CRESTVIEW — Wednesday was unforgettable for a Crestview High School senior who glimpsed his promising future.
That morning, Seth Thomason, 18, signed a baseball scholarship to play for the Alabama Southern Eagles.
"I plan to be a hard worker for them," the teen said.
Classmates and family members gathered in the CHS media center to congratulate Thomason, who plays first base for the Bulldogs.
Crestview baseball coach Tim Gillis and Alabama Southern head coach Daniel Head have no doubt that Thomason will add value to the Eagles baseball team.
"His work ethic has been tremendous," Gillis said. "He has made himself into an above average defender at first (base)."
In addition, Thomason has continued to produce on offense, Gillis said.
"He has been up there at the top of the list (of hitters)," Gillis said. "In his three years, he has come up with big hits … in clutch situations."
The coach also commented on the athlete's character.
"He not only represents Crestview Baseball well, but (also) Crestview High School," Gillis said.
Thomason would be a welcome addition to the team, Head said.
"I expect him to be a first base hitter and make an immediate impact," he said.
The Eagles have been losing both their starting and back-up players at the first baseman position, Head said.
"The idea is for him to come in and help us be competitive and win games for us," Head said. "He will be very well prepared for college baseball because of where he is now."
AlabamaSouthern has recruited several Crestview players in the past, and Thomason anticipates his arrival at the Monroeville, Ala., community college.
"The coaches are really nice there; I feel like I would fit there," he said. "I just like how they treated their players; they are real honest with everyone."
"They want me to hit the ball right off the bat; I plan to do that," Thomason said.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Thomason signs with Alabama Southern Community College