Messenger file photo By Chris McCarthy
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor
Add yet another bullet point to Samuel Dutton’s baseball resume.
The Westbrook Christian rising senior recently was named to the 2020 AHSAA North-South All-Star Baseball roster. The all-star game, which normally is held each year in mid-July at Montgomery’s Riverwalk Stadium, was recently cancelled due to concerns with the COVID-19 virus. Each player on both teams will receive certificates from the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association.
Although disappointed that he will not participate in a game, Dutton (pictured above atright) appreciated the honor of being part of the 18-man North roster.
“It’s really cool to be on that team with so many great players,” he said. “I really wish that I could have gotten the chance to play with them. But it’s really cool that both me and Andrew were picked for the team.”
In 12 games this past season before the coronavirus shutdown in mid-March, Dutton went 2-0 in 15 innings on the mound with 31 strikeouts. He allowed just five hits and no runs for a 0.00 earned run average. At the plate, he hit .357 with one home run.
Dutton’s brother Andrew, who will graduate from Westbrook this Saturday (May 30), was named North MVP of the 2019 North/South baseball game after finishing with three hits, two RBI and a run scored.
As sophomore, Samuel Dutton made the 2019 ASWA Class 2A All-State first team and was named the All-Messenger Player of the Year after finishing with 110 strikeouts, an 0.88 earned run average and an 8-3 record in 63 and two-third innings. At the plate, he batted .383 with 41 hits, 38 runs, 21 RBI, six doubles, two triples and two home runs.
Dutton’s production played a big part in the Warriors’ 23-14 record, area championship, three playoff series victories and berth in the state championship series for the first time since 2013.
“Sam is such a competitor, and his stats speak for themselves,” said Westbrook head baseball coach and athletic director Matt Kennedy. “There’s a reason why LSU wants him. Not only that, Sam could actually get drafted (by Major League Baseball). He’s definitely one of the best ones to ever come through here. God gave Sam some ability, but Sam’s also a grinder who works hard to enhance that ability.
“It’s unfortunate that he won’t get to experience playing in the game, because I know from coaching in it last year how cool of an experience it is. To be honest, I’ve been blessed just to have the opportunity to coach Sam. He and his brother Andrew work harder than any other kid I’ve had, and that’s saying a lot. People don’t see what those two kids put in to earn what they get.”
Dutton, who committed to LSU as a sophomore, said he most likely will sign with the Tigers later this year. He will spend most of this summer playing with the Louisiana Knights, his travel team over the past few years that competes all over the southeast. He recently competed in an all-star showcase near Atlanta, Georgia.