WCHS Pioneer shortstop and pitcher Layne Roberts signed to play at Cumberland University on Wednesday morning. With his career at Patrick Ramsey Field over, Roberts would be a valuable addition to any team, and Cumberland is ready to put him in.
Roberts visited the campus just the other day and said, “The campus is nice, the field is nice, and I like their coach. It’s just the place for me.”
The baseball team crowded the school library in support of the senior, along with other athletes and friends.
“My coaches hit them up for me,” Roberts said about how Cumberland became a consideration of his, “and they hyped me up a little. Cumberland contacted me and we just went from there.”
Though he’s been a consistent pitcher and shortstop, Roberts said he’ll go in wherever he is needed.
“I really don’t know yet. Wherever they’ll put me, I’ll fit in.”
He’s a smooth infielder who is dominant on the mound with two straight district Pitcher of the Year awards to his name. He was also leadoff batter for the Pioneers.
His senior year, Roberts led the team in batting average at .413, on-base percentage at .508, hits with 43 and runs scored with 33.
“We are really proud for Layne and his family,” said WCHS coach Phillip King. “A lot of guys want to play at the next level but not everyone does what it takes to get there. Layne put in the work and it really showed by what he’s been able to accomplish the last couple of years for us. He was not only a leader in the dugout and on the field but also excelled in the classroom. Cumberland is getting an outstanding young man first and foremost but they’re also getting a great student and darn good baseball player. Warren County baseball has a long tradition of excellence and sending kids to play ball in college and Layne is the next guy to be able to put his name on that banner in the clubhouse.”
He will be attending Cumberland in the fall to pursue a major in pre-physical therapy. His mother Vicki Roberts said she is very proud he gets to continue playing baseball and continue his education.
“My heart is full of pride,” she said tearing up, “because he gets to continue to do what he loves.”
Both his mother and father Derrick sat next to him as he signed giving their full support.
“I’m going to miss him so much,” she added while she figured out how long the drive will be from here to Cumberland University in Lebanon.
