Tate Mathis signed a letter of intent with the Univeristy of North Alabama Lions baseball program Wed., Nov. 19. From left, are (seated) Hannah Mathis, Jane Mathis, Tate Mathis, Ashley Mathis, (standing) coach Jerry Childers and head coach William Booth. | Joy Haynes

Hartselle senior Tate Mathis is the first baseball team member from his class to sign a letter of intent to play college ball.

He signed with the UNA Lions Wed., Nov. 19 to be a versatile player at outfield and pitcher.

Mathis said he has been an outfielder since he started playing tee ball at 5 years old.

“I’ve always been a center fielder,” Mathis said. “My family plays most every sport, but I kind of went my own way and focused on baseball because it came naturally. I quit football my sophomore year to stick with baseball, and I started playing travel ball with the Vipers. My travel coach has been very helpful and called schools. His efforts is why I have this scholarship today.”

Mathis’s grandfather also played baseball at Hartselle. His parents, Ashley and Jane Mathis, are pleased with their son’s accomplishments.

“We are very proud of him,” Ashley said. “We have spent a lot of time and money on baseball, and I hope all those efforts pay off.”

Hartselle baseball head coach William Booth said Mathis was a good example of how work ethic can bring great opportunities.

“Tate has been doing things the whole way and not putting only half effort into it,” Booth said. “Work ethic is the way you get a scholarship. He has both grades and athletics, and he has worked hard. UNA has a good program, and they have had a few guys make it to the big leagues.”

Mathis has been starting for Hartselle since his junior year. He said he is excited for the upcoming season.

“I think we have a chance this year,” Mathis said. “We don’t have any stand-out players because everyone is really good.”

Booth expects Mathis to have a great senior season.

“This is his year to shine,” Booth said. “We are expecting big things from him. Anything he gets, he deserves.”