Late redshirt pays off for Decker

AUBURN | One of the toughest decisions of Bo Decker’s young life turned out to be one of the best.

Decker decided to sit out what would have been his senior season last year and redshirt. He returns this spring as a fifth-year senior.

“Sitting out hurt, watching and not being on the team or able to play,” Decker said. “But I coached first base, which was cool. Coach allowing me to do that was fun. Being out here and being able to play and becoming a leader and doing what Coach (Butch) Thompson asked has been great. It's going to be a fun year. I can't wait.”

Auburn had a glut of outfielders last season and Decker wasn’t pleased with how he was playing in preseason practice. By staying in Auburn an extra year, Decker was able to earn his degree in public administration this fall.

And it gave him plenty of time to improve several facets of his game.

“I practiced with the team. Before every game I hit BP. I shagged. I did everything I could to get ready as a ballplayer,” Decker said. “I went and played summer ball and came back and fixed my swing a little bit and everything clicked.

“I always felt like there was something missing and my backside wasn't getting through (on my swing). I worked the whole offseason and summer ball just getting my backside through. As soon as fall hit, something hit for me and I kept it going.”

Decker was also able to improve his outlook off the field.

“Scott Shepherd, our team chaplain, really helped me out on the religious side of life,” Decker said. “Growing up playing baseball my day depended on how well I played. I think baseball was a huge idol of mine growing up. I really changed that sitting out realizing how good my life was having fun just watching, coaching and doing stuff with the team. I realized that it's not all about baseball.”

Decker is poised to be a big part of this season’s team. Auburn must replace all three of its starting outfielders from last year and Decker is set to be the Tigers’ starting left fielder.

“Bo Decker in left, we like him. Good arm. Plainsman Park kind of plays to having a good arm in left field,” Thompson said. “He's not only a great leader, it's like he's a coach at times. He coached some first base in games. I think that's powerful. I think he was able to step outside the frame and evaluate his life. I think he evaluated baseball. I think he evaluated, 'If I get a chance to get back out there, this is how I would do it.' And just think he took full advantage of that year.

“And he's played and earned everything he has gotten. I think he took a very mature approach to last year that you wish everybody would take. I think it's going to benefit him and our team in a big way.”

Thompson could use a handful of players in the outfield this season. Decker is firmly entrenched in left. Junior college transfer Jonah Todd in centerfield and Jeremy Johnson in right field are the likely opening-day starters. Sam Gillikin and Bowen McGuffin are also expected to play in the outfield along with first baseman Daniel Robert.

“They're all still really engaged because they're all playing for something,” Thompson said. “I think they'll all get an opportunity with six games in six days.

Auburn hosts George Washington for a four-game series to open the season. First pitch at Plainsman Park Friday is set for 2 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on SECN Alternate and Watch ESPN. The two teams will play twice Saturday starting at 11 a.m. and Sunday at noon.

The Tigers host Jacksonville State Tuesday and Florida A&M Wednesday.