Twelve years ago, Thomas Kuhn came to Grenada when his father, Ashley Kuhn, was named the head football coach at Grenada High School. When he reached high school, he played football, baseball and soccer for the Chargers.
Now, as he prepares for his final semester of high school and his final baseball season at GHS, he can relax after recently signing a scholarship to play college baseball at Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorhead.
“It’s the dream of every player to compete and to play at the next level,” Kuhn said. “It’s a blessing and a lot of pressure off you heading into your senior season – knowing that you have a chance to play next season. It’s a really good feeling.”
Grenada High School head baseball coach Jake Yarborough said Kuhn brings a lot of positives to his game, but like any player, some areas that need improving.
“Thomas is solid defensively,” Yarborough said. “He needs to work on his arm strength by doing a lot of long tossing. To get to play shortstop at the next level, he is going to have to improve his arm strength. Offensively, he can hit for average and can run, stealing you some bases. He has good hand-eye coordination and see no reason why he won’t hit for a high average this season.”
Kuhn will take his talents to Moorhead under the direction of Luke Stanley. He liked everything about the program when he made his official visit to campus.
“It’s not far from home and I really liked the coaches,” he said. “The facility is really nice and I have some friends that are already there. Plus, I have a teammate, Jacob Yarborough, going there. Overall, I just like the place.”
Kuhn has played both shortstop and second base in his career and will head to college competing for playing time at one of those two positions.
“They are bringing me in as a middle infielder,” he said. “I can play shortstop, second base and the outfielder – wherever they need me to play. I just want to get on the field and help the team.”
As a junior, Kuhn hit .364 for the Chargers, which finished 14-11 in 2021. The shortstop led the team with 32 hits, along with two doubles, a triple, 22 RBI and 23 runs scored.
With his preseason practice set for January, Kuhn has some areas that he would like to see improve.
“I’m heading into the season wanting to work on my fielding and building my arm up,” he concluded. “Offensively, I would like to hit for more power and stay consistent at the plate. You want to continue improvement on moving runners over by hitting the baseball to the other side of the field instead of always pulling the baseball. Hitting the baseball where it is pitched always makes you a better hitter.”
Grenada opens the 2023 baseball season on Feb. 13 at Water Valley in a jamboree.
