For most of Dalton Hawes’ life, baseball has played a central role.
The senior at Lee Academy has seen and experienced the game from his days on the youth baseball diamond to Dixie Boys and throughout each grade at Lee.
And he has no intention of slowing down.
“I developed a love for the game and began taking it seriously around age 15,” Hawes said.
That passion for the sport is common in Hawes’ family as his father was a catcher and his uncle a first baseman.
“My favorite positions to play are third base, catcher and pitcher,” Hawes said, “but I’ll play wherever I’m needed.”
Growing up, his inspiration was continually drawn from family — specifically his cousin, Josh Duhon, who also played for Lee Academy.
Hawes says Duhon would work with him, teaching him the mechanics and anything else he knew could help to hone his skills.
Two years ago, Hawes played on the championship team with the American Legion for the first year. He enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to travel.
When asked his most memorable play of his high school career, Hawes answered, “I hit my first home run of the season against Deer Creek. I actually hit two that game!”
Winning defensive Most Valuable Player among other awards, Hawes has remained humble, saying his personal goal, as well as the overall team goal for this season, is to “go over 500” — meaning to be better than average with fewer errors, more wins and a higher batting average.
“I like the team we have. I really do feel like over the years, I’ve gotten the chance to build a really good relationship with all of my teammates. I feel like we’re doing pretty good and working well together.”
Hawes expressed his desire to have a winning season with the Colts as a graduating senior saying, “I’d rather win as a team than just be successful as myself. The more successful we are as a team, the better off we’ll be. It means a lot.”
Hawes’ academic success is just as important to him as his athletic performance. He says he is determined to keep his grades in line in preparation for the next phase of his baseball career. Although he has not made a final decision, Dalton has hopes of playing on the collegiate level.
“When I first got to Lee, Dalton was one of the first kids I met,” said Coach Brock McKnight. “I learned early on that he comes from a good family and handles his business on and off the field.
“He’s one of those that when it comes down to it, I know I can speak well of him to any program and he’ll go there and exceed expectations and do what he’s supposed to, academically and athletically. In my opinion, he’s a good kid; every coach’s dream. Respectful and plays hard.”
Batting right-handed and third in the lineup, high expectations of Hawes continue to grow as the all-around player prepares for a winning season with the Lee Academy baseball team.
Lee will play Oak Hill in West Point on Saturday.
