This article was taken from Extra Innings, the BCA Newsletter.  Throughout the season, freshmen and sophomore players from across the country are nominated for Baseball Factory’s Rookie of the Year title.  In the end, one candidate will receive the honor of being named the Baseball Factory Rookie of the Year. Baseball Factory congratulates all of the nominees and wishes them the best of luck.

Zach Hedges

Bentonville High School, Arkansas

Bentonville, Arkansas – Bentonville High Coach Keith Kilgore quickly learned that he had a top player in SS-RHP Zach Hedges.

“It didn’t take us long to realize that he was going to be something special,” Kilgore said of Hedges, who had moved form Harrison.

The 6-2, 180-pound sophomore has been instrumental in Bentonville’s offense with a steady and powerful bat and is in the Tiger’s starting pitching rotation.

“It seems like every phase of his game he’s found a way to help our team,” Kilgore said.

As the No. 3 hitter in Bentonville’s line-up, Hedges is hitting.506 with 10 doubles, three home runs and 39 RBI.

His pitching record is 4-3. Hedges eliminated defending state champion Fayetteville from this year’s play-offs with a two-hit, 1-0 shutout.

Hedges has made the shift from third base to shortstop without any difficulty.

“He takes pride in what he does,” said Kilgore.

“He’s as smooth defensively and mechanically sound in that position (shortstop) as I’ve seen anyone in a long time.”

Kilgore likes Hedges’ work ethic and his positive attitude.

“You know what to expect from Zach each and every day when he goes out to play and that’s his best.”