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Britt, Helmstetter have college baseball future
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| By: TOM GOETZ, DAILY LEADER Sports Editor |
May 14, 2009 |
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Brookhaven's Bud Britt and Nick Helmstetter are anticipating stellar college baseball careers. Their first step is a community college scholarship and that goal has been accomplished. Britt signed with Co-Lin and Helmstetter signed with Meridian.
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Britt and Helmstetter were instrumental in Ole Brook's 20-8 campaign but they both had to deal with early-season injuries. Britt, a starter in the Panthers' pitching rotation, injured his right (throwing) arm after just 13 pitches. Helmstetter sustained an ankle injury while pitching.
Although Britt was unable to pitch, he postponed the Tommy John surgery until after the season. He still was able to swing the bat with authority, batting .461 and hitting 3 home runs. He hit 9 doubles and collected 29 RBIs.
Helmstetter made a full recovery from the ankle injury and anchored his team on the mound and at the plate, earning him MVP honors. He compiled a 5-3 pitching record, striking out 82 batters and walking 21 in 49 innings. He fashioned an impressive 0.71 ERA.
At the plate, Helmstetter batted a remarkable .508, the first BHS batter over .500 in Coach Randy Spring's 10 years at the helm. He had 10 doubles, 22 RBIs and 1 homer. He also owned a .797 slugging percentage and a .630 on base percentage.
"Bud and Nick are two of the best ballplayers we have ever had," said Spring. "I will miss them tremendously. We have two of the best players in the district.
"They both had to deal with adversity (injuries) but they worked through it," Spring pointed out. "They really grew up this year."
Spring had 4 seniors on his squad that was runner-up in the Division 6-4A race.
Helmstetter (6-0, 190) has been selected to play in the Mississippi High School All-Star Baseball Game, set for June 6, at Trustmark Park in Pearl. His parents are Chad and Stacy Oberschmidt.
"I like Meridian," said Helmstetter. "I'm excited about the opportunity to play at the next level."
He'll play for Chris Rose at Meridian. He joins former Brookhaven Academy standout Corey Dickerson on the Meridian squad.
Helmstetter said he might pitch or play either in the infield or outfield at Meridian. The Eagles are an NJCAA Division I member.
Asked about his favorite Major League Baseball team, Helmstetter said he likes the Boston Red Sox. His favorite player in Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers.
He said he enjoyed reading Hamilton's book, BEYOND BELIEF. "I couldn't put it down."
Helmstetter said he appreciated Spring's guidance. "He has given me a lot of good advice on and off the baseball field. I've enjoyed playing for him."
Britt (6-0, 190), the son of Don and Margie Britt, wore a sling cradling his right arm at Monday's baseball awards banquet. He said he was looking forward to rehabbing his arm this summer.
"I'm excited about getting a chance to play at Co-Lin," said Britt. "I want to hone my skills and move on to the next level."
He plans to play the infield at Co-Lin.
Co-Lin coach Keith Case said he was looking forward to having Britt on his squad. "Bud is a very good athlete. We want his arm healthy. Most of all, we need his bat next season."
Britt started at quarterback and punted last season for Coach Tucker Peavey's Panthers. He was able to avoid serious injury and led his team to the state playoffs.
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©The Daily Leader 2009
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