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Gordon looks to play with Fire

Highlands Today photo by MARK PINSON

Front row, from left, Josh Gordon, Vernetta Holdman. Back row, from left, Avon Park High School baseball coach Whit Cornell, Donald Gordon and Red Devil athletic director Mort Jackson pose together after Josh Gordon signed a scholarship to play baseball at Southeastern University in Lakeland on Wednesday.

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By MARK PINSON

Highlands Today

Published: January 15, 2010

SEBRING - Fulfilling a lifelong goal is something that's hard to describe.

For Avon Park's Josh Gordon, it's a dream come true after he signed a baseball scholarship with Southeastern University (Lakeland) on Wednesday.

"I'm overwhelmed right now," said Gordon. "I've played baseball all my life and I'm glad I signed with Southeastern before the baseball season begins.

"Playing college baseball is something I've always wanted to do and now I can have fun my senior season and enjoy playing the game."

Gordon, who played varsity for the past two years, patrols right field for the Red Devils, and the strong-armed senior batted a robust .280 with plenty of RBIs while batting fifth last season.

"Josh has worked hard to become a better player and it's always good to see one of our athletes go on to the next level," said Avon Park athletic director and former baseball coach Mort Jackson. "He improved a lot and made the switch from first base to the outfield and it's really paid off for him.

"He's got a great arm, but he's a good hitter and his bat is going to take him to the next level."

Playing at Southeastern University, an NAIA school, provides Gordon's family the opportunity to see him play numerous times.

"This is a great moment to see Josh go to the next level," said Josh's father, Donald Gordon. "Getting a good education is very important and Southeastern University has a very good baseball program and it's close enough that we can see Josh play.

"Devaris Gordon, Josh's cousin, went there in 2005, had an excellent experience and helped them win a national championship."

Devaris Gordon is now playing professional ball in the Los Angeles Dodgers' minor league system.

Southeastern University, a four-year institution, won four NAIA national titles from 2005 through 2008, and the Fire is coached by Jason Beck, who has been at the University since 2004.

Beck has a career record of 360-221 and a 227-99 record at Southeastern.

"Southeastern University has an amazing baseball program and I talked to Devaris and he recommended I go there," said the Red Devils athlete. "He had a great experience playing ball there and I like Coach Beck and the rest of the guys on the team.

"I felt comfortable at Southeastern, it's close enough to Avon Park that my family can come and see me play and I'm happy with my choice."

Gordon is slotted to play right field for the Fire, and he knows that his work ethic will be critical in his development and success at the collegiate level.

"I'm just going to continue to work as hard as I can to get better at every part of the game," the Red Devils senior said. "I want to develop to become a complete player and be able to contribute to the baseball program at Southeastern.

"I would love to play professional baseball like Devaris is doing, but right now I'm just focusing on this season, playing well and the future will take care of itself."

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com

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