Bradwell Institute baseball player Stephen Felton signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Albany State University Wednesday at BI’s media center.
Felton said he started playing ball through the Liberty County Recreation Department and dreamed he would play in college.
Surrounded by his Tiger teammates, friends, coaching staff Felton promised he would carry on the athletic pride of being a BI Tiger.
“I really appreciate it. I will never forget this moment,” he said. “I am really enjoying this moment, and I want to say that I am not going to let you guys down when I go to college. I will keep my head on straight and do what I have to do.”
This year, Felton ranks fourth on the Tigers’ list of hitters with 17 hits on 54 at bats and 10 RBIs. He’s hit three doubles and two triples in 19 games. His on-base percentage was .397 and he has a slugging percent of .444. Felton is tied for second on the team in stolen bases with seven, has 69 total catches for 39 put outs, earning a .884 fielding percentage. He’s pitched 21 innings tossing 27 strikeouts, based on stats posted on maxpreps.com as of Saturday morning.
Tiger coach Jeff Polk said it has been some time since a Bradwell player signed a baseball scholarship.
“I think this is the first baseball signing in a couple of years,” he said. “We are very proud of you, and my advice is to not forget where you come from, be humble and enjoy it. I know this has been a dream for you, and we are very proud of you.”
Felton’s mother, Brianne, thanked everyone for participating in her son’s moment. She said many people contributed to her son’s success and she was grateful to them all.
“I want to thank everyone for coming and supporting Stephen throughout the years…the prayers and support from not only Bradwell, but the community….we couldn’t do this by ourselves and this truly was a community support,” she said.
“Thank you for taking him as your own and for loving him and showing him your support,” his dad, Lenton, added. “We are excited and overwhelmed and looking forward to what’s in store and excited about what is about to take place.”
Former Bradwell baseball and football player Leonard Felton came to watch his little brother. The older Felton, in the Army and preparing to head overseas, was glad he was able to be there.
“It is a great honor to see my little brother sign and go off to college and do big things. I am really proud of him,” Leonard Felton said.