Hamilton to play baseball at Blue Mountain College
RED BAY — Red Bay High School’s Reed Hamilton has officially signed a scholarship to continue his education and baseball career at Blue Mountain College in Mississippi. Hamilton’s parents are Brian and Amy Hamilton.
Hamilton’s journey to the scholarship was anything but straightforward, marked by a significant early season injury and an inspiring comeback.
His senior season began with an unfortunate setback — a broken foot on opening day. The injury sidelined him for part of the season, forcing him into a rigorous rehabilitation process. Despite the challenge, Hamilton’s determination allowed him to return for Red Bay’s final 17 games, including their impressive playoff run to the third round.
Red Bay coach Donovan Hand lauded Hamilton’s resilience and impact.
“Going into the season, Reed was swinging the bat great. It was really unfortunate for him and the team,” Hand said of the injury. “To Reed’s credit, he did not give up. He worked extremely hard to make a comeback and was an integral part of our team in the middle of the lineup down the stretch.”
Hand also highlighted Hamilton’s invaluable leadership qualities.
“Reed is loved by his teammates. That is why he was selected as our team captain and that is why so many of them are here today in the middle of the summer to support Reed. They also saw how hard he worked, and it gave the team a jolt of confidence when he reentered the lineup late in the season.”
Hamilton emphasized his resolve to salvage his senior year.
“It was depressing when I found out my foot was broken, and I couldn’t play. I just put it in God’s hands and went to work, and He gave me another opportunity.”
When the chance to try out with Blue Mountain College arose, Hamilton seized it.
“I just told myself to go in there and do the best I could,” he said. “I hit the ball well, but they also were impressed with how I did in the field.”
Hamilton is expected to play first base or serve as a designated hitter for the Toppers. He is scheduled to report to Blue Mountain on Aug. 15.
His signing marks a significant achievement for Red Bay’s baseball program under Hand, as Hamilton becomes the third player to sign a baseball scholarship, following in the footsteps of classmate Ty Reynolds, who signed with Northwest Shoals Community College, and 2024 graduate Eli Farris. who is currently playing at Bevill State in Jasper.
