2008 Hinds Community College baseball recap
05/14/08 -  The 2008 edition of Hinds Community College proved to be a successful one, albeit one that the Eagles hoped to have lasted a bit longer. Hinds finished with a 29-20 overall record (9-7 in Central division play, good for second place) in head coach Sam Temple's third season at the helm.
 
Hinds competed in the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) state tournament, losing by a score of 14-10 in game two to Meridian Community College to end the 2008 season.
 
Hinds had a potent offense that produced all season in a major way. The Eagles finished with a .329 team batting average behind 101 doubles, 31 home runs and a .408 team on-base percentage.
 
Mark Buchanan of Pearl, a freshman shortstop, was the leading hitter average-wise for Hinds, finishing with a .424 average, 10 doubles and 25 RBIs. 
 
Hinds was also led by Vicksburg natives and Warren Central High School graduates Eric Douglas (outfielder), Jonathon Ettinger and Josh Gordon (both infielders), all sophomores in 2008.
 
 Douglas, a Nicholls State University signee, hit .396 with 12 doubles, four triples, five home runs and 40 RBIs. Ettinger, who is still undecided on his plans at the four-year level, hit .388 with 14 doubles, four home runs and 27 RBIs. Gordon, a Delta State University signee, finished with a .366 average behind a team leading 17 doubles and six home runs, finishing with 37 RBIs.
 
Hinds was solid all season on the mound, as the Eagles had a 3.16 team ERA. Aryo Fleming of Baton Rouge, La. led Hinds in wins, strikeouts and ERA, as he was 7-2 with 67 strikeouts and a 1.81 ERA.
 
Shane Bennett, who also hit .341 with 12 doubles and five home runs as the Eagles everyday first baseman, provided quality starts all season for Hinds. Bennett (2-2, 2 saves, 2.04 ERA) and Chris Ferriss (5-3, 2 saves, 2.70 ERA), both of Clinton, gave the Eagles much needed help in relief and starting roles.
 
"I thought this was another positive step in getting Hinds back to the top of our league," said Temple. "We had a great year offensively, but at times, we struggled on the mound. However, I thought our kids played with great enthusiasm all year and were a joy to coach."
 
Temple is looking for another great year in 2009 as he welcomes an 11-man signing class as of right now, with his eyes set on signing a few more out-of-state players.
 
"I am pleased with our signing class so far, as all of them have had very good senior seasons at their high schools. We just need to add a couple more arms from out-of-state, and we will be finished with our recruiting."