Festus’ Bates bashes baseballs in Dream Team season

(Festus) It is hard to find a more dependable hitter than Festus Tigers shortstop Hayden Bates.

The sophomore sensation continued an excellent start to his high school baseball career by making the Regional Radio Dream Team.

After posting a .324 batting average as a freshman, Bates hit .388 this past season and achieved a .526 on-base percentage on his way to all-conference and all-district honors.

But he admits, despite the work put in to become an elite hitter, this latest laurel is a little surprising.

Bates was one of the driving forces that helped Festus reach the Class 5 state championship game.

Along with scoring a team-high 45 runs, Bates slugged 7 doubles, 2 triples and 3 home runs.

But, while he certainly tried to add power to his game, Bates says the lineup around him allowed him to swing free and easy.

And, while Bates has people to thank, he wants to make it clear there’s plenty more on the horizon.

Bates added 26 runs batted in to his second all-conference selection.

Hayden Bates Dream Team Interview