By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

He felt at home.

When LaGrange High baseball standout Trent Bailey was doing a tour of the Georgia College campus, it felt like a place where he’d be comfortable spending four years of his life.

“It was just the environment when I first got there, the coaches,” said Bailey, a senior catcher. “They were just like my family. They all wanted me to be there.”

It was an easy decision for Bailey, and last week he made it official when he signed his letter of intent with Georgia College.

Bailey celebrated that decision during a ceremony in the LaGrange High media center, with friends, family members, and coaches there to enjoy the moment with him.

“I’m very thankful to have them here,” Bailey said of the folks who joined him for his signing celebration. “God has blessed me with a great family,and great friends. I’m very excited they’re here.”

One of the people in attendance was Donnie Branch, who is preparing for his second stint as LaGrange’s head baseball coach.

While Branch hasn’t coached Bailey before, he watched him play a lot last season, and he was impressed with what he saw.

“He jumped out with the effort the played with, his passion,” Branch said. “He looked like the leader. It reminded me of when I had Jacob Boccucci. When Jacob was in the room, he kind of ran it. He had a presence. Trent’s got that.”

Bailey, who began his prep career at Troup High before transferring to LaGrange, is an outstanding defensive catcher, and that’s a part of the game he takes a lot of pride in.

“I’ve always loved being out on defense, trying to do whatever I can to help the team,” Bailey said.

Branch added that “having real good solid play behind the plate changes the whole complexion of the defense. He can catch and throw with anybody.”

Bailey said all he’s ever wanted to do on a baseball field is be a catcher.

“Ever since I was about 8-years-old, I’ve been catching,” Bailey said. “That’s all I’ve ever done.”

Bailey is looking forward to joining a Georgia College program that won a conference title last spring.

“Last year they won the championship, and this year they’re looking to win it again,” Bailey said. “When I get there, hopefully we can just keep it rolling.”

First things first, though.

Bailey will be a leader on a LaGrange High baseball team that will open a new season in February.

“I’m very excited about this season,” Bailey said. “We’re shaping up good right now.”