Bayside Academy’s Pitts chooses Samford baseball program

Admiral shortstop set national event record with 96-mph throw across the infield

By Cole McNanna
Sports Editor
cole@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 9/28/22

Bayside Academy junior Gatlin Pitts made his college decision last Friday, Sept. 23, and announced he’ll join the Samford Bulldogs’ roster after graduating in 2024.

This summer, the …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get the gift of local news. All subscriptions 50% off for a limited time!

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in

Bayside Academy’s Pitts chooses Samford baseball program

Admiral shortstop set national event record with 96-mph throw across the infield

Posted

Bayside Academy junior Gatlin Pitts made his college decision last Friday, Sept. 23, and announced he’ll join the Samford Bulldogs’ roster after graduating in 2024.

This summer, the Admiral shortstop Pitts logged a 96-mph throw on the infield during a nationwide event, Prep Baseball Report’s Futures Games. That marked a 2-mph improvement on the event’s previous best, set by fellow Alabamian Aidan Stewart from Wetumpka, in 2019.

At the same event, Pitts also recorded personal bests in max exit velocity (96.2), average exit velocity (89.4), distance (347’) and sweet spot percentage (73%) at the plate. He also set a new top running speed at 20.7 mph and a new top velocity on his fastball at 89.6 mph with a velocity range of 85-88.8 mph.

Pitts will join another Eastern Shore standout, Bayshore Christian senior John Malone, in playing collegiately at Samford.

“I would like to thank The Lord for the ability to play the game I love! I would like to thank my parents, coaches, and teammates for all the support throughout the years,” Pitts said in his announcement. “I would also like to thank Samford University for the opportunity to further my education and continued opportunities to compete! Go Bulldogs!”

This past spring, Pitts helped Bayside Academy to the state quarterfinals with playoff sweeps of Dadeville and Houston Academy. The sophomore was named a first-team all-star by Mobile Baseball Connection after he collected a .347 average with 34 hits (7 doubles, 3 home runs), 32 runs scored, 22 RBIs and 17 stolen bases, according to unofficial stats.

This upcoming spring, the Admirals will make the move up to Class 4A where they join the Orange Beach Makos, St. Michael Cardinals and UMS-Wright Bulldogs in making up the new Region 1. Only St. Michael was in the same group last year and took the runner-up spot into the playoffs behind the eventual state champion Mobile Christian Leopards, who moved up to Class 5A.