FAIRHOPE, Alabama— Fairhope pitcher Dylan Thomas signed to play baseball for Faulkner State Community College next year. The senior right hander overcame a serious throwing-arm injury forcing him to miss his junior year, then rebounded not only on the mound but at the plate.

Thomas is expected to focus on pitching fulltime for the Sun Chiefs.

“That’s what I always wanted to do,” he said. "Pitching is my thing. I enjoy playing any position and hitting is fun. But I think my place is in pitching for the college level. I’m excited. Happy that (FSCC head baseball) coach (Wayne) Larker liked what he saw in me and I get to work with a pitching coach like coach (Larry) Thomas (no relation). It was tough having missed all last year, but so proud of how the team played. That really lifted me up. Made me want to get back. And it feels really good to be back.”

The Pirates are coming off a first-round sweep after winning the 6A Area 3 titles. They advanced to the finals last year finishing as the state 6A runner-up to Oxford.

“I want to get back their again,” he said. “But we still have work to do first.”

Fairhope coach Stu Fuller said Thomas’ career may have been interrupted, but his passion for the game and dedication to making a comeback was never in doubt and was an inspiration to the entire team.

“He’s a kid of tremendous character and values. It’s something you notice just being around him,” Fuller said. “What he went through was tough, a serious injury not many come back from. But it’s a testament to his tenacity—which is a good attribute for a pitcher. He bounced back and has been a big part of this team’s success. He just impressed everybody with his heart and determination. He’s also a great student and a great role model for how we want our baseball players to be. The example he sets for our younger players is tremendous.”

Larker added that Thomas would be a good addition to his team for 2013-14.

“We are thrilled to have Dylan become a member of our baseball team. He comes from a very good baseball program at Fairhope under the direction of good coaches. With hard work we expect Dylan to blossom into a productive pitcher for our staff.”

Pitching coach Larry Thomas said the new recruit had a number of assets already going for him. “I’ve seen him pitch since he was 13 and he has the frame and smarts you like to see and build on. Something to build on is the key right now. He has some good pitches that we will work with and see what might develop better for him and go from there. He’s good with what he brings to the table. We just want to make him better, stronger. He’s got a very good sinker right now and that’s a good one to have. Can come in handy.”

Thomas has a 3-0 record this year in 30.1 innings with a 3.92 ERA. He has played third and first fielding at .959. He is hitting .410, has an on-base percentage of .495, slugging .482 with 34 hits in 83 at bats. He scored 21 runs.

Thomas said the coaches at FSCC made his decision to play there easy.

“I chose Faulkner State because of the coaches. I really look forward to working with pitching coach Larry Thomas and I’m excited about my opportunities there.”

It was tough having missed all last year, but so proud of how the team played last year. That really lifted me up. Made me want to get back. And it feels really good to be back. Looking forward to it, but still excited about this season and helping the team keep going in the playoffs anyway I can.”

He added his thanks to those who helped him reach this point.

“There are a lot of people to thank, but first of all mom and dad. All the people here who helped me, coaches here at Fairhope, coach Fuller who was a pitcher and also coach Larry and coach Larker for giving me the chance to keep playing this game.”

Dylan’s father is also named Larry Thomas and his mother is Renee Thomas. He plans to major in business and do graduate work in sports management. The Pirates are 28-6 (8-0 area) heading into the second-round state-playoff series this weekend with Foley.