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Pitcher Andrew Thomas is building an impressive portfolio at Morgan Academy.

The junior is named The Selma Times-Journal baseball player of the year.

On the mound, Thomas went 8-1 with a 1.59 ERA and 105 strikeouts in just 79 innings. At the plate, Thomas hit  .345.

“Getting the player of the year award means a lot,” Thomas said. “Nobody expected anything out of us except the team. We worked hard and got better as the season went along.”

Morgan Academy baseball coach Stephen Clements praised Thomas’  leadership and dedication.

“Andrew has a lot of talent and a great live arm that can command three pitches in one count,” Clements said. “On top of that, he has a great attitude and works extremely hard all year long. His fastball sits mid to upper 80’s and commands it on both sides of the plate. He has a plus size curveball and his changeup is really good as well. He is a pleasure to coach and a great teammate.”

Thomas is a versatile athlete who also made The Selma Times-Journal All Dallas County teams in football and basketball.

In football, Thomas averaged 38 yards a punt and made the Alabama Sportswriters Association All-State team. He’s also a two-year starting quarterback.

“He’s a great kid who works diligently,” Senators football coach and Athletic Director Danny Raines said. “He wants to be successful and really works at it. He’s also a smart young man and that allows us to do a lot of stuff offensively. He’s a joy to coach.”

Thomas said football helps make him a solid baseball player. 

“Football keeps me in shape and makes me tougher,” Thomas said.

Thomas helped the Senators’ basketball team reach the Elite Eight of the AISA Tournament. He averaged nine points a game and made The Selma Times-Journal honorable mention.

“Andrew has been a great kid and hard worker since I started at Morgan,” Senators basketball coach Luke Hutcheson said. “He has great athleticism that has been on full display with multiple in-game dunks last season.”