Anthony Payne. Tyler Payne. Anthony Tyler Payne. Teddy.
By whatever name, of all of them, Strasburg’s Anthony Tyler Payne was clearly one of the best hitters in the Valley League in 2014. In 122 at-bats for the Express, he hit 336/390/516, with 22 runs, 41 hits, 13 doubles, 3 home runs, 21 RBIs, and a 12/18 BB/K ratio. He finished 3rd in the league in doubles, 9th in batting average, and 5th in slugging percentage. His best game was probably June 22nd against Winchester, when he went 4-6 with 2 doubles and 4 RBIs.
The senior from West Virginia State has done nothing but rake for the Yellow Jackets. As a freshman in 2012, he hit 371/443/661 in 71 at-bats, along with 5 home runs. He was even a little better as a sophomore, hitting 384/463/609 in 138 at-bats, along with 7 doubles and 8 home runs (and a ridiculous 21/5 BB/K ratio). As a junior in 2013, Anthony hit 333/395/444 in 180 at-bats. He added 9 doubles, a triple, 3 home runs, and once again showing an incredible eye at the plate, as he struck out only 4 times against 17 walks.
Anthony has returned to WV State for his senior year, and hopefully he’ll be drafted next June. Congratulations on your excellent season in the Valley!
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