( Andy Shupe)
Jalen Battles runs to first base on Friday, April 2, 2021, during an inning of play against Auburn at Baum-Walker Stadium in Fayetteville. Visit nwaonline.com/210403Daily/ for the game's photo gallery.
FAYETTEVILLE — Fred Battles still views his son, Jalen, as the 10- or 11-year-old shortstop who used to have fun running around Little League fields in San Antonio.
So when veteran college coaches like Dave Van Horn and Louisiana Tech’s Lane Burroughs label Jalen a big leaguer, it is difficult for Fred to comprehend. But he is in awe.
“These coaches have coached all their lives and they see it in my son,” Fred said.