April’s Student-Athlete Spotlight is on Liam Dutton, a senior at Pinecrest who is currently playing his final baseball season as a high school athlete.
The Foxfire native has been a Patriot for four years, playing football up until this season and baseball throughout his entire high school career. He made the varsity team as a sophomore and earned a starting role after just five games.
“I’ve played baseball since I could pick up a bat,” Liam said. “I’ve always tried to play every sport I could.”
He began organized baseball at the age of three, skipping tee-ball and starting in coach pitch.
“I’ve always played in groups two years older than me,” he said.
Last season, Liam scored 22 runs, led the conference with 25 RBIs, and hit five home runs.
“I would like to top my home runs and RBIs this season,” Liam added.
Liam is considering playing in a summer league before heading to Mars Hill University in Asheville, where he has committed to continue his baseball career.
With a 3.8 GPA in high school, Liam plans to continue working hard in the classroom at the next level while pursuing a degree in either criminal justice or sociology.
“My dad worked in law enforcement until he retired, and I would probably do something along those lines,” he said.
His father retired after nearly 30 years as a Wildlife Resource Officer.
“I love the outdoors, and Dad did it before retiring,” Liam explained. “I’ve always loved being outside, whether it’s fishing or hunting. It’s a really good fit for me.”
Outside of school, Liam attends church with his family and enjoys cooking.
“I’m passionate about it,” he said. “I love to cook different types of cuisine.” His friends’ favorite meal that he makes is chicken cutlets. He also spends time with friends hunting and fishing.
If you’re a student-athlete’s parent, you know the sacrifices and dedication it takes. Liam’s parents were all in when it came to supporting their kids in sports. Whether it was watching from the stands, cooking burgers, announcing, or helping with fundraisers, Liam said his parents were always there.
“I have to thank my parents; they have always been supportive,” he said.
Liam and the Patriots are midseason and on track to make another playoff run.
“I want to thank Coach Lee; he helped get me my scholarship offer at Mars Hill,” said Liam. “Coach Friede also helped with that, and Coach Hewitt, my head coach. Playing for those guys has been amazing. I’ve enjoyed all four years of it. They want to win as much as we do.”
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Contributed photos of Liam Dutton.
~Article by Curtis Self, a Sandhills Sentinel reporter and owner of Moore Daily Sports. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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