We continue our look at the graduating seniors of Owensboro High School baseball brought to you by Ace Hardware in Livermore. Ace offers a complete line of hardware, lumber, home and garden needs. As the helpful hardware store in your community we are committed to being “the Helpful Hardware Place” by offering our customers knowledgeable advice, helpful service and quality products. Ace is the place for all of your home maintenance and repair needs. Give them a call at 270 278-2816.
Today, we speak with OHS graduating senior Derek Hall, who will be entering the Army National Guard and was a four year member of the varsity Red Devil baseball team.
102.7 The Game: What did playing baseball at Owensboro High School mean to you?
Derek Hall: It meant a lot because I got to play with many of my friends that I grew up playing baseball with. We had a lot of good runs and it’s unfortunate that we didn’t get to play because I feel like we could’ve gone very far, but everything happens for a reason.
102. The Game: What is your favorite memory of playing baseball at Owensboro High School?
Derek Hall: Winning district my sophomore season. One of my favorites is in the district tournament last year against Daviess County, when Brennan Williams walked it off for the win.
102.7 The Game: Talk about the difficulty of missing your junior season to injury and your senior season to COVID-19.
Derek Hall: I worked really hard to come back. I’m glad that during my junior year, I was still able to be around the team to help out in any way possible. I went to all the games and practices, and did anything I could to help. It’s unfortunate we lost 2020 to COVID-19, but I still have the memories.
102.7 The Game: What are your plans for after high school?
Derek Hall: I’ve already enlisted in the National Guard, and will be going to boot camp in September. Once I get back, I’ll probably be going to Western Kentucky University to major in exercise science.
102.7 The Game: What are you going to miss most about playing high school baseball?
Derek Hall: Playing with all my teammates, and just being around them. It’s the little things that I’ll miss like preparations, practice, and everyone coming together before the games.
102.7 The Game: If the 2020 season had been played, what kind of season would OHS have had?
Derek Hall: There’s a lot of good teams in the region, but I feel like we have a strong enough class to pull through. I felt like we could’ve made a run at state.
102.7 The Game: If there was one last thing you could say to the underclassmen about OHS baseball, what would it be?
Derek Hall: Just to keep it going. Work hard in the off season. Prepare for what’s coming because there are going to be a lot of open spots
Big congrats to Derek on his time at OHS and entering the Army National Guard from all of us here at 102.7 The Game!
Photo courtesy of Sheila Bowen Irwin
