Lawrence Herron of Kalamazoo Central returns to lead the Maroon Giants this season after posting back-to-back appearances on the Kalamazoo Gazette All-Area team.

Herron, a fleet-footed center fielder, has anchored the Maroon Giants offense since his Sophomore year, batting third in the lineup.

He hit .392 with 10 doubles and 3 triples as a Sophomore and was named All-Conference and All-Area for his efforts.

Herron followed that up with a better Junior campaign. He hit .418 with 10 doubles, 6 triples and 22 stolen bases. He was named both All-District and All-Area after the season.

Herron played with the top Diamonds Training 18U team coached by Billy Peterson this past summer.

This team featured several other West Michigan High School Baseball “2011 Players to Watch” including Ryan Elble, Robby Enslen, Tyler Baker and Mitchell Patterson.

A very good student, Herron will play, and continue his education, at Western Michigan University for Head Coach Billy Gernon next fall.

Herron committed to the Broncos this summer.

“I chose Western Michigan University because it is one of the top-ranked universities for student-athletes and I believe that Coach Gernon will turn Western Michigan’s baseball program around”, said Herron.

“Coach Gernon is phenomenal! I’m really excited to play for him and I believe that he will help me take my skills to a higher level!”

Herron will join fellow West Michigan High School Baseball “2011 Player to Watch” Jordan Tillman at Western.

But first, he has a final season roaming the outfield for Kalamazoo Central ahead of him!