1/29/2008 - Lufkin's Tatum Signs with AC
When it came time to make his decision as to where he’d like to
continue his baseball career after high school, Lufkin’s John Tatum
chose to make it a short drive to the ballpark.
The Panther slugger on Tuesday signed a letter of intent to play for
Angelina College beginning with the Fall 2008 semester.
“I like the idea of playing close to home,” Tatum said. “I’ve known
Coach (Jeff) Livin and Coach (Richard) Martinez for a few years, and
they’ve worked with me all that time. I just feel very comfortable
playing there.
“It’s going to be exciting just knowing I’m playing at the next
level.”
Tatum’s numbers his junior season offer a glimpse of what Livin is
predicting will make the Panther senior a bona-fide offensive threat:
He hit .284 for the Pack, with six doubles, a triple, two homers and
18 RBIs.
Those were his stats at the plate. Tatum, who as a pitcher threw just
over 20 innings, finished with a 2.73 ERA and 39 strikeouts to his
credit.. His record of 3-1 included a shutout, along with a save.
AC head coach Jeff Livin said he expects to make an immediate impact.
“He’s a corner guy with great bat strength, a guy who could develop
into a power hitter good enough to push for some of the numbers we’ve
seen from other guys in our program.
“I see John stepping in and contributing immediately.”
Tatum plans to major in Kinesiology on his way to becoming a baseball
coach.
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SLIDING HOME – Lufkin Panther slugger John Tatum
(seated) signs a letter of intent to play with Angelina College
beginning next fall. Pictured behind Tatum are (L-R) AC head coach
Jeff Livin, AC assistant Coach Rich Martinez, Lufkin head coach
Clay Berry, Penny Tatum and John Tatum, Sr. |
