This week’s SportsInk.com Athlete of the Week is Wadsworth senior center fielder-pitcher Kyle Graydon.
But as impressive as Graydon's statistics are, his coach Brian Madigan raves about his leadership. "Kyle leads this team by example and his energy is important to our dugout,” the coach said.
A three-year starter, Graydon is hitting .344 this year as the Grizzlies’ lead-off hitter. He has 10 extra base hits, including three home runs, to go along with 20 RBIs.
“He is a productive hitter who works hard at the game,” Madigan said. “He has good tools at the plate as he can hit with power, but also he is a great two-strike hitter."
On the mound, Graydon is 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA and has accumulated 41 strikeouts in 31 innings. As a junior, Graydon hit .360 and as a sophomore he smacked a .370 average.
“I try to have really good at-bats and put the ball in play,” Graydon said. “I like to drive the ball but I'm not a power hitter. I pride myself on the ability to hit with two strikes.”
Kyle Graydon got started in Wadsworth Little League, but his dad, Peter, also had a hand in his love for the game.
“Dad and I would go into the backyard each night and play and we loved the game,” Graydon said.
Wadsworth got a quick taste of his play in his first game as a varsity player. It was during Graydon’s sophomore season that Madigan gave the JV team a call and brought him to the varsity.
In his first varsity game against GlenOak, he contributed two hits.
“He did not look like a varsity player at that point, but credit his work ethic and determination as he has established himself as not only a solid high school player but now an NCAA Division II player,” Madigan said.
This week, he is expected to sign with Ashland University to play in the outfield for the Eagles.
“It was a tough choice, but once I got onto their campus and saw their facilities I knew that is where I wanted to be,” Graydon said.
Graydon bats and throws left-handed and wears No. 21 for the red and white. He is noticed most in the dugout and clubhouse. “He has grown into our leader and the team has all the respect in the world for him,” Madigan said.
Graydon recalled this year’s games with Copley and Green as two of his most memorable contests. “Against Copley I was 4-for-4 with a home run and triple, and against Green I pitched a complete game and hit my first career home run.”
The son of Jill and Peter Graydon has not only grown on the field, but off as well. Through hard work in the weight room he has gained 20 pounds, which has given him the confidence to grow into his role as team leader. And that added strength got him ready for bigger things.
“Without his weight room work he would not be going to Ashland – a big credit to him,” Madigan said.
Kyle Graydon
TV Show: SportsCenter
Movie: The Hangover
Pizza: Pepperoni
IPod: Can’t be Touched, Roy Jones Jr.
Hobbies: Hanging with friends and playing basketball
Bucket List: Go to Colorado to snow board and to California to learn to surf.