Morgan County’s David Denton didn’t end his high school baseball career exactly as he wanted but remains proud of his accomplishments as a Bulldog.
During the Bulldogs’ game against defending state champion and rival Harlem on April 17, Denton stepped to the plate as his team trailed 3-0. The senior catcher then blasted a three-home run to tie the game and trotted around the bases with his head held high.
As Denton crossed home plate, he jumped up in the air to celebrate with teammates and landed awkwardly to cut his season short.
“I hit the game-tying home run, jumped up to celebrate, and came down hard. I dislocated my knee and ended up tearing my patella ligament,” Denton explained. “It was unfortunate, but I helped my team get back in that game.”
Denton’s injury didn’t dampen his team spirit. He continued to support his teammates throughout their playoff run, a testament to his unwavering commitment. At the end of the season, the Morgan County catcher was named Region 4-AAA’s Defensive Player of the Year for his performance behind the plate.
Denton was happy to win the award but didn’t want to diminish his team’s overall success.
“It feels good [to win the award], but I’m happy for my teammates for all we accomplished this year with a new coach, and I think we got along well,” Denton said. “The team chemistry was there, and I felt we were pushing each other to improve daily.
“Coach (Steve) Westmoreland talked all year about having joy for your teammates. Robert (Pearson) stepped up (as catcher) in my absence, and seeing him play was a joy. It was great to see other guys succeeding, especially with them getting past the first round. It was awesome seeing these guys ball out.”
Denton added that all season long, he just wanted to do his job the best he could to help his team succeed. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound catcher had worked with his pitchers on timing and location throughout the offseason.
His prowess behind the plate helped Morgan County’s pitching staff become one of the best in Class AAA, too, while Denton thrived off their success. He even made a few plays throwing down runners on base.
“My pitchers made it easy for me. They did a good job of holding runners close to the bag and making efficient pitches in tight spots,” he said. “We didn’t have a lot of runners on base because our pitching was excellent. We had good chemistry. They trusted me, and I trusted them. That was what made our team great this year.”
Denton will continue his baseball career at Gordon State College in nearby Barnesville. He said he also looks forward to furthering his education while playing the sport he loves at the collegiate level.
Denton, who hit .355 at the plate during his senior season, signed with the Highlanders last fall.
“I’m proud to represent my school and county at the next level at Gordon State. I’m really thankful for the opportunity they gave me,” Denton said. “I’m ready to get after it and see where this next journey takes me.”