Robert Hassell III named Tennessee Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year

Vanderbilt signee Robert Hassell III, a recent Independence graduate, repeated as the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year, winning the award in a shortened season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The award recognizes athletes for their achievement on the field as well as academic and character demonstrated on and off the field.

Hassell, a projected MLB first-round draft pick, is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year, an award won by Loretto graduate Ryan Weathers in 2018. He is the No. 5 prospect in the country for the Class of 2020 according to Baseball America.

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Hassell, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior outfielder and left-handed pitcher led the USA Baseball 18U National team to a silver medal at the Baseball World Cup in August. He led the tournament in runs, hits and RBIs and was tied for the lead with two home runs.

Independence played just two games this season before the rest was canceled due to COVID-19. Hassell finished his career with a .415 batting average, 22 home runs, 89 RBIs and 95 runs scored. 

"Robert had a great 2019," Independence coach Mike McLaury said. "He is the best player in the state and that showed again throughout last summer."

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 or tkreager@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Kreager.