Tanner Knight’s freshman year as a pitcher at East Central Community College didn’t always run smoothly, but the Eupora graduate was pleased with his overall performance.
“I thought I had a good year. I started well,” he said, adding that he struggled in the middle of the season. “I had to find myself again.”
Which he did later in the season. “I think I pitched better than I ever have in my life. I had a couple of good games.”
Knight appeared in 17 games for East Central, 11 as a starter. He was 5-5 with one save, a 3.07 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 67.1 innings. He was chosen as the team’s Most Valuable Pitcher.
“He had a tremendous freshman year,” said East Central head coach Neal Holliman. “He had some tough outings when he didn’t get much run support. He kept battling through it and gave us a chance to win every time he went out there.”
Normally a starter, Knight did make six relief appearances when he it was needed. “I’d rather start, but whatever helps the team.”
Knight had a big senior year at Eupora. He had a 1.42 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 49.1 innings and he held batters to a .190 average. He also had a big year with the bat -- a .397 average, eight doubles, a triple, two homers, 19 RBIs and 22 runs scored.
He didn’t get to bat for East Central, which didn’t bother him. “I was a pitcher only at East Central,” he said. “I knew going in that my strong point was pitching.”
Knight was a two-sport star at Eupora, using his 6-5 frame and strong arm to quarterback the Eagles. As a senior he totaled 2,073 yards and 25 touchdowns running and passing.
Some junior colleges were interested in him for football, but baseball has always been his favorite sport. “I knew what I wanted to do,” he said. “I wanted to focus on baseball.”
He started in baseball at a very young age. “I started playing I guess when I started walking.”
Knight has one more year at East Central. “I want to be drafted out of East Central where I can sign for the right amount of money. If that doesn’t work out, hopefully I can continue my career at a Division I school. If possible, I would love the chance to play for Mississippi State or Ole Miss.”
Holliman said some Major League teams showed an interest in Knight this year, although he was not drafted. “He’s going to have some people following him next year. It’s definitely within his grasp.”
Knight did attend a New York Mets tryout for junior college and high school players at Millsaps College this year. “That was an awesome experience.”
If he goes on to a four-year school, Knight said will likely major in agriculture science or sports management.
