Rice University Athletics
Tyler Henley
1/16/2007 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Jan. 16, 2007
TOMORROW'S LEADER - Tyler Henley
Even this far into his college baseball career, his junior season and more than likely the last time he will wear a Rice uniform before becoming a high major league draft pick this summer, centerfielder Tyler Henley is careful to check the Owls' starting lineup on game day - and check it as early as possible.
Never mind that the all-America candidate from Colleyville, Texas, has been a fixture in the starting lineup the past two years for one of the top collegiate teams in the country. Even with an active streak of 130-consecutive starts in centerfield under his belt, and even though almost all of those have been as the Owls' leadoff hitter, Henley is often one of the first to check head coach Wayne Graham's lineup. As Rice inches toward its 2007 home and season-opener at Reckling Park on Feb. 3, Henley isn't about to change his hustling, competitive attitude that has got him this far.
"No way," Henley said. "You never assume anything. I just want to be in the lineup. Where I am is not as important, but I do want to know who is around me in the order. It helps me prepare if I know who may be on base or who's batting behind me."
Henley has batted first in the lineup 119 times the last 130 games (91.5 percent). When leading off an inning over the last two years, the 5-foot-10, 200-pound, standout has reached base an eye-opening 45.2 percent of the time. That is not a good way for the opposing defense to start an inning. Henley has scored 144 runs during his 130-game starting streak.
His hitting, however, is only part of his game. Due to outstanding speed Henley the centerfielder has shown exceptional range for running down fly balls. Once he runs down a ball he has demonstrated he has the arm to match. From his spot in the outfield Henley has thrown out 12 different runners who were trying to advance on the basepaths. Once at San Jose State he threw out four runners in a single game (two at third base and two at home plate).
The leadership and accomplishments of the Owls' leadoff hitter, however, goes beyond the baseball diamond. He has been serving as a regular college correspondent for ESPN's web site since last semester. On ESPN.com Henley has shared and explained his various opinions on topics like if student-athletes should be paid, are the NCAA seasons too lengthy, or how does a student-athlete budget time during the course of their busy day. Henley has enjoyed his correspondent's role, but he has also found the opportunity to give back to the community the last two years incredibly rewarding.
Community service is a big part of Rice athletics. Members of America's No. 1 ranked baseball team lifted the spirits of some hospitalized kids in the nearby medical center by simply paying them a visit. Another time, Henley and various Rice student-athletes served as hosts for some visiting youths from one of the city's less affluent neighborhoods. At first Henley didn't know what to expect from the young visitors, but he and the Owls soon found themselves giving the group a life-changing message.
"A group of underprivileged kids came in and we could see that they were so excited the whole time they were here," Henley explained. "They were excited because that was their first time to be on a college campus. We (the Rice student-athletes) were kind of floored, but we were really encouraging the kids' enthusiasm telling them 1) that going to college is a great goal to have and 2) their families didn't have to have a lot of money for them to go to college. We told them that if they did really well in school and sports, then there was a chance that maybe they could go to college for free.
"Their eyes lit up," Henley recalled. "It was a great feeling for them, but it was a great feeling for us as well."
Tyler Henley will soon be batting leadoff for the Owls this season. Leading off is the perfect spot for one of Tomorrow's Leaders.
