Recently graduated Brandon High School varsity baseball player Derek Foyt has made his college choice.
Foyt has accepted an offer to attend Saginaw Valley State University, a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, as a preferred walk-on player for the 2005-06 school year.
SVSU head baseball coach Walt Head, in his 23rd year at the Cardinals? helm, said Foyt’s preferred walk-on status means chances are good he will make the team next season.
‘We only give that status to a few students,? he said. ‘We didn’t have any scholarship money left, but that doesn’t diminish his ability to get on the team. I think he has a pretty good opportunity.?
Foyt said he decided to attend SVSU because there is a chance he could see significant playing time right away..
‘Basically, they told me they lost two outfielders to graduation, and he only had three returning, and they’re all young, so there’s a good chance I’d compete for a starting job as a freshman,? he said.
Foyt also said he was considering attending Mott Community College, and there were two other interested Division II schools which he decided not to attend.
The Cardinals complied an overall record of 31-17 this season, and went 18-10 in GLIAC play.
Foyt will join two other Cardinals from The Citizen’s coverage area on next year’s team: pitcher Kori Garman and catcher Max Bell, both Goodrich natives. Garman will be a junior next year, while Bell will enter his sophomore year.
Last season for the Blackhawks, Foyt, normally an outfielder, made the switch to shortstop and was also the Blackhawks? #1 starting pitcher.
Foyt led the Blackhawks with a .485 batting average, and also compiled a .596 slugging percentage, 30 stolen bases, and 24 RBI. On the mound, he went 2-6 with a 3.48 earned run average and notched two saves.
Head said Foyt projects as an outfielder at the college level.
‘I did see the young man play several times in high school,? he said. ‘He played out of position in high school. He runs okay and has a pretty good arm, and could be a center fielder for us. We had him in for a visit. I think the kid’s going to be okay. We’re in need for some outfielders.?
Foyt said he hopes to contribute to the Cardinals any way he can his freshman year, whether it’s as a starter or off the bench. He also said there’s plenty of time for him to develop while in college.
‘I just want to give my best effort and see what happens,? he said. ‘It’s about being there four years, not just one.?
Meanwhile, on Friday, Aug. 5, Foyt was slated to take part in the 3rd Annual Negro Leagues Celebration High School All Star Game at Comerica Park in Detroit.
In June of this year, Foyt was the starting center fielder for the East team in the East-West High School All-Star Game, which was also played at Comerica Park.