Hansen swinging a hot bat

By Lethbridge Herald on June 27, 2024.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Lethbridge Bulls Scott Hansen takes a big lead at second base during Wednesday's game versus Okotoks.

By Justin Seward

First-year Lethbridge Bull infielder Scott Hansen is turning heads on the diamond with his performance at the plate so far this season.

Hansen is the only current active roster player leading the team with a .398 average after going 33-for-83 at the plate this season in 21 games.

“Yeah obviously confidence is really high right now at the plate,” said Hansen.

“I’m trying not to get too big headed with that (and) sticking to my approach. A lot of times when you’re doing well, it’s easy to come out of an approach and try to hit for things that you (would)not necessarily usually do. But I’m just trying to stick to it and yeah it’s working out for me.”

Hansen takes pride when he’s at the plate.

“I feel like that’s  a huge thing for me is going out there with confidence, knowing I’m better (than) the guy on the mound and just kind of working through that,” said Hansen.

Hansen’s approach has not changed.

“I’d say my approach at the plate has been the same ever since I stepped on to a college field,” said Hansen.

“I’m not a guy that’s going to get up there and hit 20 balls out (of) the yard every single year. I’m a guy that’s going to hit singles and get on base and steal bags. So it’s kind of just knowing my game and going out there and playing my game.”

Hansen said it’s really nice, when asked about helping the team in the way he is.

“Especially all these guys, when you get back into the dugout, they really let you know like you did a good job,” he said.

“So it’s always a good feeling getting back in there and everyone cheering you on.”

Batting for a high average is nothing new to Hansen as he batted .435 in his sophomore year of  junior college.

“He’s got pretty much every tool, he can run, he can hit,” said teammate Josh Kabayama.

“He’s just been having fun ,and keeping it simple and he’s been wreaking the results of it. Like he’s been playing really well, so hopefully he can keep it up and it’s really nice to have his bat in the line-up.”

Head coach Ryan MacDonald has seen Hansen as a solid player since day one.

“Teams down south have different hitting approaches and stuff and I basically just said swing away from the get-go and he’s been swinging away,” said MacDonald.

“He’s had success with us attacking fastballs early and it’s been working out well for him.”

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