against the hardest teams.”

 

The mindset of believing he’s the best has served him well at BHS. Now, he hopes it will serve him well on the next level.

 

This afternoon inside the BHS Baseball field house, Haddix signed a letter of intent to continue his career with Potomac State College, a two-year athletic program situated in Keyser. PSC is affiliated with West Virginia University.

 

The three-sport Indian standout has numbers that show that his talk isn’t just hyperbole. Over the last two seasons, where Haddix has been an integral part of the Indians’ two state championship team, he’s posted impressive numbers. In 17 games pitched (14 as a starter), he tossed 82 innings, and has a near-perfect 13-2 record with one save. Haddix also has 71 strikeouts against just 17 walks and has yielded 73 hits and 24 earned runs. During that time, Haddix has an earned run average a 2.05.

 

“He’s just been huge for us this year and you could see the improvement over the past two years, particularly as a pitcher,” said Bridgeport Coach Robert Shields. “His control with his three key pitches is what makes him strong. He keeps the ball around the zone and that’s one of strengths because he was good at that last year and very good at it this year.

 

“When it was clear he was going to pitch in most of our big games after the injuries, it didn’t bother him in the slightest,” Shields continued. “That’s another positive is that he’s savvy on the mound and doesn’t get rattled at all. If you’re pitching, then that’s a good trait to have.”

 

Haddix uses a fastball, curve and a slider in his arsenal. He’ll occasionally mix in a changeup.

 

So why Potomac State?

 

“I thought it was where I fit best. It’s a small school and kind of like a high school community ... It’s got smaller classes and a great baseball program,” said Haddix.

 

He’ll also be joining former BHS teammates Joe LaRocca and Sammy Aloi. Joining them makes the transition an easier process.

 

“It’s definitely better because I get to know like to know what it’s about. They’ve told me everything,” said Haddix.

 

Haddix doesn’t need to be told what he needs to do in order to find success at the next level. He said he needs to work on increasing the velocity on his fast ball and find even better control in locating his spots.

 

Although he’s not certain, Haddix said he’s leaning toward majoring in business and minoring in criminal justice. One thing he’s certain of is that he’ll be playing for a Catamounts’ program coached by Doug Little that is steeped in success. Little has sent many players to Division I and other programs throughout the years.

 

“It all depends on how fast I can throw and how good I do at Potomac State,” said Haddix when asked where he’d like to end up. “I’d like to go to WVU, but you have to throw pretty hard to get there.”

 

Haddix, who has played three years of varsity baseball, and the Indians will look to advance in the postseason next week. The Indians will play at Grafton in the Class AA regional semifinal next Tuesday in Taylor County.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo show Hunter Haddix surrounded by his parents Derick and Sharon Haddix ,while Coach Robert Shields is in the back. Action on the mound from this season in the bottom two photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.