By Powell Cobb

Managing editor

Senior baseball shortstop Keith Lyle signed a scholarship to play for Tallahassee Community College on Wednesday, citing the program’s great history as a big reason for joining the Eagles.

“I’ve played with a couple guys that are committed there, so coming in I know some people already,” Lyle said.

In 2016, Lyle batted .477 with 42 hits, 26 RBIs and 36 runs.

Eagles assistant coach Corey Pye said he fully expects Lyle to fill the shoes of TCC’s current shortstop.

“TCC is known for shortstops,” Pye said. “When I went out and saw him, me and the coach fell in love with him. He has the height and the size.”

Lyle sports a .879 fielding percentage from 2016 with 99 total chances 33 put outs.

“Keith is an awfully good baseball player,” Bainbridge coach Brian McCorkle said. “He has worked as hard as any young man that I have coached in any sport to be the very best that he can be. His work ethic and academics alone tell me he is going to be a great student-athlete. They are getting a heck of a player and a great leader, there is no doubt about it.”

Lyle’s father, Keith Lyle, Sr., said, “We are proud to see that the effort and work Keith has put in has earned him an opportunity to play at the next level. We are also grateful and appreciative of the support he has received from friends, family, coaches and members of the community. It truly is an exciting time.”