Published: May 14, 2008 12:51 pm            

Freese becomes a Warrior

Bulldogs’ catcher headed to bacone on baseball scholarship

EMPIRE — Stellar defense and a break-out year for Empire High School baseball turned into a dream come true Tuesday for EHS catcher John Freese, who inked a baseball scholarship with Bacone College.

Freese was joined by his parents and EHS coaches in the Empire library, where he was still in disbelief after signing his national letter of intent.

“It didn’t really hit me until today, I’m still trying to get over it,” Freese said. “I’ve always told myself that, no matter where I would have to go, I want to play college baseball.

“I’m just thrilled to make it official.”

Former Empire baseball coach and current Bacone softball coach Clay Davis was present at Freese’s signing. Freese gave credit to Davis for aiding him in the recruiting process.

“Actually, it wasn’t that hard because Coach Davis helped me a lot as far as getting everything done and signed,” Freese said. “He pretty much guided me the whole way.”

Freese joins a Bacone squad that went 41-14 overall and 10-5 in the Red River Conference this season.

“They have talent up there and I’m happy to now be a part of it,” Freese said. “I know that I want to play when I get there, and I’ll get a chance early because they have a junior varsity team.

“I'll get some time somewhere. I won’t be sitting or just bullpen catching.”

Freese hit 366 this season with 22 RBIs and a pair of homers, but admits his offense can stand to improve.

“The pitching at that level will be a lot better, so it will take some adjusting,” Freese said.

One lasting memory Freese will have of his Empire athletics days is the turnaround year he and his teammates enjoyed in football and baseball.

“It was great to see everyone come together and play as a team,” Freese said. “Going .500 in football and having a 20-win season in baseball was special. It gives me a ton of confidence heading to Bacone.”

        

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