A key piece in the turnaround of the Harlan baseball program over the past three years, Brody Owens has no intention of watching his baseball career end when his high school career concludes in May.
Owens announced recently that he would continue to play on the next level at Transylvania University.
“Transylvania felt like home the moment I stepped on campus — the culture, the people and the program all lined up with who I want to become,” Owens said. “I felt that Transy was the school that was going to best prepare me for my future while also competing at a high level.”
Owens moved into the starting lineup as a catcher when he was a freshman, Owens hit .253 with 18 hits and 22 stolen bases for the 13-14 Dragons.
He hit .234 as a sophomore with 25 hits and 14 stolen bases as Harlan improved to 23-12 and won the regional All “A” Classic championship, the 52nd District Tournament title and a first-round game in the 13th Region Tournament.
The Dragons repeated as district champs last season and advanced to the regional final four while Owens played an even bigger role with a .347 average and 33 hits and 15 stolen bases to rank second on the team in all three categories. He also saw more action on the mound with a 2-1 record and a 4.29 earned run average with 39 strikeouts in 31 innings.
“I’m really excited for Brody. He works as hard on his craft as anyone,” Harlan coach Lee Freyer said. “He was one of our leaders offensively last season and had several great outings on the mound. I’m looking forward to seeing what he accomplishes his senior season.”