FAIRHOPE, Alabama— Fairhope pitcher/infielder Easton Fuller signed Wednesday to play baseball for Birmingham Southern College next year. The senior right hander helped lead the Pirates to a 6A state runner-up finish as well as the 6A Area 3 championship in 2012 and another Area 3 title this year.

Fuller, who plans to pursue a medical career after baseball, said BSC had the best combination of academics and baseball.

“I chose Birmingham Southern because of the fit. The opportunities awarded from an academic standpoint would be hard to match elsewhere. I love the campus as well as the baseball facilities. As I visited other schools Birmingham Southern kept coming back to my mind as the place to go.”

Fairhope coach and father of the signee Stu Fuller said he had to wear two hats.

“As his coach I can say, Easton has continued to get better through the last two years. As his dad I’m just very proud of him for working hard. He earned this opportunity with hard work on the field and in the classroom. What an opportunity he has in attending such an institution lending him the chance to chase his dreams off the field as well as an opportunity to continue playing the game he loves.”

At 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds Fuller is carrying a 2.05 ERA with 4 wins and a fielding percentage of .889 with 20 strike outs through 30.2 innings so far. His favorite pitch is his fastball. BSC is 28-13 as of April 27 and competes in the Southern Athletic Association.

BSC head coach Jan Weisberg said Fuller will be an asset to the Panthers’ pitching staff.

“We are excited to have Easton joining our program. He has been part of a championship 6A program at

Fairhope and knows how to compete and win. He is a good pitcher who has competed in various roles throughout his high school career. With his frame, mindset and tools we feel he has a high ceiling. We know that he will compete on the mound and be prepared to handle tough situations. Easton is the type of player and person we want in our program. We are excited about high achievers in the classroom and on the field and Easton is just that.”

“I’m excited to play at the next level.” Fuller said. “It’s a great pre-med opportunity at a great school with a big athletic tradition, especially baseball. And I just want to thank my parents and coaches and teammates and the coaches at Birmingham Southern for this opportunity.”

The son of Stu and Lanette Fuller plans to concentrate in biology and chemistry for his undergraduate work.

The Pirates are coming off first and second round post-season sweeps after winning the 6A Area 3 title. The Pirates are 30-6 (8-0 area) heading into the third-round of the state-playoffs this weekend with that series on the road at Auburn High.