Hillcrest High School product Keith Holcombe won’t return for the remainder of the baseball season, head coach Greg Goff confirmed on Wednesday.
The sophomore outfielder, who is also a linebacker on the football team, underwent labrum surgery on his shoulder after the conclusion of spring football practice. He’ll be out while he works towards a return for football in the fall.
“We’d love to have him but we understand the situation he’s in,” Goff said. “We wanted to make sure he had that thing taken care of so he’s ready for football come August.”
Holcombe played in 13 games and started 10 in left field in Alabama’s first 19 games, but did not continue with the team when spring football began. He hit .250 with a .344 on-base percentage. He also led all players in the spring football game with 10 total tackles, including two sacks.
He has spent some time with the baseball team since then, occasionally appearing in the dugout in street clothes during games. Goff said he’s spoken with Holcombe about his future with the baseball team and hopes to have him for the 2018 season.
“Keith is a really good baseball player that can really help us,” Goff said. “We’re looking forward to him getting through a wonderful fall and January, winning a national championship, staying healthy and having a chance to come back.
“The more he’s around, the more of an impact he can have for us. What I saw, having him in the games, he’s a dynamic guy that fits our system with athleticism, he runs. We definitely will look forward to having him back next year.”
