Zaer Hernandez, a baseball player from Jenkins High School's class of 2024, officially signed on August 13, 2024, to further his education and sports career at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie. Following conversations with his family and Warrior Head Baseball Coach Seth Gaspin, Gaspin announced the news in the HV Jenkins High School auditorium in the presence of Zaer coaches, teammates, family members, and friends.
PHOTO: Zaer Herenandex (middle) with Warrior baseball teammates
Throughout his career, Zaer demonstrated the resilience and leadership skills expressed by Gaspin. In his senior year, He batted .409 with 18 hits in 44 at-bats and 6 RBIs, according to MaxPreps. Hernandez was named to the GHSA Class 5A Region first team, stated Gaspin.
Coach Gaspin, who has mentored Zaer since he was a freshman, commended him for embodying the values of the Jenkins High School baseball program. Gaspin spoke highly of Hernandez, reflecting on his impact on Jenkins High School's baseball program as he prepares to continue his athletic career at USC Salkehatchie. "Zaire is exactly the kind of player we want to represent Jenkins Baseball," Coach Gaspin shared. "He's a true grinder—when he comes to practice, he's there to work the whole time." Zaer's work ethic also earned him the title of team captain.
PHOTO (l-r): HV Jenkins Baseball Staff - AC Billy McAdams, AC Mike Watson, Zaer Hernandez, HC Seth Gaspin, AC Drew McKenzie
"Coach Gaspin always pushed me to give my best. He would say that practice is work, and I took that to heart. Even when I got hurt at the beginning of my senior year, I never stopped leading. Coach asked me to be a captain, and I wanted to set the right example for my teammates."
Zaer also discussed how he chose USC Salkehatchie, citing the impact of his summer performance with the Five Star travel team coached by Adam Kitchens on his decision-making process this summer. "I had options to go different places, but USC Salkehatchie felt like the right fit. Coach Joye has believed in me from the beginning, which means a lot. It's a JUCO, so I know I can transfer up, and my ultimate goal is to go Division I and eventually play professional baseball."
Hernandez expressed his gratitude for the opportunities ahead, saying, "Playing at the collegiate level has always been a dream of mine since I started playing baseball at three years old. With the support of Coach Gaspin and others, I'm excited to see where this journey takes me."
PHOTO CREDIT: Prep Sports Report
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