Photo: Westbrook Christian senior Cole Patterson signed a baseball scholarship with Lawson State Community College on April 28 at the WCS gym. Pictured, from left: Cole’s mom Jennifer, Cole, Cole’s dad Wesley. (Courtesy of Grant Campbell)
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor
Cole Patterson will continue his baseball career just down the road in the Magic City.
The Westbrook Christian senior and three-year starter signed a scholarship with Lawson State Community College on April 28.
As a starting catcher this season, Paterson helped the Warriors win the program’s first-ever state baseball championship when Westbrook defeated G.W. Long in the Class 2A title series last Tuesday (May 17) in Montgomery. Paterson finished the season with .325 batting average, a .404 on base percentage, 37 hits (including nine doubles) and 33 RBI. He batted .486 in the playoffs with 18 hits in 37 at-bats. Defensively this season, Patterson caught 12 shutouts, four no-hitters and one perfect game.
The 2021 Warriors posted a 29-9 record and won the program’s 14th straight area championship.
“This is something I’ve worked towards my whole life, especially over the last few years,” said Patterson, who is considering majoring in business. “I really fell in love with [baseball] since I’ve been here (at Westbrook).”
Patterson felt at home while visiting the Lawson State campus and after speaking with head baseball coach Blake Lewis. Patterson will join 2019 Etowah High graduate Will Hotalen on the Cougar roster.
“I like the winning culture over there, just like we have here,” said Patterson.
Westbrook head baseball coach Matt Kennedy recalled Patterson’s unselfishness as an ineligible freshman.
“The first day he came up and asked, ‘Coach, what can I do to help the team?’ That spoke volumes about Cole right off. He’s well-deserving of every opportunity he gets. We’re looking all the time for guys who want to do whatever it takes to help the team, and Cole is a textbook example of that. He’s controls the game and is our leader out there on the field, and I’m thrilled that he’s here with us.”
Kennedy anticipates that Patterson will make an immediate impact with Lawson State next year.
“He’ll have to make some adjustments at the plate, but as far as defensively, I think Cole can play at the next level tomorrow.”