Hoots Commit A Pair Of Middle Infielders For 2021 Season

Columbus, GA - The Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots are excited to announce two more commitments for the 2021 Sunbelt League Baseball season. Second basemen Matthew McDade and middle infielder Ty Kaufman have both committed to the Hoots for summer ball this year.

"We are excited about the addition of both Matthew and Ty" Chatt-a-Hoots manager Steve Smith said. "Both players came highly recommended from their College programs."

McDade's name should ring a bell to locals as he is going into his sophomore season at Columbus State. As a freshman, he appeared in 46 games and hit. 278 with three home runs, 20 RBIs and 23 runs scored. He was also a perfect 3/3 in stolen base attempts last year. Previous to his college career he was a four-year all-conference player at Cape Coral high school in Florida.

"Going to school here, I have a lot of love for the city of Columbus" McDade said. "I’m excited to be a part of this team. Go Hoots!"

During the COVID-shortened 2020 season, McDade was hitting .286 with, one homer, 10 RBIs and one stolen base in 21 games before the season was ultimately cancelled. Hoots manager Steve Smith is excited not only for the ability McDade can bring on the field but for the leadership ability he can show off of it.

"Matthew brings experience having been a starter at CSU for the last two years, an impact bat and strong defense at second base" Smith said. "We believe he will be able have a positive influence on our younger group of infielders in terms of preparation and mentality."

Ty Kaufman is a utility fielder who is an incoming freshman at UNC-Asheville but hails from Georgia and his hometown of McDonough.

"Ty is a versatile middle infielder with the ability to play the outfield" Smith said. "He's a sparkplug player that provides energy between the lines with his maximum effort style of play. He is a gap to gap hitter that utilizes his high baseball IQ to impact his teams on both sides of the ball."

"I’m honored to be apart of the Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots" Kaufman said. "The opportunity of playing at Golden Park in front of many friends is a once in a lifetime deal. I look forward to meeting new people and playing under Coach Smith. Go Hoots!"