GRAVETTE — Aaron Means, senior center fielder and pitcher with the Gravette Lions baseball team, signed a letter of intent on Nov. 25 with Ecclesia College, Springdale, to play with the Royals.
Means, 18, son of Jason and Amy Means, in his junior year at GHS had a batting average of .240 in 50 at bats. He had one triple, six RBIs and scored 11 runs. As a pitcher, with 24 innings pitched and 22 strikeouts, his ERA was 4.60. In his summer Legion baseball season,he averaged .382 with 68 at bats, had two triples, a double and scored 12 runs with fi ve RBIs.
“This is an exciting time for Aaron and his family,” said Coach Randall Hunt. “Today is the beginning of something special for Aaron’s career at the next level. With the opportunity to further his education and compete at the collegiate level at Ecclesia College, Aaron has a great opportunity to make some amazing memories over the next four years. Aaron has been a vital part of our Gravette tradition for the past three years and we will sure miss his leadership and production inour lineup next year. I look forward to seeing what the Royals can accomplish over the years under the leadership of head coach Derrion Hardie and with several former Gravette Lions in the program - Braton Coffelt and Jasper Russ, 2013 graduates. The Gravette baseball ‘family’ wishes Aaron the best of luck next year as part of the Ecclesia baseball program.”
Aaron is flanked by his parents, Amy and Jason Means. Lion coach Randall Hunt, in the back, and Derrion Hardie, Royals coach, witnessed the signing along with the new signee’s teammates.
Opinion, Pages 6 on 12/04/2013