With the baseball season vastly approaching, many players are getting prepared for they are about to face.

Charles Henderson senior Mitch McLeod is doing the same, however, he is also preparing for baseball after Charles Henderson – and he made it official on Wednesday.

McLeod signed a letter of intent to play for the Trojans of Central Alabama Community College next spring.

“I am really excited for this opportunity,” McLeod said.

“This is a chance for me to represent Charles Henderson and my family well.”

In 2009, McLeod had a standout year.

As a junior, he finished with an 8-3 overall record, two of those wins coming in the postseason.

In 63 innings, he struck out 51 batters.

At the plate, McLeod was just as dangers, thanks to his .343 batting average.

He hit .388 in the playoffs last season and only struck out four times in 108 total at-bats.

“Mitch was a very important player for our team last season,” CHHS head coach Derek Irons said.

“He did a tremendous job on the mound all season. He also did well in the outfield and at the plate. We expect him to have another great year as a senior this season.”

Like all athletes who are going through the recruiting process, McLeod said he was relived it was over.

“It’s nice. Now I can focus on the [upcoming] baseball season and how I can help my team do well.”

Last season, CACC finished with an overall record of 32-14, advancing to the post season in the process. The program also won the state championship in 1998 and again three years later in 2001.

“Central Alabama has a very strong baseball program and tradition,” Irons said. “They began recruiting Mitch early on in the process and he’s always felt comfortable with them. I really believes he’s going to be a tremendous asset to their pitching staff during his time there,” the coach added. McLeod said he is planning on playing the same two positions for his new Trojan team, that he played for his old Trojan team – pitching and outfielder.

“I expect to go up there and to work hard and earn my spot,” McLeod said. “It’s going to be tough but I feel like I will be prepared after this [senior] season.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” he added.