Lake View's Haynes Signs to Play College Baseball

SAN ANGELO, TX -- Lake View senior Jaden Haynes has wanted to play baseball at the collegiate level for most of his life.

That dream was realized when he signed to continue his baseball career with the Huston-Tillotson University University, an NAIA school in Austin, on Thursday.

“It’s just what hard work does,” Haynes said. “My dad used to always tell me hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. So, I’m blessed and thankful that me working hard has helped get the accomplishments that I’ve always wanted to get.”

Lake View head coach Chad Kinney bragged on his senior outfielder and his 70% scholarship, calling both “rare.” The task of finding someone to replace him will be hard, Kinney said.

“The dedication he showed to get better at his game is gonna be a big hole for the program,” Kinney said.

For the second-year head coach, Haynes laid the foundation for Kinney’s program. Having him sign just roots Kinney’s philosophies deeper.

“That’s what we said the whole time, that we want these guys to be the foundation,” Kinney said. “(Jaden) is right in the middle of that mix. Whatever success this program has, you’re gonna be able to look back at him and the rest of the seniors who set that foundation. You couldn’t ask for more effort than what he’s given. You couldn’t ask for more dedication than what he’s given.”

Haynes has embraced the underdog moniker and the pride of Lake View. He saw a similar look when deciding on his new home. That’s what sold him on Huston-Tillotson.

“They remind me a lot of Lake View,” Haynes said. “They’re rebuilding, but they seem like a very proud school and Lake View is a very proud school. I take pride in people who are very proud. So, that’s what made me commit.”

The Rams were 11-41 this past season with a 5-22 mark in the Red River Athletic Conference.

Kinney knows what it takes to get to the next level. He played at the collegiate level at Lon Morris and East Texas Baptist University. Seeing his players make that same step is special for the 12-year coaching veteran.

“It’s exciting,” Kinney said. “As a coach, you hope that every guy gets to have the success that you experienced as a player and not just from a statistical standpoint, but from an experience standpoint. You can sit and tell him as much as you want to, but what’s in front of him is so exciting.”

Haynes was recognized in District 5-4A as a unanimous first team All-District selection after hitting .338 with 22 RBIs, 16 runs scored, 10 doubles, four triples and five stolen bases.

The Lake View speedster is slated to play in the Greater West Texas All-Star game at Lubbock-Cooper on June 15.