Cabell MidlandÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Baylee Smith (8) sends a shot back over the net as the Huntington High School volleyball team takes on Cabell Midland on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at Spring Valley High School
Cabell Midland's Baylee Smith (32) rounds third base as the Cabell Midland High School softball team takes on Huntington High on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Ona.
Cabell MidlandÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Baylee Smith (8) sends a shot back over the net as the Huntington High School volleyball team takes on Cabell Midland on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at Spring Valley High School
Cabell Midland's Baylee Smith (32) rounds third base as the Cabell Midland High School softball team takes on Huntington High on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Ona.
ONA ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Bob Gibson had Tim McCarver, Tom Seaver had Jerry Grote, and Jim Palmer had Andy Etchebarren.
Those pitchers are in the Baseball Hall of Fame and each gave great credit to his less heralded catcher.
Cabell Midland High SchoolÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Drea Watts said she feels similar to that about backstop Baylee Smith, who signed with West Virginia State on May 28. Those two made up the battery on the KnightsÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ 2025 state championship team.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œShe does a great job,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Watts said of Smith. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI like pitching to her.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Smith returned the compliment.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI enjoy her a lot,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Smith said of Watts.
Smith was stellar behind the plate catching WattsÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ high voltage fastball. Smith was intelligent enough, though, to know when to back off the heater. During a 2-0 victory over Jefferson in the state title game, Smith called for more off-speed stuff that left the Cougars flailing at air.
During the state tournament, Yellow Jackets coach Mattie Best proudly proclaimed to those in the press box, ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œSheÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s coming to me next season,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ when someone mentioned Smith.
The attraction is obvious. Smith hit three home runs, drove in 38 runs and batted .483, often hitting third in the potent Knights lineup.
Smith said she picked West Virginia State for several reasons.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s close to home,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Smith said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œMy old volleyball coach went there, too, so I was connected that way.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Shannon Gerencir left Cabell Midland to take the head coaching job with the Yellow Jackets after guiding the Knights to the state tournament last season. Smith plans to play volleyball and softball in college.
Smith said she will major in biology with a goal of being an orthodontist.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI just like teeth,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Smith said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI was going to be a dentist for a while, but I straightening teeth is what I like.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
With a state championship trophy in one hand and a scholarship in the other, Smith is all smiles.
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