Hubbard in- fielder Bo Slemons says the inspiration for the Eagles’ 23-3 season this spring

Hubbard in- fielder Bo Slemons says the inspiration for the Eagles’ 23-3 season this spring was their 2009 tournament ouster by Poland.

“We had a long time to think about that loss,” said Slemons who batted .442 this spring and was voted the Eagles’ Most Valuable Player. “We had the best season in Hubbard history. Baseball is a team sport and you need a great group of guys to do what we did.”

Led by head coach Brian Bosheff, the Eagles won the All-American Conference White Tier and had a 16-game winning streak before losing to AAC Red Tier champion Canfield in the Division II district tournament.

“We knew going [into the season] that we had a veteran squad and great team chemistry. Overall, it was a great season, we had a lot of fun.”

Slemons hit 13 homers and 11 doubles, scored 31 runs and drove in 40. Up until three years ago, he split his time between baseball and basketball.

“Baseball has always been my love so my freshman year I decided it was time to give [basketball] up and give my all to baseball.”

That decision has paid off as Slemons has a scholarship to play for Xavier University in Cincinnati.

“They’ll have intersquad scrimmages and fall practices,” said Slemons who will be a corner infielder for the Musketeers. “They mainly want me for my bat. They said they’ll find a place for me as long as I hit the ball. The season starts up in mid-to-late February.”

He also considered West Virginia and Pittsburgh. Why Xavier?

“There wasn’t one flaw, it’s the perfect fit for me. I loved the school, I loved the community.”

Slemons praised Bosheff for his ability to stay calm in tight situations. He also credited youth coach Bruce Timko for instilling “in us to play the game the right way, always hustle” and his hitting coach, Steve Krivonak, for stressing “that work always will beat talent.”