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Sports

Connor Hatch: The Ultimate 2-Sport, Multiple Position Player

Connor Hatch's versatile abilities allow him to play multiple positions on both the basketball court and baseball field.

Coaches of early levels often rotate players through many different positions so they may gain experience at each and ultimately determine where they will be most effective.

This exposure helps young athletes learn the game from each position, contributing to their overall understanding of the sport.

Connor Hatch, an 11-year-old fifth grader at , had to adapt to a position change this year on his basketball team as he moved from point guard to small forward.

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Previously playing with a distributing-the-ball mentality, Connor had to switch his frame of mind to a put-it-in-the-basket attitude at small forward.

“This year was a transition for him, as he was not depended on to bring the ball up the court, thus giving him more of a scorer’s mentality," coach Chris Pittard, said.  "He did not disappoint.”

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Along with adapting to the new role, Connor was heavily depended on for his skills on both sides of the ball.

Being a quick learner, his ability to retain a lot of information and impressive lateral movement made him a constant threat on both ends of the court.

Connor’s capability of learning and excelling at different positions translates to the baseball field as well.

Playing on the Georgia Redbirds traveling team that competes in various tournaments throughout the season, Connor’s strong arm has come in handy as he has moved around the diamond playing everything from catcher to right field. Out of the three tournaments the Redbirds have played, they have come home as champions in two of them.

Connor batted .800 with at least 3 RBIs the first day of the most recent tournament.

“The reason I enjoy watching him is because he gives 110 percent from the minute the game starts until the minute the game is over…he hustles,” his mother, Stephanie Hatch, said.

This two-sport athlete has proven that he is a grave asset to any team he plays on, and his ability to perform at multiple positions will make him a valuable prospect in the future. 

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