If you looked up the word versatile in the dictionary you might see a picture of Fort Gibson senior baseball player Grant Edwards there according to his dad and coach Gary Edwards.

“He’s one of those players I use everywhere on the field,” said the elder Edwards. “He usually plays middle infield but last year he played some in the outfield after we had a starter go down with injury. He even played catcher for a game at the state tournament last year and he also pitches. He’s a great leader and has the kind of personality that other kids like to follow.”

Grant hit .325 for the Tigers this year with 20 stolen bases and was 7-3 and on the mound with a 2.2 ERA. He’s also an accomplished wrestler and placed third at state this season at 152 pounds. He says that having his dad as his coach is no big deal for him.

“I’ve grown up around a baseball field and dad was my coach for my teams when I was growing up so I can’t imagine not having him as a coach anymore.”

Growing up Grant says he liked to follow Yankee great Derek Jeter.

“I just like the way he could take a crazy play and make it look easy.”

Last year the Tigers were knocked out of the state semifinals on a controversial play and Edwards says the team used that as an incentive in 2022.

“What happened to us in the state tournament last year just motivated us this year especially since we had almost everyone back. I think we’re all pretty selfless and will do whatever is needed for the good of the team,” said Edwards who is also in the National Honor Society.

Though his dad touted his leadership abilities, Grant is humble about being a senior leader.

“I’ve never thought that using a loud voice to lead is very effective, so I tend to just keep my head down and if people want to follow me that’s great.”

Grant Edwards will take his baseball skills to the next level in the fall as he plays at Coffeyville Community College.