Ethan Willard finds a home atop Post 45’s lineup

ASHEBORO — There are certain characteristics that bode well for a leadoff hitter. A keen eye, an aggressive approach, a good contact hitter, a solid base runner and maybe even a dash of power.

Ethan Willard has it all. 

The Randolph County Post 45 shortstop, a graduate of Trinity High School who is headed to Pfeiffer in the fall, has shown all these abilities during the summer season.

As Post 45’s leadoff hitter, he is hitting .449 (31- for-69) with 28 runs scored, 16 RBIs, seven doubles, five triples and two home runs entering third round playoff action. He is a key reason the Post 45 offense has taken a giant step up from last year.

“His ability to get on base and make things happen,” veteran Post 45 coach Ronnie Pugh said of Willard’s leadoff strengths. “He has the ability to drive the baseball and when he gets on base, he has speed and is a threat on the bases.”

Willard’s summer season is an extension of his spring season as he was named to the Randolph Hub’s All-County team after hitting .341 with 25 runs scored, 14 RBIs, five doubles, two triples and 15 stolen bases.

Willard said he grew up playing travel ball, but realized the advantages of American Legion baseball while still in high school.

“I’ve pretty much been a travel ball person, but at this point and time, it was really doing me no good,” he said. “Why spend all that money when you can play Legion and get more at-bats.”

Willard has had plenty of those as he has 69 official plate appearances. He has also drawn nine walks and been hit by pitches four times. He has recorded 15 stolen bases in 16 attempts.

The key has been an aggressive approach.

“You can have the ability to see pitches or attack because you know that first pitch is going to be there,” Willard said of being a leadoff hitter. “I usually go after the first one. But a lot of teams know that and start me off with a curveball.”

Willard has hit two home runs this year, both leading off the first inning. He did it against Liberty and Chatham County to jumpstart the Post 45 offense.

“That was crazy,” Willard said. “In the high school season, I didn’t hit a home run.”

As a shortstop, Willard has shown his defensive prowess every game. A strong fielder with exceptional footwork and a strong arm, he has taken a number of hits away from opposing players.

He combines with second baseman Jake Riddle to form a very solid duo up the middle.

“They are both hard-nosed baseball competitors,” Pugh said.

Willard said he’s enjoyed his first year putting on a Post 45 uniform.

“It’s been good, we have a solid team and we just have to keep getting after it,” he said.

Willard walked in his final at-bat Saturday night and worked his way around  to score the winning run in Post 45’s come-from-behind 8-7 win in 10 innings over Mooresville. That win gave Randolph County a 2-1 win in the best-of-three Area III second-round playoff series and moved Post 45 to the Area semifinals against Union County.

You can bet Willard was ready once again to jumpstart the Post 45 offense.