Thundering to Angelina College, Lufkin Star Will be a Roadrunner

I still have the 'Thundering 13' autographed baseball sitting in the KICKS 105 studio.  My gosh, has it been five years?  It was 2017 when the Lufkin Little League All-Stars, dubbed the Thundering 13, made their way to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and claimed the USA championship before falling to Japan in the world championship game.

One of the autographs on that baseball belongs to Hunter Ditsworth.  He has been pretty much the ace of any pitching staff he's been on, whether in Little League or as a Lufkin Panther. He led the 2022 Lufkin Panthers with an 11-1 record and a team-best 1.39 ERA. A workhorse for the Pack pitching staff, Ditsworth logged 75-2/3 innings, striking out 63 opposing hitters. Following the season, Ditsworth was named District 16-5A Pitcher of the Year.

According to a release from Angelina College, beginning in the fall of 2022, Ditsworth will bring his winning mindset to the Angelina College Roadrunners after signing his letter of intent on Wednesday.

“I’m very excited,” Ditsworth said. “I’ve always heard good things about Angelina College, and Coach (Jeff) Livin has always coached me. He’s a great coach, and I’m ready to see where he can take me.

“I think I can help the team out on the mound. I’m just ready to get started.”

Livin said Ditsworth brings a noticeable competitive edge to his overall game.

“I’ve known Hunter since he was 10 or 11 years old when Bud Maddux brought him over,” Livin said. “We started working with him, and the young man is a competitor beyond belief. He’s got great tools, and I think he’s got a chance to play a little of everything at our place. We’re going to give him a chance to swing the bat, and we’re certainly going to use him on the mound.

“I think the guy was undefeated as a pitcher until the very last game. There’s something to be said for someone who goes out and pitches like that. He’s got the tools to win ball games.”

Ditsworth has benefited from stellar coaching throughout his young career: His Little League coach was the legendary Maddux, who was present for Wednesday’s ceremony. Ditsworth has worked with Livin for several years, and he grew as a player under Lufkin head coach John Cobb, whose Panther team in 2022 won 30 games and finished a game away from the regional finals.

Ditwsorth’s parents are Veronica and Michael Ditsworth.

Lufkin's Hunter Ditsworth (seated) on Wednesday signed his letter of intent to join the Angelina College baseball program beginning in the fall of 2022. Pictured with Ditsworth are (back row, L-R) AC head coach Jeff Livin, Bud Maddux and Lufkin head coach John Cobb.

Lufkin's Hunter Ditsworth (seated) poses with family members during Wednesday's ceremony at the Lufkin High School baseball field. Ditsworth signed his letter of intent to join the Angelina College baseball program beginning this fall.