By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director
CEDAR BLUFF – Cedar Bluff senior utility player Caleb Edmondson thought his baseball playing days might be done when the Tigers’ season ended in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs at Decatur Heritage.
But before Edmondson really had time to think about what his life was going to be like post baseball, a couple of opportunities came knocking at his door.
Edmondson received an invitation to play in the East-West Super Southeast Senior All-Star Showcase in Mobile on June 7, keeping that door slightly open for him to get noticed for his baseball skills.
Then, that door swung fully open thanks to a conversation Edmondson had with one of his friends, former Gaylesville standout and current Oakwood University baseball player Kyler Bradley.
“He said ‘My coach (Jalil Rudolph) is highly interested in you. He wants you to come try out,’” Edmondson said. “I went up there (to Huntsville) and tried out. It was like a whole practice. We did in-and-out, live ABs (at-bats) off their top pitcher, and I did pretty good. I went up there and went 2-for-2 with a single and a triple. It all went good.”
So good, in fact, that Rudolph offered Edmondson a scholarship. He signed with the Ambassadors last week.
“I’m just glad I’m going to be able to play a couple of more years. I’ve been blessed,” Edmondson said. “The reason I went up there was to see if I liked the environment, see how my teammates were going to play with me. All of them had good attitudes. They play the game the right way, and they treat me like their brother already.”
Former Cedar Bluff baseball coach Colby Coursey said he’s proud Edmondson is getting the opportunity to continue playing on the baseball diamond, because he knows first-hand how hard he’s worked.
For years, Coursey has worked with Edmondson to hone his baseball skills, even before the two arrived at Cedar Bluff.
“I gave Caleb lessons when he was younger,” Coursey said. “When I got the job here, I knew there was a possibility he was looking to come here (from Cherokee County High School). When he decided to come here, it was truly a blessing for me because I want kids like Caleb. If I had a team full of kids like him, you’re going to be successful.
“He comes from a very good family, a hard-working family, and that work ethic has pretty much been instilled in him every day.”
Last season, Edmondson batted .385 with 10 doubles, three triples, two home runs, 43 runs scored and 40 RBIs. His on-base percentage was .504.
Edmondson played multiple positions for the Tigers, primarily in the outfield. He also played shortstop, pitched and caught.
Edmondson said Rudolph primarily plans for him to play in center field, but he said he could also get some playing time at shortstop, second base, third base, pitcher and catcher.
That’s just fine with Edmondson.
“I’ve done that my whole life,” he said. “I just want to enjoy it and see where it takes me.”
There’s no doubt Edmondson’s versatility is an attractive quality, but it’s not just his athletic skills that have helped him earn his scholarship, Coursey said.
“It’s the person he is,” Coursey said. “Every kid is going to make a mistake, but how do you respond from your mistakes? In baseball, you’re going to strike out. How do you respond? If you make an error or a bad pitch, it’s about responding. He’s always responded well.”
It’s that kind of attitude Coursey feels will serve Edmondson well at Oakwood.
“Coach Rudolph is a lot like me, and I think that makes him feel comfortable,” Coursey said. “I’m very hard to play for at times, but the kids know at the end of the day I’m going to put my arms around them and love on them. They know the kind of coach I am, and I think that kind of excites him to play for another coach who has some of my qualities.
Coursey said Edmondson ranks highly among those kids he’s helped make it to the collegiate level and beyond.
“In my years of coaching, 14-15 years, I’ve been able to help 30 kids play at the next level. I’ve got one kid who’s playing in the big leagues right now who I’ve coached and several who are in the minors. He’s not just on that list. He’s at the top. He fits up there with some of the best players I’ve ever coached, and that makes me a proud coach. I can’t wait to see what his future holds. I think he’s going to do some great things at Oakwood. I think if he keeps working hard some other opportunities could open up for him.”
Upon hearing Coursey’s words about him, Edmondson got a little emotional. He wants to continue making his coach and the Cedar Bluff community proud.
“Cedar Bluff has meant everything to me,” Edmondson said. “I’ve been around a lot of great people, had a great coach who’s supported me all the way. I’m proud of my work ethic. I came to work every day, and I gave my full maximum effort every day. It’s paid off now, and it means everything for me to hear those words (from Coursey).”
