Once an Eagle; always an Eagle.
Purdy baseball senior Hunter Lee will not change mascots as he prepares to move to the next level, signing a letter of intent on Jan. 29 to continue his career at Central Methodist University (CMU) in Fayette.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “This is a lifelong goal since I was a little kid. As a child, I had dreams of playing at the next level, and I want to thank CMU for the opportunity, my parents, and God for the life he has blessed me with.”
In his three years at Purdy so far, with a spring season on the horizon, Lee has pitched 116.1 innings with a 3.68 ERA, 61 earned runs and a 15-8 record.
Joshua Hughes, Purdy baseball coach, said any ERA below 5.00 is good enough to give the Eagles a chance, and Lee’s decision to carry on pitching at CMU is a good one.
“I am ecstatic,” Hughes said. “This has been a goal of Hunter’s since he was young, and he’s worked hard. I’m excited for his opportunity to play and get an education at the same time, and he’ll be a good fit where he’s going.”
Lee said he was drawn to CMU after a tour of the campus, finding it a good fit like his coach said.
“When I toured, I felt like the atmosphere was amazing,” he said. “Their coach was very respectful, and he gave me guarantees I would get to play at the next level and have a blast.”
Lee has many memories at Purdy, including times spent with friends.
“I’ll always remember being around my teammates first and foremost,” he said. “You have to build that brotherhood to play the game with love. We get to play to the best of our abilities and help teach the underclassmen how to play the game correctly. And, we know how because of Coach Hughes., We are blessed to have him here.”
On the diamond, Lee has plenty of highlight reel moments to play back in his head. In the fall of his junior year, Lee pitched a full game, throwing 74 pitches and giving up only 2 hits while striking out 11 and walking none. But, his most dramatic moment came last spring when, tied 7-7, he nailed a seventh-inning walk-off homer against Lamar on senior night.
“He saved those seven seniors with that hit,” Hughes said.
Hughes added Lee’s success in college will be based on his effort, and he has no shortage of drive.
[A big plus for Hunter is] how hard he has worked in the weight room,” Hughes said. “He will go in as a pitcher, and the fact he has that long, lanky body will give him the chance to get a better release. He is very willing to learn and is coachable.”
Lee said he’s excited for the change coming in the fall, diving into college life.
“I’m excited for the change in lifestyle and getting away from home,” he said. “This is the next step, and I’m excited to see where everything goes.”
Lee is the son of Dustin and Lauren Lee. He plans to major in business.
