Rams prepare Tittle for college baseball
Coming into his last season of high school baseball, Lakeside senior Race Tittle had one overriding goal: give himself an opportunity to play at the collegiate level.
Tittle achieved that goal Thursday, signing a national letter of intent to play baseball at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
“He came to us in the summer and being able to play college baseball was in the discussion,” Lakeside coach Leighton Hardin said. “We said he needed to focus on getting himself in shape and gave him some numbers that he needed to hit. It looked like it was a big jump that he was going to have to make, but he put his head down and went to work every day. He got himself in shape enough to where he’s going to be able to play at the next level, and that’s extremely impressive.”
Tittle said the college atmosphere he experienced on an official visit drew him to UAPB.
“When I first got to the campus, I really felt like family because of their hospitality,” said Tittle. “They treated me well and there was really nothing to not like about it.”
Following the graduation of all-state performers Tanner Rice and Jon Youngblood, Tittle proved his worth with a 2-1 record, 2.81 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings.
Recruited as a pitcher, Tittle was no slouch at the plate this season and believes that versatility will help him at the next level. Tittle batted .361, had 16 RBI and finished third on the team with 30 hits, including six doubles.
“I think it’ll help; I’m just going up there to do anything that can help the team and put us in the best position to win,” Tittle said. “Anything they ask me to do, I’m ready for it.”
Facing a schedule that included Class 6A champion Sheridan, Class 5A runner-up Magnolia and perennial powers Watson Chapel and White Hall, Tittle is no stranger to top competition.
“Lakeside does a really good job getting all the players ready to go to the next level,” he said. “There’s really good competition throughout the conference and coach schedules a lot of difficult non-conference games. To go to UAPB where they are Division 1, and they’re going to be facing some tough competition, I think I’ll be ready for the challenge.”
Tittle knows the life of a student athlete will not be easy. Trying to balance the rigors of a college schedule while also competing to improve a team that finished 15-31 last season is no small task, but after putting the time in to reach this level, he’s excited for the opportunity to chase another goal.
“I want to go in and create pressure on my opponent, do anything I can to help the team win and try to achieve my bachelor’s degree in four years,” said Tittle. “It’s serious business up there so I’m looking forward to the challenges.”
Joining 2016 graduates Erick Aguirre and Brandon Hall at Arkansas Baptist, Kyle Lightsey at Southern Arkansas and Youngblood at Henderson State, Tittle continues an impressive legacy under Hardin, who has now had five players sign college letters in his two seasons as head coach.
“I guess it’s a little bit of validation that some of the things that we’re doing here are right,” Hardin said. “We’re always looking to improve and finding ways to get our guys to be able to compete in high school, and then give them the opportunity to where they will be able to go on and play college baseball. We’ve got a couple out there that may sign later this year, so it’s a big step for this program to have maybe six or seven guys in the last two years sign to play college baseball.”