Huge pickup as he’s one of the top players in the country. Hopefully we can get him here:
LaFond, who pitches and plays shortstop, also had offers from TCU, Texas, Rice, Oklahoma State, Tulane, Florida International, Kentucky, Jackson State, Savannah State, Lamar and a number of junior colleges.
LaFond is also likely to be selected in the upcoming major league draft.
LaFond bounced back from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow to claim MVP honors on the Advocate’s all-area team last season after leading the Bobcats to the Class 2A regional semifinal.
He also earned first-team all-state honors at shortstop from the Texas Sports Writers Association.
LaFond had a 6-0 pitching record with a 1.83 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 26.1 innings.
He hit .580 with three home runs, seven triples, 12 doubles and 37 RBIs. He also had 24 stolen bases.
Perfect Game rated him at a 10 and he was a 2015 & 2016 Underclass All American
Another player, senior D’Mond LaFond, pitches and plays shortstop for Refugio High School. He has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Houston. His favorite player – Jeff Bagwell – has had a pretty good week, too, having been elected to the Hall of Fame on Wednesday.
“I just feel in love with baseball at Minute Maid Park,” LaFond said. “I knew that was something I wanted to try. I used to be the worst player on my team, but I stayed with it.”
On Saturday, he did just what Hinch recommended: He treated the day as an opportunity.
“It’s an honor and a blessing just to be invited to a thing like this,” LaFond said. “You learn about other players and meet some new people. You learn something about yourself too.”
You had a chance to sign with the Rangers as a free agent. Why did you feel playing in college would be a better option?
I know that going to school will make me get bigger, stronger, faster and better. Just tweaking a few more things so I can be more repetitious with my delivery, I just feel like Houston will do that for me.
