Story by Jeff Moeller, correspondent
Like most high school baseball players, Grant Wagner’s baseball roots signaled a future budding career ahead.
“I remember playing in the Liberty County Rec Ball League at age seven,” recalled Wagner. “What really started it all for me was making their All-Star team. I played for the East Cobb Astros during the summer. That’s when I fell in love with the game.”
“I also remember watching the game on TV. (St. Louis catcher) Yadier Molina was my favorite player growing up, and I always wanted to mimic my game after him.”
So far, the Richmond Hill senior has done his share of giving back to the game he cherishes.
Wagner, the catcher/first baseman and South Georgia State commit, hit .340 with two homers and 25 RBIs along with a .471 on-base percentage (OBP) and a .532 slugging percentage. This year, Wagner began the week hitting .333 with five homers, 12 RBIs, three doubles, and .462 OBP and a .900 slugging percentage.
Wagner has been playing first base for the Wildcats, as he was a catcher in the past.
“I am primarily playing first base and not catching as much because I am coming off a knee injury,” said Wagner. “I played the whole season last year, but I tore my meniscus playing summer ball. I played in a lot of different places during the summer, but mainly in Atlanta.”
Richmond Hill manager Hill Thomas believes Wagner can deliver a big hit at any time in the lineup.
“He has the ability to hit the ball out of the park any at bat,” said Thomas. “This year has probably been a little more difficult on him because he’s a four-year starter and most teams don’t throw him any fastballs and rarely throw him a strike to hit. That puts more pressure on the rest of the lineup.”
Wagner noted that he became comfortable with his game in middle school.
“I would say that I felt confident in my skills when I was around 13 or 14,” said Wagner. “That’s when everything started to really click for me.”
Wagner credited his parents, Jamie and Todd, for making his journey a successful one on and off the field.
“My parents always took me to tournaments when I was younger,” said Wagner. “They spent a lot of money on my tournaments, and always pushed me to be the best I can be, not just as a player but also as a person.”
The Wildcats began the week with an overall 5-9 record and had a 0-3 mark in region play. They are mired in a seven-game losing streak in which they have been outscored, 52-19.
Wagner likes the current status of his game, and he remains optimistic that the team can soon reverse their trend.
“I am seeing the ball well and I feel like my swing is in a good spot,” emphasized Wagner. “ I had never felt comfortable with my game because I know there is always something I can improve on, and nothing will ever be perfect.
“I wouldn’t say we are struggling because we are hitting the ball well and throwing it well. We just aren’t finishing the game.”
However, Wagner is certainly playing his part.
