Written by Mike Kays

  Wyatt Pierce’s passion for the sport of his choice, baseball, came from his mom, Alissa Williams, herself an all-stater in high school softball.

  “When I was younger my mom loved (baseball) and I started out always being the best on my team,” said the Fort Gibson junior. “I’d say she’s inspired me more than anyone.”

  Pierce grew up as an infielder but the past two seasons has manned a spot in the outfield while also being part of the pitching rotation. When Grant Edwards graduated last season, Pierce moved to third base, although he’ll occasionally move back to the outfield depending on the mound rotation.

  “Fast,” is his word of choice in describing himself, and it’s defined not only defensively but also on the basepaths. He stole 44 bases last year and is at 27 through his first 15 games this season. A threat on the basepaths is a given but a shorter swing has helped him up his average to .630.

  “I’m putting the ball in play more and not striking out as much,” he said.

  Tigers coach Jim Sherl is high on both his athleticism and versatility.

  “He’s one of the most (of both) I’ve had the privilege of coaching,” Sherl said. “He’s unbelievable on the base paths and creates a lot of chaos. He’s a great teammate and a great student.”

  It’s a long season, still, which will include the test of a postseason run. But he’s well into his goal of topping a .400 batting average Those goals also include a state championship. Fort Gibson has missed that in back-to-back seasons, getting to state but falling short in either the quarterfinals or semifinals with 58 wins over those years.

  “From a team aspect I’d love nothing more than that,” he said.

  After winning that, there’s no place else he’d like to spend a summer vacation more than Puerto Rico.

  “My brothers were there with family one year when I was playing baseball,” he said. “It’s a place I’ve always wanted to go since then.”