Beech Tree News Network

Butler County High School baseballer Hunter McKee has signed to play college baseball at Bethel University in McKenzie, TN.  The signing ceremony took place on Monday, July 19, at the BCHS Athletic Fieldhouse.

McKee, a 2021 senior at BCHS, was a standout player for the Bears this season.  He was joined by friends, family, former coaches, an assistant coach from Bethel, and school officials at Monday’s signing.

“Thanks for all the support everyone has given me over the years,” said McKee.

“We’re proud of all Hunter has accomplished at BCHS and are glad to see him take the next step,” said BCHS Athletics’ Director Brandon Embry.

BCHS Head Baseball Coach Keith Butler expressed his appreciation to Hunter’s parents - Charlie and Jessie - for their support along the way.  

“You (Hunter) wanted to get the most out of baseball and you achieved that with long hours playing and trying to get better every day,” said Butler.  “I encourage you to come back and help with the baseball program in the future.” 

KEITH BUTLER

One of Hunter’s former coaches, Jay Shockley, said he was glad to see his “dream become reality."

Hunter McKee accumulated the following stats while playing at Butler County:

2018 pitched 1 inning - gave up 1 hit

2019 pitched 41.2 innings in 12 games, 5 wins, 2 losses, 61 SO, ERA 2.016

2020 No Season

2021 39.1 innings in 12 games played, 5 wins, 1 loss, 77 SO, ERA 2.847

Total Career pitching stats

83 innings, faced 361 batter, 138k, and 10 wins - 3 losses

Batting Career

2017 (8th Grade) 1 hit in 3 AB with .333 BA, 1 SO, 0 RBI, 2 Runs

2018 (Freshman) 25 hits in 68 AB with .368 BA, 7 SO, 12 RBI, 2 Runs

2019 (Sophomore) 43 hits in 103 AB with .417 BA, 8 SO, 20 RBI, 23 Runs

2020 (Junior) No Season

2021 (Senior) 32 hits in 82 AB with .390 BA, 7 SO, 17 RBI, 25 Runs

Total career 101 hits, 52 runs, and 49 RBIs.

Bethel University is a Christian school with its main campus in McKenzie, Tennessee.  Nicknamed the Wildcats, Bethel is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I level.