I knew I wanted to be a pitcher since I was about 10. So, just very excited to get to concentrate on it more at the college level.”

Tanner Duke

ROBERTSDALE, Ala. – Tanner Duke signed with Bishop State Community College May 1 to play baseball next season. The Golden Bears right hander finished his high-school stretch with impressive numbers for RHS head coach Peter Bezeredi, especially on the mound. Duke recorded 13 wins with more than 130 strikeouts in three varsity campaigns.

“Tanner had a great season for us getting 70 strikeouts with just 15 walks and that ERA (0.950) under one was great,” Bezeredi said. “And that shows just how effective he was. He went 6-1 this year and his only loss was a one-nothing loss to Spanish Fort in which he struck out 12. We won a lot of games and he was a big part of that.”

Duke was also voted team captain by his peers for 2018.

“I think coach Hattenstein is getting a tremendous player in Tanner” Bezeredi added. “And Bishop State is going to be happy with him going to play there.”

Bishop State head coach James Hattenstien, a former BSCC Wildcat and USA Jaguar, said he expects Duke to be ready to contribute early and often.

“I was impressed with Tanner when I first saw him throw. Being my first year at Bishop as a coach, I wanted us to make a commitment to sign local kids,” he said. “Especially solid ones like Tanner who I think will be ready to help us compete next spring as well as sophomores. And, having someone like him will help us get better and advance in the conference in the next couple of years.”

Duke said he was excited about playing at the next level and for Hattenstein. He added that he has improved a lot in the last two years with support from Bezeredi, his teammates and family.

“I knew I wanted to be a pitcher since I was about 10,” Duke said. “So just very excited to get to concentrate on it more at the college level. I think my slider is my best pitch. I can throw it for a strike with velocity.”

He also thanked those who helped him reach this point.

“I just want to thank my parents (Cindy and Robert Duke) so much for all their support,” he added. “And my coaches, coach Bez for helping me and pushing me to get better. And also, coach Hattenstein for the opportunity and all my teammates for always being there for me.”

Duke is considering majoring in engineering.