University of Georgia Athletics
Photo by: Kari Hodges/UGAAA
Bulldog Spotlight: Getting To Know Henry Hunter
January 04, 2024 | Baseball
From the Magic City to the Classic City, junior catcher Henry Hunter credits toughness and grit as the biggest things he will bring to Georgia from his time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). The Grayson, Ga. native appeared in 46 games with 42 starts for the Blazers last year.
How has the transition been from UAB to Georgia?
"It's been awesome. It's been a little bit different, a bigger scene, but it's been great. Classes are a little bit tougher, but the baseball makes it all worth it. The coaching staff has been phenomenal, and all the guys have been awesome and have welcomed all of us with open arms. It's truly been a blessing to be here, and it's been fun. I'm looking forward to the spring for sure."
What was the biggest takeaway from your two years at UAB that you want to bring to Georgia?
"I think UAB instilled a level of toughness and grit in me that you might not find elsewhere. The program didn't have the most resources, and it wasn't known for being a super big baseball program. I think I can bring some grit and some toughness and an attitude that I play with each and every pitch to the team to make us better."
You're originally from Grayson, but what else drew you to playing for Georgia?
"It was just a good opportunity. A chance to play in the best conference with a really good coaching staff and a really good group of guys. Coming home, it made it even sweeter because it's cool to be able to play in front of your home state. The first step out, I went up there against Kennesaw in front of some old friends and family that haven't seen me play in a couple years. It was cool to be in front of them again. Playing for your home state means a little bit more so it's always cooler when you're playing for something bigger."
When did you start playing baseball and when did you realize you wanted to play at the next level?
"I started playing baseball when I was three. I played baseball and football growing up though. Whatever season it was, that's what sport I thought I was going to wind up playing in college. Eventually, I made the decision that I wanted to play baseball around my sophomore year. It was tough to quit football because I loved it so much, but ultimately, I knew that I wanted to be a professional baseball player. I love it, and I don't regret it a single bit, so it's worked out pretty well I'd say."
How did you become a catcher?
"I started catching my freshman year of high school, and I really don't know what made me want to catch. I always played third base and pitched and then, just from watching catchers. I got lucky enough that my high school needed a catcher my freshman year on the varsity team. I just fell in love with it, and I don't want to play anywhere else. It's my favorite position."
Is there a professional baseball player that you look up to or model your game on?
"I would say my favorite players are Bryce Harper and Mike Trout. Those two guys I really look up to, and I really like the way they play the game and go about their business."
How have you seen aspects of your game improve since you've started here at Georgia?
"This coaching staff has done a phenomenal job. I had a tough year last year, and I came here kind of questioning my ability, but they've really instilled that belief in myself. I've grown in a lot of different areas – offensively, defensively – and then on top of that just being around a lot of good players makes you better. I've been super fortunate to be around Fernando Gonzalez all the time and Corey Collins, Dillon Carter and Clayton Chadwick. They've helped me on offense, defense, just all around as a player."
How have you been able to mesh with the team, especially with so many new guys coming on this year?
"It's been great. Honestly, it's been a good thing that we've had so many new guys because we're all learning together. Having a completely new team in a way and a new staff, it makes everybody compete. When you compete with guys, you grow respect for guys. When you grow respect for guys, you win a lot. I think it's a good recipe that we have going on right now, but we have a long way to go."
What do you like to do when you're not playing baseball?
"I'm usually always at the baseball field, but I enjoy working out. That is my other true passion. I like reading, listening to podcasts, learning about all different stuff. My girlfriend goes here, so that's been fun, and just hanging out with my buddies. That's always a good time."
Do you have a nickname that the guys call you?
"They call me 'Henny' a lot. 'Big Hen,' 'Hennything is possible.' Anything with 'Henny,' that's what they go for. It's been funny."
(Bulldog Spotlight written by Brigette Ramirez, Georgia Sports Communications Student Assistant)
How has the transition been from UAB to Georgia?
"It's been awesome. It's been a little bit different, a bigger scene, but it's been great. Classes are a little bit tougher, but the baseball makes it all worth it. The coaching staff has been phenomenal, and all the guys have been awesome and have welcomed all of us with open arms. It's truly been a blessing to be here, and it's been fun. I'm looking forward to the spring for sure."
What was the biggest takeaway from your two years at UAB that you want to bring to Georgia?
"I think UAB instilled a level of toughness and grit in me that you might not find elsewhere. The program didn't have the most resources, and it wasn't known for being a super big baseball program. I think I can bring some grit and some toughness and an attitude that I play with each and every pitch to the team to make us better."
You're originally from Grayson, but what else drew you to playing for Georgia?
"It was just a good opportunity. A chance to play in the best conference with a really good coaching staff and a really good group of guys. Coming home, it made it even sweeter because it's cool to be able to play in front of your home state. The first step out, I went up there against Kennesaw in front of some old friends and family that haven't seen me play in a couple years. It was cool to be in front of them again. Playing for your home state means a little bit more so it's always cooler when you're playing for something bigger."
When did you start playing baseball and when did you realize you wanted to play at the next level?
"I started playing baseball when I was three. I played baseball and football growing up though. Whatever season it was, that's what sport I thought I was going to wind up playing in college. Eventually, I made the decision that I wanted to play baseball around my sophomore year. It was tough to quit football because I loved it so much, but ultimately, I knew that I wanted to be a professional baseball player. I love it, and I don't regret it a single bit, so it's worked out pretty well I'd say."
How did you become a catcher?
"I started catching my freshman year of high school, and I really don't know what made me want to catch. I always played third base and pitched and then, just from watching catchers. I got lucky enough that my high school needed a catcher my freshman year on the varsity team. I just fell in love with it, and I don't want to play anywhere else. It's my favorite position."
Is there a professional baseball player that you look up to or model your game on?
"I would say my favorite players are Bryce Harper and Mike Trout. Those two guys I really look up to, and I really like the way they play the game and go about their business."
How have you seen aspects of your game improve since you've started here at Georgia?
"This coaching staff has done a phenomenal job. I had a tough year last year, and I came here kind of questioning my ability, but they've really instilled that belief in myself. I've grown in a lot of different areas – offensively, defensively – and then on top of that just being around a lot of good players makes you better. I've been super fortunate to be around Fernando Gonzalez all the time and Corey Collins, Dillon Carter and Clayton Chadwick. They've helped me on offense, defense, just all around as a player."
How have you been able to mesh with the team, especially with so many new guys coming on this year?
"It's been great. Honestly, it's been a good thing that we've had so many new guys because we're all learning together. Having a completely new team in a way and a new staff, it makes everybody compete. When you compete with guys, you grow respect for guys. When you grow respect for guys, you win a lot. I think it's a good recipe that we have going on right now, but we have a long way to go."
What do you like to do when you're not playing baseball?
"I'm usually always at the baseball field, but I enjoy working out. That is my other true passion. I like reading, listening to podcasts, learning about all different stuff. My girlfriend goes here, so that's been fun, and just hanging out with my buddies. That's always a good time."
Do you have a nickname that the guys call you?
"They call me 'Henny' a lot. 'Big Hen,' 'Hennything is possible.' Anything with 'Henny,' that's what they go for. It's been funny."
(Bulldog Spotlight written by Brigette Ramirez, Georgia Sports Communications Student Assistant)
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