Kennett's Hayden Gilmore signs with Three Rivers College

Kennett Indians starting pitcher Hayden Gilmore winds up against Cape Central at Indian Park.

Photo by Steve Hankins, Delta Dunklin Democrat.

KENNETT, Mo. - Kennett High School senior Hayden Gilmore signed his letter of intent to play baseball at Three Rivers College (TRC).

“I talked to them a little bit over the summer, and went on a visit about a month or two ago,” Gilmore said. “I’m excited to join them and get on campus next fall.”

According to Gilmore, he signed on as a two way player which means he will be pitching and hitting for the Raiders.

Along with his pitching duties, Gilmore will also play first base and outfield on some occasions.

The Indians have had a long history of sending baseball players to TRC. Currently, their roster already has five Kennett alumni in the line-up. This includes active freshmen Peyton Branum and J.C. Poole.

The Raiders also have Brooks Nigut, Trey Gardner and Tanner Pierce on the lineup as redshirt freshmen.

Athletic Director Seth McBroom acknowledged this accomplishment for Gilmore to not only continue his education, but his athletic career post high school. According to him, a lot of student-athletes can’t say they received the chance to play their sport in college.

“He’s had an amazing career so far at Kennett High School,” McBroom said. “I really look forward to watching him progress and continue to grow.”

Hayden Gilmore, sitting left, signs a letter of intent to play baseball at Three Rivers College.

Photo by Kaelin Triggs, Delta Dunklin Democrat.

According to Gilmore, his career took off last season as a junior where he earned All-Conference honors.

However, Kennett’s head baseball coach Adam New said this was a process which started his sophomore season.

“He got in the line up as a sophomore and just continued to get better and better year after year,” New said. “We’re excited to see where he’s headed this year.”

As a sophomore in 2023, Gilmore came back and helped his team win the district tournament and earned a bid to the State tournament for the third consecutive year. The team finished with a 22-9 record.

Gilmore said he started to grow as a player on the pitching mound and at the plate.

“I had a really good year and kind of took a leadership role,” Gilmore said. “This year, I’m kind of looking for the same thing and to improve on each aspect of the game a little more. Hopefully I can get us another district title and end my career off strong.”

Last season, the Indians dropped a three year streak of winning districts and qualifying for the state tournament. Gilmore said he hopes to flip the switch this season and make another run at state.

Gilmore also pitched for the St. Louis Tigers during the summer and winter months. This is where he found momentum in college recruits, receiving a handful of D-I offers.

He hopes to take all he has learned at Kennett and with the Tigers with him on the collegiate level at Three Rivers.

“Our program is definitely rich in culture,” Gilmore said. “There are a lot of standards that you have to meet to be a Kennett baseball player. Our records and the success we’ve had shows that. I’ll carry those traditions to the next level. Kennett has definitely prepared me for the next level and prepared me on how to go about my business day-to-day and become a better baseball player.”