Texas Tech University Athletics
Versatile Hall Enjoying Successful Freshman Campaign
March 14, 2007 | Baseball
March 14, 2007
By Matt Dowdy, Texas Tech Media Relations
In baseball, versatility is almost a golden ticket. It helped Mark DeRosa score a three-year, $13 million contract with the Chicago Cubs this off-season after he played seven different positions for the Rangers last year.
By playing three different spots on the infield, Texas Tech freshman infielder Chris Hall seems to have been rewarded also, not necessarily by a big major league contract, but instead by a regular spot in the lineup.
Through the Whataburger Classic, Hall has played in 21 of the Red Raider's 22 total games with 19 of those starting at either second, third, shortstop, or as the designated hitter.
Out of those 19 starts, four have been at second base, six at third, two at shortstop, and seven as the designated hitter.
"I played short and second in high school, and I had never played third before in my life, but you got to do what (the coaches) ask you to do," Hall said. "I'm just trying my best every day and trying not to mess it up."
Batting primarily in the leadoff spot, Hall is batting a team-high .411 with 11 RBIs and one home run.
"As the leadoff guy, it's my job to get on base," Hall said. "I just try to work deep in the count."
According to Hall, batting leadoff is simpler because of the guys that follow him - Doug Thennis, Roger Kieschnick, Kyle Martin, and Matt Smith.
"All those guys make my life easier with the pitcher knowing they have to face them right after me," he said. "I just try to get on base because I know they'll drive me in."
Playing for Abilene Cooper High School, Hall probably didn't see consistent pitching on an every game basis. On the Division I level now, though, he says he sees it every at-bat, every game.
"Everybody can locate, and everybody is good, basically. There is a reason why they're on the Division I level," he said. "There is no easy at-bat or easy day. You got to go up to the plate and be focused every time."
Following a 6-for-11 weekend at the Whataburger College Classic in Corpus Christi against a few of the nation's top teams, Rice and TCU, Hall was named to the All-Tournament team.
While Hall says he would never consider himself the successor to Kieschnick's Big 12 Freshman of the Year Award, he does acknowledge that his success in transferring to Division I baseball has been fun.
With Big 12 Conference play beginning this weekend against Nebraska, the Red Raiders will likely need Hall's versatility because every weekend will be against a top team.
"There is not a team that is not going to be very good," Hall said. "I'm just trying to be the best leadoff hitter and defensive player I can be to help the team win (the remainder of the season)."
