Former Trojan earns huge honor

Jody Singleton, a Troy outfielder from 1990-91, was inducted into the Wiregrass Sports Hall of Fame last month.

“It was an honor to be recognized by my peers and the local community,” Singleton said. “I love Troy University, so to be able to share that honor with the school is very fulfilling.”

During his two-year Troy career, Singleton was the focal point of the Trojans lineup, collecting 96 hits and holding a .344 batting average to go along with 21 doubles and 12 home runs.

Singleton was one of the last Trojans to play under head coach Chase Riddle – the all-time winningest coach in Troy baseball history. Riddle coached from 1979-90, compiling a record of 434-147.

“It was an honor to play for coach Riddle in his last year coaching,” Singleton said. “Chase was an icon, and he was well known and respected by everyone in the baseball world.

“To get to see his jersey retired and the field named after him the next year was a great memory.”

Singleton had no shortage of academic and on-field accolades, being named to all-conference and all-region teams. He was also added to the CoSIDA-GTE Academic team, a distinction that no other player at Troy State had achieved at the time.

However, Singleton says those aren’t the things he remembers most.

“I think back to big games, big hits, winning titles and being named as a first team Academic All-American,” Singleton said. “All of those are great memories, but the most rewarding thing is the relationships that were forged along the way.

“I made lifelong friends that I still keep in touch with. As fantastic as baseball is -  and it was good to me -  the relationships formed through the ups and downs of sports are the most special.”

Singleton followed his father, Sherrill Singleton, into the WSHOF. The Singletons became one of two father-son duos to earn the honor.

“That’s pretty cool, and only the second time that’s happened in the Wiregrass Sports Hall of Fame,” Singleton said. “I always admired and respected my father, and he’s the ultimate sports guy.

“It was very rewarding to share that honor with him.”

Singleton emphasized the importance of being present when asked what he would say to current Troy students.

“Don’t take anything for granted, and be where your feet are,” Singleton said. “Enjoy the journey, put in the work and keep it fun.”