Hardee signs with Appalachian State
by Steve Behr Sports Editor
By Steve Behr
sports@wataugademocrat.com
When Cal Hardee committed to Appalachian State to play baseball, he was following a family tradition.
His brother, Dalton Hardee, plays third base for Mars Hill after a standout prep career at Watauga. Hardee started 32 of the Lions' 39 games, hitting .278 with six doubles and 19 RBIs.
His father, Pete Hardee, pitched for the Mountaineers for coach Jim Morris. Pete Hardee eventually was drafted into the Montreal Expos organization and is a member of the Appalachian State Athletic Hall of Fame. He's also Cal Hardee's coach at Watauga.
Cal Hardee followed with his commitment by signing on the dotted line Tuesday at the Watauga library. Hardee, who plays shortstop at Watauga, was unsure what position he would play at Appalachian State.
"This is a big opportunity," Hardee said. "I'm really fortunate that it worked out. I've had a lot of opportunities to show off for the coaches and thankfully it worked out well with Appalachian State."
He can play three infield positions, third base, shortstop or second base. He's also Watauga's top returning pitcher, but it's unlikely he'll pitch at Appalachian State.
"He makes a lot of plays in the field," Appalachian State coach Chris Pollard said "Obviously he's well-coached playing for his dad. He knows the game real well. He puts himself in a position to be successful."
Hardee was glad to finally sign his name on the letter of intent.
He can go into the 2010 season concentrating on winning a Northwestern 4-A/3-A Conference championship and not worry about fielding offers from schools.
"It's definitely relaxing," Hardee said. "I can go in next year and not be worried about anything and just have as fun my senior year as possible. I'm looking to forward to having a productive season."
Hardee talked to several programs, including N.C. State, East Carolina, Virginia and Virginia Tech, but none made any offers. Playing at Appalachian State allows Hardee the chance to play close to home not only in Boone, but in rival SoCon cities.
He knows that he has extra expectations because of his father's success. However, Hardee has dealt with those expectations ever since his sophomore season when he was named by his father to be the team's starting shortstop.
"I don't feel too much pressure," Hardee said. "That was one thing coach Pollard said was I have to earn everything I get, not because of my name."
During Hardee's sophomore season season, he teamed with graduated second baseman Chris Shelton to form one of the most consistent middle infield tandems in the former NWC. The two returned last year and remained not only a duo that made routine plays, but could also turn double plays on most ground balls.
Hardee also earned his place at the top of the Pioneers' lineup by hitting .439 during conference games and .365 in 21 overall games. Pollard likes how Hardee can not just hit singles, but has some power.
Hardee hit one home run at Watauga last year, but in a coaches showcase in Charlotte, he belted two.
"He has surprising power," Pollard said. "He doesn't look like aguy who could hit one out of the park, but he can. I think he can get bigger and stronger as well."
sports@wataugademocrat.com
When Cal Hardee committed to Appalachian State to play baseball, he was following a family tradition.
His brother, Dalton Hardee, plays third base for Mars Hill after a standout prep career at Watauga. Hardee started 32 of the Lions' 39 games, hitting .278 with six doubles and 19 RBIs.
His father, Pete Hardee, pitched for the Mountaineers for coach Jim Morris. Pete Hardee eventually was drafted into the Montreal Expos organization and is a member of the Appalachian State Athletic Hall of Fame. He's also Cal Hardee's coach at Watauga.
Cal Hardee followed with his commitment by signing on the dotted line Tuesday at the Watauga library. Hardee, who plays shortstop at Watauga, was unsure what position he would play at Appalachian State.
"This is a big opportunity," Hardee said. "I'm really fortunate that it worked out. I've had a lot of opportunities to show off for the coaches and thankfully it worked out well with Appalachian State."
He can play three infield positions, third base, shortstop or second base. He's also Watauga's top returning pitcher, but it's unlikely he'll pitch at Appalachian State.
"He makes a lot of plays in the field," Appalachian State coach Chris Pollard said "Obviously he's well-coached playing for his dad. He knows the game real well. He puts himself in a position to be successful."
Hardee was glad to finally sign his name on the letter of intent.
He can go into the 2010 season concentrating on winning a Northwestern 4-A/3-A Conference championship and not worry about fielding offers from schools.
"It's definitely relaxing," Hardee said. "I can go in next year and not be worried about anything and just have as fun my senior year as possible. I'm looking to forward to having a productive season."
Hardee talked to several programs, including N.C. State, East Carolina, Virginia and Virginia Tech, but none made any offers. Playing at Appalachian State allows Hardee the chance to play close to home not only in Boone, but in rival SoCon cities.
He knows that he has extra expectations because of his father's success. However, Hardee has dealt with those expectations ever since his sophomore season when he was named by his father to be the team's starting shortstop.
"I don't feel too much pressure," Hardee said. "That was one thing coach Pollard said was I have to earn everything I get, not because of my name."
During Hardee's sophomore season season, he teamed with graduated second baseman Chris Shelton to form one of the most consistent middle infield tandems in the former NWC. The two returned last year and remained not only a duo that made routine plays, but could also turn double plays on most ground balls.
Hardee also earned his place at the top of the Pioneers' lineup by hitting .439 during conference games and .365 in 21 overall games. Pollard likes how Hardee can not just hit singles, but has some power.
Hardee hit one home run at Watauga last year, but in a coaches showcase in Charlotte, he belted two.
"He has surprising power," Pollard said. "He doesn't look like aguy who could hit one out of the park, but he can. I think he can get bigger and stronger as well."