The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

HOLLAND College has become well known to the Bahamas for the recruitment of local players into its football and basketball programmes, and now Bahamians are at the focal point of the latest venture for the Hurricane’s athletic department - baseball.

Lavaughn Ferguson and Cody Cartwright have helped the Hurricanes to a league leading 9-1 record in the Canadian Collegiate Baseball Association’s Atlantic Conference.

The CCBA also includes the Acadia Axemen, Cape Breton Capers, Carleton Spartans, Concordia Stingers, Dalhousie Tigers, UNB Cougars and St Francis Xavier X-Men.

Carwright is listed as a second baseman while Ferguson, a pitcher and centre fielder, has already achieved accolades with the programme as he was named Hurricanes’ Baseball Player of the Week last week.

Ferguson was dominant in a pair of double headers against the Axemen and the Cougars both at the plate and at the mound. In a double-header sweep of the Axemen, Ferguson finished 1-2 with two stolen bases and one walk.

In the second game of a double header against the Cougars, Ferguson made his Hurricanes debut on the mound and pitched a complete game en route to the 4-1 win. In 95 pitches, he struck out six batters, gave up just two hits and one run.

Ferguson is a first year student in the Sport and Leisure Management Programme, is a former Major League Baseball training camp invitee of the Miami Marlins and Minnesota Twins.

In an interview with the Hurricanes’ athletic department, Ferguson detailed his strengths and what he hoped to bring to the Hurricanes lineup.

“My strengths as a pitcher would be my IQ. I like to strategise on the mound and outthink batters. The coaching staff mentioned I’d see some time in the outfield too which is my natural position. My athleticism allows me to be a strong defensive player. I like to compare myself to an Andrew McCutchen or Curtis Granderson type of player,” he said. “At the plate I would classify myself as a contact hitter. I look to get the ball in play and use my speed to get on base. I like to attack and be aggressive at bat. Together we’re going to try to do something special this season on the ball field.”