Bishop O’Dowd High School’s sophomore shortstop, Rashad Hayes Jr., is making a name for himself with his exceptional defensive skills and developing offensive abilities. In a recent 9-5 victory over Piedmont, Hayes showcased his fielding prowess, making three runner outs and catching two pop-ups. His ability to anticipate plays and execute pinpoint throws has earned him recognition as one of the top 100 amateur prospects in his class. Hayes’ journey to becoming a defensive star began at a young age, playing T-ball at the age of two. Despite initial setbacks, he persevered, motivated by his desire to improve. His dedication to practice, with the guidance of his father, has paid dividends, honing his skills and turning him into one of the best shortstops in high school baseball.
While defense remains his strength, Hayes is also developing his offensive capabilities. In the game against Piedmont, he hit a hard-hit single, walked once, and was hit by a pitch, reaching base three times. The young hitter models his play after MLB stars CJ Abrams and Tim Anderson, and his growth at the plate is a promising sign for his future.
In the victory over Piedmont, Hayes was not the only standout performer. Vander Cole contributed two RBIs, while Ben Skiles, Dimitri Williams, and Enrique Sotelo each added one RBI. Starting pitcher Nikolas Haas pitched a no-hitter through five innings, finishing with six strikeouts and only three hits allowed. Haas expressed his appreciation for Hayes’ defensive skills, stating, “When you have a guy like that, you know that any ground ball to the shortstop is going to be an out.” Piedmont made a late rally, scoring four runs in the final inning, but it was not enough to overcome Bishop O’Dowd’s lead.
Piedmont’s coach, Eric Olson, was impressed by his team’s “moxie” and praised Hayes’ potential, saying, “The biggest thing is that his best baseball is still in front of him.” At only 16 years old and standing at 6-foot-1, Hayes has ample time to develop into a strong hitter while refining his all-around game. His commitment to Stanford University demonstrates his value for education, but he also aspires to play at the professional level out of high school. Hayes’ talent, determination, and passion for the game make him an exciting prospect with a bright future ahead.