Chargers SS Drafted By Atlanta Braves
Chris Lovett Presented With Two Great Opportunities
Columbia State Community College alumnus, Chris Lovett, was recently presented with two great opportunities thanks to his hard work both on and off the baseball field.
First, as a recent graduate of Columbia State, Lovett received a four-year scholarship offer to attend Lipscomb University where he would have begun a new collegiate career in the fall 2009 semester. He was recently named to the TJCCAA All-Academic Team, a position reserved for the top ranked freshmen and sophomore athletes that have a 3.0 grade point average or better.
Then, he was selected by the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, June 10 during the 12th Round of the Major League Baseball draft.
"He's played at a really high level the last two years," said Louis Conner, Columbia State's athletic director. "He's probably one of the better shortstops we've had play here at Columbia State."
In 2009, Lovett set the single season homerun record with 16, as well as the career homerun record with a total of 31 during his time at Columbia State. His batting average was .386 while his slugging percentage was a phenomenal .867.
The Columbia native had 58 hits which included 16 doubles during the 2009 baseball season. He was elected the All-TJCCAA first team shortstop and named to the All-Region and All-District teams.
"Chris is a very hard worker and a good student. He is an even better person," said Kelly Bratton, former head baseball coach at Columbia State. "His future in baseball will be bright and I wish him the best of luck."