Devyn Wright purchased his Louisville Slugger Meta Prime bat prior to his move to Ozark from Marion, Illinois three years ago.
The fact the 32-inch, 29-ounce bat is red and black made his ensuing transition to being a Tiger only seem natural.
“I guess it was kind of ironic that when we moved to Ozark, that was the school colors,” he said.
Wright’s bat helped him flourish at the top of Ozark’s lineup last season. The left-handed swinging center fielder finished with a .337 batting average and was named to the All-COC Second Team.
Little wonder he is bringing back that same bat for his senior season.
“I had heard good things about it before we bought it. I like the way it feels, it’s a good bat,” Wright said. “They’re so expensive that I try to use a bat as long as it will possibly last me. I was going to use it my sophomore season, but then our season got canceled (due to COVID). I’m hoping it will last the whole season again for me.”
This time last year, Wright was projected in the bottom third of Ozark’s lineup. But as the Tigers stumbled to a 2-8 start to the season, Wright received a grand promotion and inserted in the leadoff spot.
He responded to the move naturally right off the bat. His on-base percentage over the first two weeks he was at lead-off was near 500.
A patient hitter who can lay down a bunt along the base lines, he is also looking forward to getting the offense started this season.
“It’s a big challenge being the first guy up,” Wright said, “I learned more of what I can do there last year. Lead-off spot is a good spot for me. Hopefully, I can do what’s best for the team and play that spot to the best of my abilities this season. I believe I’m ready for it.
“I’m glad to get rolling again and want to do whatever the team needs me to do to win,” he added. “I’m going to try to get the year off to a good start.”
Defensively, Wright is part of a speedy outfield the Tigers are counting on to be exceptional. Sutton Hanks will be left and Greydon Miller in right.
“I’m excited for the outfield,” Wright said. “We’ll be fast and we’re deep in the outfield. We have some juniors that can play the outfield well, as well. I think we’ll be good at tracking balls and running them down.”
