Marshall County High School two-sport standout Aaron Hobbs' dream came true last Wednesday in Lewisburg when the Tiger senior signed a Letter of Intent to play baseball next year at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson.

"I always have had a lot of family down there, I liked the campus when I visited it, and they have been really good the last couple of years, so I wanted to be part of their program," Hobbs said about attending the NAIA school that is a member of the TranSouth Conference.

'Great kid'

Freed-Hardeman head coach Jonathan Estes said about signing Hobbs, "There was a couple things, No. 1 off the field, he is a great kid and a person of character because he comes from a great family," said Estes. "The second thing is he is going to bring a lot of speed and defense, so he is a guy who could come in and be a middle of the infield guy and create some havoc on the base paths."

Hobbs batted .390 with 20 stolen bases last season for the Tigers and the shortstop was rewarded for his stellar campaign when he was named to the Tennessee Coaches Association's All-Region squad in 2012.

The MCHS shooting guard is a four-year varsity athlete on the basketball team and averaged 13 points per game in 2012-2013.

With Hobbs in the lineup over the last three seasons, the Tigers have amassed a 64-28-1 record with one District 12-AA title, three Region 5-AA tournament berths and a sectional appearance last year where they lost 2-1 to Goodpasture.

Pressure's over

"Kids grow up so quick, I am just tickled to death that Aaron got this opportunity to sign early," said MCHS head coach Steve Reese. "I think this will take all the pressure off Aaron, so he can be totally focused on his senior year that I know will be a good one for him."

Since the age of nine, Hobbs has always known team success on the diamond, winning five state championships and finishing runner-up twice.

Hobbs' first state title came in the 9U USSA ranks when the squad went on to win the World Series where Hobbs as named MVP of the tournament.

Hobbs was part of a second state USSA title at age 10 and at age 11, Hobbs found more success with a runner-up finish in the USSA and a TYBA state title.

At age 12, Hobbs took home the Cal Ripken state championship as the team advanced to the Tournament where they finished in fourth place.

Winning reputation

In the Marshall County Babe Ruth league, Hobbs won league titles three consecutive seasons, while earning MVP awards at 13 and 14, and at age 15 he won the league batting title and was named the defensive player of the year.

In the senior Babe Ruth League, Hobbs was on the state title Dusters' team once again at age 16 and last year, he was voted Most Athletic by his classmates at MCHS.

"We are always looking for kids that come from a great programs, who are used to playing at a high level and used to winning," said Estes. "The guys that know the game transition from the high school game to the next level a lot easier and with him being so smart on the field, we expect him to come in and push for some time right away."

Hobbs sports a 3.4 G.P.A. and wants to study nursing at Freed-Hardeman.