Spruce Creek shortstop Hunter Fornari commits to FGCU

Ormond Beach Observer
Sports

Spruce Creek shortstop Hunter Fornari is best known for his enthusiasm when he’s playing.

In his own words, Fornari knows that colleges notice him for his quick twitch and his tools, but ultimately what they found most impressive was the way he was a spark plug for everyone around him.

“I play with a lot of energy and they like that,” Fornari said. “I have decent arm strength, I’m a decent hitter but I play with a lot of energy, so they told me that was the big reason why they noticed me.”

Entering his senior season at Spruce Creek, that energy paid off as Fornari has committed to play college baseball at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Spruce Creek head baseball coach Johnny Goodrich has known Hunter since he was four years old.

He coached Hunter’s older brothers — Joey, who now attends the University of Florida as a student and Dustin, who plays baseball at Stetson. Goodrich sees the qualities that make Fornari a prospect, and he is proud of how far he’s come.

“He’s not an imposing figure,” Goodrich said. “But the one thing he does is he has a baseball awareness that is second to none. Not every kid has the natural instincts like he does, and he has worked so hard to improve his skills offensively and defensively.”

Along with right-handed pitcher Cole Beverlin, Fornari is a senior this year with a commitment. Beverlin has committed to play at FSU. Fornari stepped into a leadership role on the team last year and felt he did a good job, but this year he wants to be even better.

Fornari mentions that Goodrich can be a tough coach, but he gives him credit for being able to form him into the best player he could be.

“He's tough, but that’s what you need to get better,” Fornari said. “It’s not easy to be the leader on the team and do what I have to do, but I’m thankful for everything about it.”

After a 14-13 campaign during his junior season, Goodrich, Fornari and the rest of the Hawks will be looking to improve on that number.

Coach Goodrich is elated for Fornari, and despite the toughness and the grind Fornari’s experienced, the senior shortstop can say he made it.

“In order to get a commitment, you have to get it done everywhere,” Goodrich said. “In the classroom, he carried straight A’s last year. He really takes pride in everything he does and he’s the whole package. He’s the student, citizen and the player.”