A lot of trips along Highway 63.

That will be in the cards for Blake Henry’s family and friends next spring since he signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic pursuits as a member of the Moberly Area Community College (MACC) Greyhound baseball program.

“MACC is getting a good player,” Belle Tiger head baseball coach Bryce Gehlert said. “He helped us immensely in the four years he played baseball in a Tiger uniform and I believe he will help the Greyhounds over the next two years.”

Teammates with Jefferson College (JC) signee Clayton Shockley the past four years, Henry and the incoming Viking freshman will likely face each other several times over the next two years.

JC and MACC are both members of the Missouri Community College Athletic Conference (MCCAC).

Other members of the MCCAC include Missouri State University - West Plains, Three Rivers Community College, Mineral Area College, State Fair Community College, St. Louis Community College, St. Charles Community College and East Central College over in Union.

Helping Belle reach the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Class 3, District 9 title game, Henry led the Tigers in several statistical categories.

Reaching base frequently, Henry led the Tigers with a .571 on-base percentage while also recording a team-high 29 hits, three triples, 32 runs scored and 23 walks. He was also hit by a pitch a team-high six times throughout the recently completed spring season.

Henry’s best game offensively came against Hermann with five hits, four singles and four RBIs.

Hitting his lone home run of the season against Plato, he also scored a season-high four runs against the Eagles.

Among his team-leading 23 walks, Henry drew a pair of free passes against Bourbon, Missouri Military Academy, St. James, Fatima and Plato twice.

He also stole a season-high three bases against MMA’s Colonels.

As a pitcher, Henry reached double digits twice in strikeouts with 12 against Plato and 11 against Bourbon.

“We liked how Blake was physical with a good athletic build with a ton of room for growth,” MACC head baseball coach Chris Fletcher said. “He has good reads and instincts on the field as a defender. We think his best baseball is ahead of him and look forward to working with him the next two years. The plus side is, most important side, Blake is an outstanding person. We love to bring in guys that model similar characteristics. Blake will make a great addition to our program.”