Springdale Har-Ber's Bates Signs With Ecclesia College

Madison Bates

Madison Bates

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

— Madison Bates appears to be the perfect fit for the Ecclesia College baseball program.

Ecclesia is a second-year program that finished 27-22 last season under coach Derrion Hardie. Bates is a senior right-hander with little experience as a varsity player at Springdale Har-Ber.

He's pitched one hitless inning after playing mostly on the junior varsity last season for the Wildcats. Bates' best work came during the summer when he went 6-3 with three saves for the NWA Dirtbags. He had 29 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings.

"We watched Madison throw earlier this year during Har-Ber's practice and liked what we saw," Hardie said. "We think he has a lot of potential."

Bates (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) is pleased he'll receive a chance on the college level after a strong showing with his summer league team.

"This is a great opportunity for me," Bates said during a signing ceremony Monday at Har-Ber's Wildcat Arena. "I appreciate all the coaches I've had before and with teaching me the fundamentals."

Har-Ber coach Randy Salsbury said Bates will have more opportunities on the mound this year for the Wildcats, who open 7A/6A-West Conference play today with a doubleheader against Rogers Heritage.

"Madison has worked hard for four years but hasn't really pitched much for the varsity yet," Salsbury said. "He's a really good kid. He'll need to be a contributor if we hope to make the state tournament and make a good run in it."

Sports on 03/18/2014