Vincent signs with Wallace State
Russellville’s Nathan Vincent signs with Wallace State Wednesday. Pictured, front row from left, Chad Vincent, Nathan Vincent, Stephanie Vincent and Taylor Vincent; second row, Russellville ehad coach David Ward and Wallace State head coach Randy Putman. | Scot Beard/FCT
Russellville’s Nathan Vincent has received not only scholarship offers from several community colleges and four-year universities, but he is also a prospect in the Major League Baseball Draft.
Vincent said he is rated 9 out of a scale of 10 and said he has a good chance of being drafted, but wants to enjoy the college experience.
So when Vincent decided to sign with Wallace State Wednesday some people asked why the Lions?
“I wanted to go to junior college,” Vincent said. “I didn’t want to get locked in for three years at a bigger school.”
If a player is drafted by Major League Baseball then signs with a four-year university, that player is not eligible for the draft for three seasons. That restriction is not placed on junior college players.
Vincent, who switched from shortstop to catcher for the Golden Tigers this season said he will be used as an outfielder, third baseman or catcher by the Lions.
Vincent said this year behind the plate was not too much of a transition because he had caught before. He also said it opened up more options for him with collegiate offers.
“It’s a lot of work (to play catcher),” Vincent said. “It’s not a lot of fun sometimes either.”
Of course Vincent’s defense is not the only thing college and pro scouts like about his game. He has been one of the Golden Tigers’ top hitters for the past few seasons.
He said he would remember his time at Russellville fondly. He said the locker room was special and the season his team had this year will be something to remember because they played well together, which was the biggest key to the 31-game winning streak.
“(Russellville) is a good program and I’ve learned a lot of stuff here,” Vincent said. “It is fun playing at this stadium.”
