Brendon Hayden’s Chip on His Shoulder

May 26, 2013; Durham, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies third baseman Brendon Hayden (34) throws to first base against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the ACC baseball tournament at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Brendon Hayden was one of two Virginia Tech juniors that seemed to have the potential to be selected in the 2014 MLB Draft. Mark Zagunis would go in the third round to the Chicago Cubs while Hayden would end up with a long wait wondering if he would have an opportunity to possibly jump to the pros. However, the 2014 MLB Draft ended and Brendon Hayden was ready to make a return to Blacksburg after not being drafted.

The Hokies should definitely be the beneficiaries of this.

Brendon Hayden was listed as a pitcher but he seems to have more talent as a corner infielder that likely slides to first base rather than relief pitcher. Hayden ended up having a.302 batting average and a .407 on-base percentage but what was really impressive was his power hitting skills. Hayden led the Hokies in home runs, RBIs, doubles, and slugging percentage with 7 home runs, 43 RBIs, 16 doubles and a .497 slugging percentage.

Now, Brendon Hayden will look to prove that he has the skills to be a first base prospect in the minor leagues no matter the odds that Hayden will have and the low chances that he makes it to the majors. Hayden will be a guy that will want to prove that he should have been selected in the 2014 MLB Draft with a strong senior season that could surprise a lot of people. This will be Brendon Hayden’s final go-around in the collegiate game and he will look to go out in a big way.

Hayden is ready to have a big year and that is due to the chip on his shoulder that he has from going undrafted.

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