Tyler Owens has always been a good hitter, but The Clanton Advertiser’s Baseball Player of the Year became a great hitter his senior year thanks to some hard work.

Owens, who has batted in the clean-up position of the order for Thorsby’s varsity team since his sophomore season, made an effort to be able to hit the ball the other way.

A natural pull hitter, Owens wanted to correct any weak spot in his swing that opposing pitchers might be able to take advantage of.

It’s safe to say he was successful, as Owens put up incredible numbers during a senior season that included him leading THS to the second round of the state playoffs: 40 hits in 78 at-bats for a .513 batting average to go along with a .638 on-base percentage, 25 runs scored, 41 runs batted in and nine home runs.

“I felt more comfortable in the box,” Owens said. “I was able to hit any kind of off-speed stuff or anything [on the outer portion of the strike zone].”

Three of the nine homers were hit the opposite way, proving that Owens’ extra effort paid off.

“He really worked hard in the offseason,” Thorsby coach Ab Argent said. “He’s a true example of someone who stepped up his game his senior year.”

Owens also returned to the pitching rotation after a football injury early in his varsity career had prevented him from taking the mound.

“I really missed being on the mound,” Owens said.

But Owens’ most impressive feats came from the batter’s box.

He said he’ll always remember a Saturday doubleheader against LAMP and Indian Springs when he went 6-for-6 at the plate with two grand slams and 12 total RBI–and the Rebels won both games.

Another memorable moment came in the second round of the state playoffs, when Owens blasted a two-run home run in the top of sixth inning to tie the game, erasing what had been a four-run deficit coming into the inning.

Thorsby would up falling in the bottom of the seventh inning to see its season, and Owens’ outstanding career, come to a close.

Owens has much baseball left to play, however, as he will suit up for Wallace-Selma as a first baseman and designated hitter.

“You hate to see a guy like him graduate,” Argent said. “He’s been a good ambassador for Thorsby High School and for the Thorsby baseball program. He’s the kind of guy that makes it enjoyable to be a coach.”

—

2015 All-Area Baseball Team

Pitcher: Christian Agee, Senior, Verbena

Pitcher: Tolliver Gilliland, Junior, Chilton County

Pitcher: Bailey Sellers, Sophomore, Thorsby

Catcher: Adam Heflin, Senior, Verbena

First base: Tyler Owens, Senior, Thorsby

Second base: Cody Thompson, Senior, Jemison

Third base: Garret Deavers, Senior, Verbena

Shorstop: Will Lenoir, Junior, Jemison

Outfield: Hunter Bennett, Junior, Chilton County

Outfield: Chris Brown, Senior, Thorsby

Outfield: Phillip Lenoir, Junior, Jemison

Utility: Brent Schoener, Freshman, Maplesville

Designated hitter: Grant Deavers, Senior, Verbena