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Northern exposure

Right showcase, right coach, right time leads to opportunity for Cleburne County’s Robertson to play college baseball in Nebraska.

By Joe Medley
East Alabama Sports Today

HEFLIN — One never knows who might show up for a showcase.

Cleburne County’s Kannon Robertson showed out at the right showcase, and it wound up being his ticket to play college baseball.

The senior shortstop on Wednesday participated in a ceremony to mark his signing to play for Peru (Nebraska) State College, and he offered two quick observations for his college destination.

First, how it felt during his October visit.

“It was cold, real cold,” he said.

As for Peru coach Stout Blake Beaber?

“He’s a good guy, but he was in the military,” Robertson said. “He’s definitely got a certain way of doing stuff, and you’re going to do it that way, or you’re not going to like it very much.”

Robertson said he had conversations with coaches from Coastal Alabama Community College but chose to go north, where the scholarship money was.

Since moving to Cleburne County from Oxford, he’s been money for the Tigers. Headed into Wednesday night’s game at Munford, he batted .478 with five doubles, two triples and a home run.

“He’s worked hard to get where he’s at,” Cleburne County coach Robert Townsend said. “He’s one of the hardest workers. I’ve talked to him about hustle and everything. Even on fly balls in the infield, he’s hustling as hard as he can, and that’s what you’ve got to have to get to where he’s at.”

Robertson’s opportunity go up north came via a PBR showcase. Peru assistant coach Chris Stout attended the showcase while visiting family in Gadsden then reached out via Twitter that night.

“I like their campus,” Robertson said. “I like what their plans are for the team for the future, so I figured that’s the place where I’ll go.”

Robertson said he had “no clue” where Peru, Neb., was before connecting with PSC’s baseball program.

Photo gallery by Joe Medley

Kannon Robertson’s memorabilia table during Wednesday’s ceremony to mark his signing to play baseball for Peru State College.
A picture collage at Wednesday’s ceremony to mark Kannon Robertson’s signing to play baseball for Peru State College.
Cleburne County baseball coach Robert Townsend talks during Wednesday’s ceremony to mark Kannon Robertson’s signing to play for Peru State College.
Cleburne County’s Kannon Robertson poses for a picture with teammates during Wednesday’s ceremony to mark his signing to play baseball for Peru State College.
Cleburne County’s Kannon Robertson poses for a picture with family during Wednesday’s ceremony to mark his signing to play baseball for Peru State College.

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