2010 Player Profile: Justin Hopper, Bucs

Justin Hopper

P/OF - Anchorage Bucs
Bats: Right - Throws: Right
Height: 5'11" - Weight: 180lb
College: Winthrop
Year: Junior
Hometown: Lexington, South Carolina

Justin Hopper is a first-year ABL player from the east coast, calling Lexington, South Carolina home. He'll join Winthrop teammates Eddie Rohan and Sean Sullivan in Anchorage with the 2010 Bucs.

Hopper was recruited as a two-way player, projectable not only as a pitcher but also an outfield bat, though in recent seasons he's been used on the bump more often than at the plate. The summer-ball veteran played for the Columbus Blowfish of the talented Coastal Plain League the past two summers; in 2008 he made 21 appearances in the field versus 5 on the mound, but in 2009 he made just 2 appearances as a batter compared to 9 as a hurler -- all of them starts -- going 3-2 with a 4.09 ERA. The Bucs have listed Hopper as a pitcher and will apparently use him mostly in that role, although I'm guessing his versatility appeals to them and that they will also utilize him as their fifth outfielder.



After playing two seasons for South Carolina, Hopper transferred to Winthrop this off-season. In accordance with NCAA rules regarding transfers, he'll be required to redshirt the 2010 collegiate season, meaning his ABL campaign this year will be the first time he takes the field for real in over a year. Will he have to shake off the rust of a long time off, or will he come to Anchorage well-practiced and ready to play? We'll have to wait until this summer to see.