SHS’ Tate looks to improve more during time at EMCC
Caden Tate doesn’t believe he has reached his ceiling as a baseball player.
During his senior year with the Starkville Yellow Jackets and his future career at East Mississippi Community College, Tate intends to continue his improvement.
“I know this isn’t it,” Tate said. “I’ve got to keep going. It’s only right.”
Tate signed with the Lions on Thursday in front of coaches, family and friends in the SHS library.
Baseball has been a big part of Tate’s life and he is thankful for the opportunity to keep playing after high school. With family members having already attending EMCC, the decision to head to Scooba seemed like a good fit.
“I’ve been working toward this my whole life,” Tate said. “This is all I’ve ever played and cared for. It feels good to be in this in this position.”
Tate started playing for the Jackets as a freshman when he would enter games as a defensive replacement. He continued to improve until he became an every day starter last season as a junior.
SHS head coach Luke Adkins has enjoyed a front row seat to Tate’s progress.
“He had some real impactful moments in the run we had in the playoffs,” Atkins said of last season. “He is a superb outfielder for a high school baseball player and he’s really starting to figure it out offensively. He has really bought in being able to bunt for a base hit. Adding those little pieces has already made a big difference in his game. I don’t think he’s plateaued yet so I look for him to have a really good senior year for us and continue on at East Mississippi.”
Tate is a centerfielder for the Jackets, but because of his arm strength Atkins
could see him possibly moving to right at EMCC.
“He gets some of the best reads off the baseball that I’ve had an opportunity to coach since I’ve been here,” Atkins said. “His arm has gotten stronger every year so I can see him moving to a right field.”
Before he becomes a Lion, Tate has some unfinished business at SHS.
Tate will be one of the few veterans for the Jackets so he knows that role will be key in the spring.
“They expect me to be a leader,” Tate said. “There are a bunch of our seniors gone. There aren’t very many of us left. I’ve got to be the one to pick it up.”