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Ole Miss baseball's Hayden Dunhurst is healthy and ready to guide new arms

11by:Jake Thompson•02/07/22•

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Hayden Dunhurst
Ole Miss baseball catcher Hayden Dunhurst

When it came to injuries with Ole Miss baseball during the 2021 season, Tim Elko was the main focus but there were others who were playing through pain, including Hayden Dunhurst.

The Rebels catcher dealt with a thumb injury but continued through the season all the way through the Super Regionals.

Now, after an offseason for it to heal, Dunhurst is healthy once more.

“Definitely a 100 percent,” Dunhurst said on Friday during Media Day. “The thumb’s good. Got full range of motion, full strength, everything. But, going through it last year, you know, it sucked and hurt some but being out with those guys everyday (and) seeing the injuries go down with our team and not wanting to be that guy to go out.

“Being a catcher it comes with the job, being tough. I just wanted to always win for my team.”

Despite having the thumb injury, Dunhurst hit for .280 at the plate with 43 RBIs and seven home runs.

Dunhurst’s play behind the plate also helped him earn numerous accolades including a Gold Glove honor and being named to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.

The expectations are also high for Dunhurst entering this season with a couple Preseason All-American honors bestowed upon him.

All of the success and his play on the field during his first two seasons with the Rebels had head coach Mike Bianco calling Dunhurst one of the best, if not the best, catchers the program has ever had.

“It means a lot, definitely coming from someone who’s coached a lot of big leaguers,” Dunhurst said of Bianco’s comments. “Definitely means a lot to me and to get better every year and to build a relationship closer with him and my teammates. Just make me a better overall person.”

Sitting behind the plate this season comes with a new challenge for Dunhurst as there are going to be several new faces staring at him on the pitching mound.

Derek Diamond and Drew McDaniel are the only two returning pitchers who were part of the weekend rotation for the Rebels. The additions of transfers John Gaddis and Jacob Washburn to the pitching staff is a welcomed one for Dunhurst but also comes with heavy responsibility to help acclimate them.

While continue rehab with his thumb during fall practice, Dunhurst did not get to work with the newcomers that much.

“I can see that we definitely have some more depth than last year,” Dunhurst said. “Might not have the top, top talent arms but we definitely have more depth. I think we have some guys who can be some really good competitors for us. Guys that will go out there and compete and work their butt off and I’m excited to see that.”

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