Andalusia All-American
Published 12:00 am Friday, July 6, 2012
Andalusia native and LBWCC sophomore Aaron Haag was selected recently to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division 1 All-American baseball team for this season.
Haag had a stellar 2012 season for the Saints, averaging more than four hits per game (.409).
He said hitting the ball this season wasn’t really about finesse, but that it was more mental.
“It’s more of a mind set,” Haag said. “When you get your swing right, and you get in a rhythm, then it comes easier.”
In his second year as the Saints’ first baseman, Haag finished with a .678 slugging percentage, 48 RBIs, 10 home runs, scored 42 runs and had 22 stolen bases.
“It’s a big honor to represent LBW, and be selected for the team,” he said.
Haag said the Saints’ coaching staff, head coach Steve Helms and assistant coach Brandon Ware helped him a lot this season.
“I just got in a rhythm and stayed on track,” he said.
This fall, Haag will travel down to Louisiana and will play baseball for Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La.
Haag also was selected to the Alabama Community College Conference 1st team All-Region and 1st team All-Sourthern League this season.
Back in high school, Haag played baseball at Andalusia High School during his freshman and sophomore years. He transferred to Class 6A Spain Park High School in Birmingham his junior year.
While at Spain Park, Haag said playing in that environment helped him prepare to play for the Saints the next two years.
“I think the competition was better,” he said.
Haag said he’s really looking forward to playing baseball at Southeastern.
“I’m really excited,” he said. “It just felt right when I went on my visit. Everything felt right.
“I like the coaching staff, and I like the area,” he said. “I felt like it was going to be a good fit for me.”
Haag will play first base for the Lions next year, and is the son of Ron and Carol Haag, of Andalusia.