Hedman on track in minors

By Jim Dixon

SALEM, Va. - Two years removed from being named D3baseball.com player of the year, Drew Hedman is working on his dream. Despite a season that has seen some ups and downs, Hedman is looking to finish the season on a strong note.

"[My season] has been alright. It started off pretty good, then I went through a slump," said Hedman. "It feels good again."

And good it was when I caught up with him in which the left fielder was 2-for-4 with three RBIs and his second home run of the season. "I was trying not to do too much at the plate," said Hedman about his performance against the Fredrick Keys. "I was just trying to see the ball, swing and hit it."

On track in advanced single-A, Hedman is applying the lessons learned at Pomona-Pitzer from Sagehens' coach Frank Pericolosi. "Pericolosi said to compete and play defense."

When the Red Sox made him their last selection in the 2009 draft, they expected him to split his time between the infield and outfield. "In my freshman year I played half the year or more in right field, and when I got here they said I would be moving back and forth between the outfield and first base."

Off the field Hedman keeps in touch with his alma mater and sees their rise as a power in the West region continuing. "I worked out with the team for a week during the offseason before heading out to Florida this year. Pericolosi has done a great job and now that they have been to a few playoffs, they are seeing more players interested in the program."

Hedman was key to the Sagehens rise but he recognizes the talents of several players that also contributed to Pomona's recent success, including 2010 draftee James Kang and D3baseball All-American David Colvin. "[Kang] and I have talked quite a bit and things are going well for him. He is doing a lot and having fun," said Hedman. "[Colvin] is back at the Cape and he is one I would like to see get a chance next year. I expect him to have a good year and someone will give him a chance."

For now the goal is to keep playing well and earn another year in the Red Sox organization.