Staying in the Moment

Big decision draws near for Colonial Forge’s Zyhir Hope

BY DAVID FAWCETT

region quarterfinal, Eagles’ head coach David Colangelo gave his players some down time to relax. Hope, for one, soaked up opportunities like this to take a break as he dealt with and planned for a packed schedule.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER MUHLENBRUCK

Zyhir Hope stepped back a few paces to his right as he waited for the big rubber ball rolling toward him.

Then with his right foot, he blasted the ball between second and third base before arriving safely at first. Hope, who volunteered to lead off the batting order, eventually scored as the high fives and clapping ensued in a pick-up game of kickball between the Colonial Forge baseball and softball teams.

Technically, this was a light practice day for Hope and his teammates. The night before, Colonial Forge had won the Commonwealth District tournament title. But with the team off for a week before a

He attended graduation practice in the morning in preparation for the actual ceremony two days later. The high school baseball season was still going on. A family vacation was scheduled for the Bahamas. Participation in the Major League Baseball Draft Combine awaited. As did a report date of June 26 to the University of North Carolina for freshman orientation.

But overshadowing all this is the prospect of being selected in the 2023 Major League Draft July 9-11. It’s a lot for anyone –let alone an 18-year-old.

“My time will come to make that decision,” Hope said about going pro out of high school or attending UNC. “I’m focusing on baseball and being happy for my team and my senior year.”

Increased Interest

Hope said both options (college or pro baseball) remain on the table. MLB teams keep their specific plans private, but there’s no doubt interest is rising.

“You don’t ask too much, but it sounds like he’s trending into the earlier rounds,” Colangelo said.

Hope, who is ranked No. 267 overall in Baseball America’s latest 2023 draft prospect list, offers a tantalizing mix of speed and power. He plays right field for Colonial Forge but has the quickness to move to center.

His left-handed power has been on display all season. The Commonwealth District Player of the Year finished the season with nine home runs, 38 RBI, 35 runs, 29 stolen bases, a .663 on-base percentage and a .530 batting average in 24 games.

Besides his hitting and running ability, Hope is an intriguing option as a pitcher. Used primarily as the Eagles’ closer, Hope had three saves, 23 strikeouts, a 1-1 record and a 1.25 ERA in 14 innings. All of this earned him an invitation to the draft combine June 20-25 in Phoenix.

“It’s his athleticism and explosiveness,” Colangelo said. “His arm. His bat. The tools he has in every aspect of the game.”

Scouts from six Major League Baseball organizations attended the district tournament final May 17 against Riverbend. Hope went

2 for 3 with two runs scored and one RBI. He also struck out two in the final inning, while hitting 95 mph on the radar gun in the 8-2 victory.

The day before the tournament final, a videographer from the Major League Scouting Bureau came to Colonial Forge to film Hope hitting and throwing for at least an hour. Hope is one of just four Virginia high school seniors who have been filmed by the scouting bureau.

Strong Following

MLB teams have followed Hope all season. Colangelo said nine scouts attended Colonial Forge’s first scrimmage against Gainesville.

Interest, though, picked up after Hope’s pitching performance April 21 at North Stafford. The actual reading varies, but Hope recorded at least 96 mph on the radar gun, if not 97.

For Colonial Forge’s next game April 24 against visiting Patriot, a season-high 14 scouts showed up.