Manny Velazquez has been dynamic for Hixson High School baseball for the last four years.
With a smooth and natural line-drive stroke from the left side, Velazquez fit right at the top of the lineup from the get-go for Colton Green’s program. While his role as the spark plug in the leadoff spot has not changed there has been a major addition to his game this season.
“Hitting is my favorite thing to do. I have always stayed aggressive at the plate and driven the ball, but I never had much power until this year,” said Velazquez, who was at first a right handed hitter before getting comfortable from the left side when he tried switch hitting. “All of a sudden my slugging percentage has jumped way up. I had never hit the ball with lots of power ever. It’s been a lot of fun seeing my power come to me and hitting the ball further than ever before.”
Making a mistake to Velazquez has proven costly to many pitchers. Heading into Tuesday’s game against Sale Creek he was batting .467 (28-for-60) with 13 of his hits going for extra bases, including two monster home runs that landed on the softball field. He also has eight stolen bases and consistently makes impressive plays at shortstop.
Getting to hit behind Velazquez has been a joy for teammate and best friend A.J. Wild, who has been a speed demon for Hixson as well with 15 stolen bases and a team-high 40 runs scored. From the on-deck circle, Wild has seen up close the damage the Wildcats’ leadoff can do at the plate.