PROFILING USA BASEBALL’S 2010 SIGNEES ... BRENT TANNER
MOBILE, Ala. ? Baseball players are often described as versatile if they can play multiple positions on the diamond. Brent Tanner takes versatility to an entirely different level.
After starting his collegiate career at Mississippi State University, where he redshirted, Tanner transferred to Meridian Community College for the 2008 season. In his first season at MCC, Tanner saw time as a catcher, infielder and outfielder.
“He can do just about anything from a defensive standpoint,” assistant coach Seth Von Behren said. “We don’t know where he’ll play defensively, but we do know his bat will help replace some of the power we’ll be losing after this season.”
With first baseman Ryan Bohanan and catcher David Doss both in their last seasons of eligibility, there are a number of holes that will need to be filled heading into the 2010 season. Tanner’s versatility figures to ease the transition.
“With a left-handed bat and his kind of power, he’s going to find somewhere to play,” assistant coach Scot Sealy said. “He’s got some big-time power, and his bat is going to keep him in the lineup.”
Though his versatility on defense is a plus, Tanner’s bat might be even more impressive. While playing for coach Joe Hartfield at George County High School in Lucedale, Miss., he set the school’s record for home runs in a season when he clubbed 11 as a senior. Those numbers helped him earn first-team All-State honors.
He didn’t have much trouble making the jump to the collegiate level. In his first year playing college baseball, Tanner .342 with 10 home runs and 48 RBI. He helped Meridian to a 34-21 record and a MACJC State Championship. Chris Rose, Tanner’s coach at MCC, said he’s expecting even greater things this season.
“He’s just a baseball player. He came up big for us with six home runs in the postseason last year,” Rose said. “He’s a patient hitter, and he makes our lineup much better because he’s such an imposing figure. He’s been hitting in the middle all fall, and he’s done really well, so we’re expecting him to carry that over into the spring.”
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
