FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Wes Kent donned a University of Alabama at Birmingham baseball cap at noon June 29 in the Fairhope High library.

The power-hitting Pirate infielder chose the UAB Blazers after weighing both academic and athletic concerns, but was most excited about signing to continue playing the game he loves.

“I feel honored to be able to play past high school,” he said. “I have been working for a long time now, since I was a little boy, to play after high school. I have played third, short, second and pitcher and maybe a little bit of outfield, I think most everywhere. Coach (Brian) Shoop was awesome. We had talks throughout the fall and when I went up there for my official visit, he pretty much sealed the deal.”

Kent, who plans to major in biology and pursue a medical career, also expressed his gratitude to those who helped him achieve his goals.

“I want to thank my parents (Jeff and Pam Kent), coach (Stu) Fuller, my friends, teammates and teachers and administrators for all they have done for me.”

Kent hit .336 during his three-year starting career totaling 12 home runs, scoring 103 times and driving in 79 runs.

Those numbers are even more impressive considering that he was sidelined with a back injury most of his junior season.

Fuller, Fairhope's head coach, said Kent battled through severe pain later in the 2010 season and helped the Pirates reach the semifinals of the 6A state playoffs.

“He’s a fighter and scrappy player with a winning attitude and UAB is blessed to have the quality athlete and student he is. Wes found a great fit at UAB, too. Academically with the med school right there and baseball wise with coach Shoop. He is a great coach and mentor. He plays the kind of ball that Wes is made for. He’s a guy who can play anywhere on the infield and can bunt the ball. He fits that style of aggressive base running and moving runners with the bat. UAB is known for the medical side of education and that is a field he is very interested in.”

Kent hit .379 from the lead-off spot with eight homers in 2011 and posted an .859 fielding percentage, a remarkable number for a left-side infielder, where he spent most of his defensive time. He was also dependable at the plate because of his clutch versatility with the bat. He holds the team high hitting-streak record at 24 in which he hit a super-productive .469.

“Wes was such an exciting player for Fairhope,: he said. “He brought many intangibles besides his athletic skills. He has a great work ethic, he can run, he can bunt, he could swing the bat for us anywhere in the lineup and do what we needed him to do. This year he was very good in the lead-off spot. As he went we went a lot of the time. We are going to miss him. He has been on the infield now for three years and it will be tough to replace him. We are proud for him and know he will do well there and we wish him the best.”

Fuller added that Kent is the 10th baseball player at Fairhope High to sign with an NCAA Division I program in the last eight years.

Coach Shoop said in a press release that Kent fit right into his and the Blazers’ philosophy of the game.

“He is a good character kid that makes great grades and will graduate after he finishes playing,” Shoop said in a news release. “Being a smaller player that can run, defend and bunt really fits our style of play. We are excited and thrilled to add him to our class.”