Two of the toughest outs in the Socastee High baseball lineup this season saved their biggest double play for Thursday.
Socastee first baseman Charlie Nicholson and Braves catcher Manny Berdayes signed their National Letter of Intents at a school ceremony to ensure that their baseball careers will continue at the college level.
Nicholson, who led the Braves by batting .434 with 25 RBIs and seven home runs, signed to play at USC Sumter. He also posted an unbelievable .842 slugging percentage and on-base percentage of .511.
Berdayes, who played catcher for Socastee and was second to Nicholson in several offensive categories, also proved his worth behind the plate both defensively and as an extra set of eyes for the Braves’ pitching staff. He signed to play at Erskine College.
The senior duo led the Braves to an 18-7 record and the title of the Mingo Bay Classic, a national tournament that rarely turns out a local champion.
Socastee also led the region standings until the final game of the regular season before falling in the Class AAA district semifinals.
- Photo by Owens Designs
