NISH’s Hebert, Borel sign to play in college

Published 12:15 am Thursday, August 9, 2018

A pair of former New Iberia Senior High baseball players are headed off to the next level as Beau Hebert and Max Borel each signed national letters of intent this week.

Hebert, who signed Monday with Louisiana College, and Borel, who signed with LSU-Alexandria Tuesday, were key parts of the NISH baseball team that finished with 19 wins and an appearance in the Class 5A playoffs this spring.

“I really couldn’t be more thankful to have this,” Hebert said. “I really decided late that I wanted to go play (college baseball).

“I was in and out of the gym, long tossing every day, trying to get my arm back into shape. The coach at LC gave me a call and I went over there and they decided I was a good fit.”

Hebert said it took so long to decide because he wasn’t sure that he wanted to continue playing baseball, but didn’t want to regret forgoing the chance to play in college.

So Hebert made the trip to Pineville, had a tryout and last week Louisiana College came through with the offer. He is expected to pitch for the Wildcats.

“And maybe swing the bat a little bit as well,” said Hebert, who plans to study business and is also thinking about physical therapy as well.

He will join former teammate Tyrese Morgan, who signed with LC earlier this summer.

Borel heads to Alexandria and will join teammate Brant Leslie, who signed with LSUA earlier this year.

“It’s a chance to play and extra four years,” Borel said. “That means so much to me because of all the hard work and dedication to the game that I put into getting my shot at the next level.

Borel was also a late signee, having been invited to LSUA for a workout and a visit with the coach at the beginning of July.

“I went up there and did the workout and then we visited in the coaches office right after,” he said. “He told me that it was up to me and that he wanted me if I was willing to keep up the hard work.

“I came back from the workout and visit and called him right away and told him that I wanted to be a General.”

Borel, who plans to study business administration, is expected to be a utility player with some infield and outfield work at the beginning of his college career.

What he takes away from playing at NISH for the past four seasons is the competition that he faced while a Yellow Jacket.

“I was competing at the (Class) 5A level in the best baseball district in the state,” he said. “Playing against some of the best players in the state. That’s what stands out for me.”