Hawks' Letchworth headed to Gardner-Webb

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 18, 2014 12:30 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

La GRANGE -- A competitor who leads by example, Landon Letchworth has always wanted to play Division I baseball.

That fantasy many high school players hold close to their hearts became reality for the North Lenoir senior earlier this week. The 17-year-old signed a national letter-of-intent to play at Gardner-Webb University next season.

East Carolina, Ferrum (Va.) University, Francis Marion (S.C.) and Brunswick Community College courted Letchworth before he made his final decision.

"A no-brainer," laughed Letchworth. "Playing at a Division I school has always been a big dream of mine ... everything I ever wanted. (GW) is a good school and they play baseball in a good conference."

Letchworth has been groomed in one of the state's most-respected high school programs. Last season he endured a nerve problem in his elbow and was shut down the rest of the season.

He recovered within six weeks.

One year later, he's proven that the pitcher's mound is his most comfortable zone at Alphin Field. Letchworth improved to 7-0 this season and lowered his ERA to 0.95 after tossing a complete-game, three-hit shutout over J.A. Holmes in the state 2-A baseball playoffs Friday evening.

Letchworth has retired 56 batters on strikeouts this season.

"It's a great opportunity for him (at GW)," Hawks assistant coach Donnell Garris said. "He throws strikes, pounds the zone and is a great competitor. He always wants the ball and doesn't ever want to come out.

"He wants to finish everything he starts and there's no doubt he's the driving engine on our team. He leads by example and there's no doubt when he walks off the field he's given all he can."

North Lenoir (18-5 overall) claimed the inaugural Eastern Carolina 2-A Conference title just two weeks ago. Letchworth said the team chemistry has been solid and he's got a quality defense behind him.

Letchworth doesn't overpower hitters, but induces ground balls and trusts his defense to work for the out. After Friday's win, he's surrendered just seven runs (five earned) in 521/3 innings.

Owner of an effective arsenal of pitches, Letchworth hopes to get some playing time out of the Gardner-Webb bullpen or possibly start a mid-week game.

He says he needs to get stronger to achieve that goal and acclimate himself to the grind of a 50-game season.

"I want to do anything I can to help them win," Letchworth said. "I think it will be tough at first, but I will catch on to it. They'll help me adjust mentally and physically.

"I just need to come in and work hard."

Spoken like a true Bulldog.