By Jeff Odom
Land O’ Lakes baseball player Dylan Harris signed a letter of intent Nov. 14 to continue his career at Saint Leo University while sporting a wide grin.
The second baseman and pitcher said it felt like all of his worries were out the window once he signed his name to become a Lion.
“It’s a big stress that I don’t have to deal with anymore,” said Harris, who plans to study business or sports business at the school. “I finally know where I’m going and I’m just excited to get there.”
Gators coach Calvin Baisley and assistant Jeff May were by Harris’ side as he made his college plans official. Baisley said it speaks to the talent of Harris and his program, which finished runner up in Class 6A-District 10 with an 18-10 record last season.
“I’m happy for him,” Baisley said. “It’s something he really wanted to do and he’s turned out to be a heck of a player, a heck of a kid, and he’s a good student. Saint Leo is going to be a good fit for him.”
Harris, who batted .412 with nine RBIs and one home run last season, added that the chance to get away from home while still staying nearby was key in his selection.
“It’s close and my parents can come see me play still,” Harris said. “I can live on campus; I feel like I’m away, but I can still get home when I need to. … It’s pretty cool being the only one to be signing right now, but hopefully we’ll get more kids on the team that will be able to sign by the end of the year.”
Saint Leo is a Division II program in the Sunshine State Conference. The Lions went 22-23 last season.
–Stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches.
