Locey is living the dream at UGA

The University of Georgia and it’s many athletic programs have meant more to the Locey family than any other dating back to before former Houston County High School pitcher Anthony Locey, Jr. was even born. Anthony Locey, Sr. had always dreamed of playing ball in Athens and passed that dream on to his son at a very young age. “That’s the school I wanted to go to when I got out of high school,” says the elder Locey. “That always been our school.” Anthony, Sr. played his college baseball first at Southern Union Junior College in Wadley, Alabama before moving back home to play for the Columbus State University (then known as Columbus College) Cougars. Locey played well enough to get drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1993 and passed on many of the lessons he learned as a career minor league player to his son. The school he always wanted to go to and play for is now home for his son. “It’s just a blessing,” says the younger Locey. “Not many people get the opportunity to play in the SEC and for me growing up a Dawg [fan] I can’t wait to play for the Georgia on my chest.”

The Bulldogs started mandatory workouts this week but Locey has already spent weeks working out with team members during voluntary workouts. He knows that living the dream as a Georgia Bulldog player doesn’t stop with just signing in the dotted line or wearing a practice uniform. The dream of a father and son starts with work and lots of it. About the workouts Locey, Jr. said via a recent phone interview, “They are very challenging and high intense but nothing comes easy. It is a lot harder than I was expecting but it will prepare us for SEC play.” The Bulldogs may have been prepared under fourth year head baseball coach Scott Stricklin but 2016 did not end well as Georgia finished the season with a 27-30 overall record, 11-19 in SEC play that was capped by a first round exit from the conference tournament courtesy of a 5-1 loss to Ole Miss.

The answer to what may have been pitching problems and issues with scoring runs is the number four ranked recruiting class according to PerfectGameUSA.com. As a freshman Locey may not be looked upon to be one of the starters or even first few pitchers used out of the bullpen but if he is he’ll be ready. “I’ll be ready for wherever or whenever the coaches want me or need me,” said Locey. “Right now my main goal is to be a Friday night starter.” The “Friday night starters” are the equivalent of a key starting pitcher on the major league level. Now that he’s signed with Georgia and his college career clock has officially started in the eyes of Major League Baseball teams Locey won’t be eligible to be drafted until 2019. For a moment following his senior season, his first as a HoCo Bear, he, his family and coaches, had to decide if the majors was where he needed to be.

Locey’s senior season statistics -120 strikeouts in 77 innings- got the attention of major league scouts, his no-hitter on senior night didn’t hurt either. The Chicago White Sox decided to draft him in the third round of the 2016 MLB draft and put the pressure on team Locey to either accept their contract offer or forgo professional baseball for college. The decision was far from cut and dry and according to both Locey and his father not an easy one to make. “I was 100 percent behind him,” says Locey, Sr. “The deal was that he either got what he wanted from the draft or went to school.” HoCo head baseball coach Matt Hopkins feels Locey’s decision was the best one for him as a player. “It’s a very good opportunity to have your education paid for while allowing yourself to grow and develop as a player,” he says. “You have to remember Tony just turned 18.” On choosing Bulldog baseball over long bus rides on the minor league baseball circuit Locey, Jr says, “I feel like I will become a better player and person while getting my education at college.” He’s majoring in Sports Science and enjoying his time with new teammates and new goals to accomplish. “He is a bulldog,” says Hopkins, “that’s his mentality on the mound. I think he has a really good shot at being a very high draft pick when his time comes.”

Part one of Anthony Locey’s dream has been accomplished and now, starting with workouts and individual and team training sessions, the hard part begins. “It’s awesome, I love it,” says Locey. “I know this is what I have to do in order to move on to the next level.” The next level for now is the SEC and Locey’s former coach is proud that he got the opportunity, if only for one season, to help him get there. “To see his dream of playing at UGA come true is great.” It has both been a long journey and just a beginning for Anthony Locey. “Houston County High School, its coaches and administrators changed my life,” he says. “They made me a better young man.”

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