Kody Carson of Harper Creek High School is one of West Michigan High School Baseball’s 2011 Players to Watch.
A Second-Team All-State selection in Division 2 as a junior, Carson has led the Beavers’ high powered offense for the last two years.
“Our team has broken many offensive records over the last two seasons and Kody has led the way in almost every category” says Harper Creek head coach Chad Dishaw.
“He hits for average, power and can go to all fields.”
Carson’s stats from his junior year prove Coach Dishaw correct. He hit .475 with 57 hits, 17 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs, 46 RBI’s, 17 walks and 12 HBP’s.
Carson set single-season school records at Harper Creek last year with his hits, RBI’s and HBP’s. He has the second highest single-season record for doubles and runs scored.
A great fielder who usually plays center field, Carson has also played shortstop, second base and first base for the Beavers.
“Kody is an outstanding player. He can play multiple positions and is a complete hitter” said Dishaw.
“He is a fierce competitor that likes to be challenged. He is very knowledgeable about the game and leads by example.”
Like most great players, Carson steps it up in the big games. For example, in a doubleheader last season against then #2 ranked Portage Northern, Carson led the Beavers to a win and a tie.
Carson went 8 for 9 at the plate with 3 doubles, a triple and a home run.
Other highlights from his junior campaign include winning a District Championship and being named All-City, All-Conference and Academic All-District.
Playing summer baseball with Mike Hinga’s top 18U team from the Kalamazoo Maroons has exposed Carson to college coaches. He is being recruited by multiple schools.
“Kody has many options at the next level and is someone who will be a coach’s dream.” said Coach Dishaw.
Carson is also the starting quarterback and linebacker for the Harper Creek football team, in addition to playing varsity basketball. He is also a member of the National Honor Society.
However, it’s baseball that he will play in college.
Coach Dishaw said: “He’s a guy who loves the game and has tremendous effort every day. As good as he is on the field, he is an even better person.”