Athlete Of The Week: Anderson Clucas

The youngest player on Wayne County Post 11’s roster, Anderson Clucas, is a rising baseball player for Post 11 and Rosewood High School.

Clucas does not fear the big moment.

During Post 11’s recent win against Pitt County Post 39, Clucas came out of the bullpen and helped Post 11 out of a jam.

Post 11 was up 11-10 in the bottom of the seventh, but Pitt County had the bases-loaded and chance to win the game. Pitt managed to tie the game 11-11, but Clucas got Post 11 out of the inning.

After Post 11 retook the lead in the top of the eighth, Clucas shut the door on Pitt in the bottom of the inning.

“I was a little nervous, but I know what I can do, and I know that if I go up there and have my stuff and throw strikes, then I’ll be alright,” Clucas said. “I just relax and breathe. Have confidence, and I know that if I hit my spots, then I’ll be alright.”

This summer, Clucas has spent most of his time in the bullpen, and he is always ready to step into the game when he is needed. Clucas added he had learned a lot from the older players on Post 11.

“It’s great being around all these guys. I pick the older guys’ brains, and I learn a lot from them, and I love being around these guys,” Clucas said. “It’s been great. I love playing with these guys, and I love playing under these great coaches, and if we keep doing what we’re doing, then we’ll be fine.”

As a freshman, Clucas was a key part of the Rosewood baseball team.

He was 2-0 on the mound with a 1.50 earned run average and 18 strikeouts. He also hit four doubles. The Eagles went 11-3 overall, had an 11-1 record in the Carolina 1A Conference play, won their fourth straight conference title, and reached the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A playoffs.

Clucas said he immensely enjoyed his freshman season in an Eagles’ jersey, and he was happy to help the Eagles continue their winning ways.

“It was good, and it was fun playing for Rosewood,” Clucas said. “We had to work for what we had, and if we wanted to win games, then we had to do everything right because we were on the edge compared to some teams, so you have to go out there and do what you do.”

After having a breakout freshman season at Rosewood and summer playing for Post 11, Clucas is ready for an even better sophomore season.