One of the hardest things to do in all of sports is to hit a baseball or softball. A pitcher, standing just a few feet away, fires a pitch towards the batter, who in return has just a few brief moments to decide the location, speed and spin of the pitch.

Goshen’s Shelby Visnon has a knack for picking up the pitch early, and sending the ball deep out of the park, or finding holes in the defense for base hits.

Goshen head coach Dee Hughes summed up Vinson’s career with the Lady Eagles in just one word.

“Irreplaceable,” said Hughes. “She is just a phenomenal hitter, and it has been awesome to see her grow through the years.”

Vinson has roped numerous home runs this season, including two in an area tournament game against New Brockton.

But Vinson points to a travel ball dinger as her favorite of her career.

“We were down in Zion Chapel at the complex, and were down by two in extra innings,” said Vinson. “The pitcher left the ball over the plate, and I took it out for a walk off. That was an awesome day.”

Vinson, a Faulkner State Community College commit, has studied the batting techniques of Sun Belt powerhouse Louisiana-Lafayette, and utilizes a “split grip” batting stance similar to that of many Ragin’Cajun batters.

Despite the physical traits of hitting, Vinson feels that being able to hit and hit for power is more mental than physical.

“I have confidence in my athletic ability and my hitting form, but that isn’t the most important part,” Vinson said. “Hitting is very mental. If you tell yourself before you get in the box that you are going to get a hit, then you will. If I go to the plate with a good attitude, then good things will happen.”

Hughes, and assistant coach Amy Warrick have dabbled with different lineups throughout the season to get Vinson more plate appearances, and produce more runs.

“Hitting is contagious, and she helps our lineup with confidence and helps the younger girls improve all the time,” said Hughes.

Goshen opens the regional tournament against Central-Hayneville at 8 a.m. Friday at the Troy Sportsplex.