PREP BASEBALL: Central Doughty rolls with the changes (6/3)

By CHUCK JONES cjones@thenewsenterprise.com CECILIA — Some people fear change, but Central Hardin senior Andrew Doughty is not one of those people. In fact, Doughty embraces it. His baseball career at Central Hardin has been filled with change, from moving to a new position to finding a new hole in the batting order. The Bruins as a team have changed as well, going from a 17th District contender to a 5th Region champion for the first time in school history. “He’s a hard worker and he’s dedicated,” Central Hardin coach Todd Thompson said. “He hustles every day and nothing seems to bother him. He’s handled everything real well. You have to like that from that type of young man.” When he began his Central Hardin career, Doughty was an infielder by trade. His freshman and sophomore seasons he played second and third base, but prior to his junior season, the Bruins lacked outfielders and Doughty jumped at the chance. Doughty moved to left field, where he started last season for a Bruin squad which won a school-record 23 games and advanced to the region championship game. Doughty was given the team’s Most Improved Player his junior season. But it wasn’t until this season Doughty began to feel comfortable in the outfield. Doughty, who has started every game this season in left field, said he began to realize what it took to become a good outfielder. “I was fast, so I thought it would be easy,” Doughty said. “It took me awhile to get used to it and it’s a lot easier this year. Like most high school players, I’d never played the outfield, so it took me some time to get adjusted. “I’ve learned how to read balls better, especially off the bat of left-handers,” he added. “They usually tail away, going toward the line. Last year, I took bad angles. I thought you just ran fast after the ball and that usually got me in trouble. I’ve learned to take better angles to the ball.”  Thompson said moving to the outfield isn’t an easy transition, but he said Doughty not only adapted well but continues to improve. “I can see it right now, balls in the gap last year and balls in the gap this year,” Thompson said. “He keeps balls in front of him this year. He understands situations better, when to go after it and when to play it safe. His arm strength is better this year as well.” At the plate, Doughty has found a home in the ninth spot in the order. Through 28 games, he was hitting .258 with three doubles and two triples. He had scored 16 runs and driven in 12. “Some players might see it as a slap in the face to be in the nine hole, but he’s not that way,” Thompson said. “Having someone in the nine hole with his speed is like having another leadoff hitter. He’s never asked why he’s there, but he’s accepted it and he’s done a good job for us.” Doughty realizes his job is to get on base for hitters like Chris Nichols, Erik Stein and Joe Nash. “I need to get on base any way I can,” Doughty said. “That’s what he (Thompson) always tells me. I don’t care if it’s a hit or a walk or I get hit. My hits usually aren’t pretty, but it doesn’t matter. If I get on base, I give Chris, Erik and Joe opportunities to get their glory, so to speak.” All the Bruins have a shot at glory beginning Wednesday in the best-of-three Semi-State 3 series. The Bruins (22-9) take on Christian Academy of Louisville (17-17) at 6 p.m. at Louisville Male High School. The winner advances to the state tournament in Lexington. “I don’t care what happens as long as we win,” Doughty said. “A lot of us will never have a chance to do it again. This is the last time for almost all our seniors. We know we have a good chance, but we know not to be overconfident. This is our chance to change how people view Central Hardin.” If anyone knows a thing or two about change, it’s Doughty. Chuck Jones can be reached at 505-1759

Neal Cardin

Central Hardin's Andrew Doughty swings at a pitch.

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