By BYRON BEERS
Luke Fox has been a solid contributor in the outfield for the Bartlesville baseball program since his sophomore year.
The Seminole State College signee and fleet-footed center fielder will play a big part for the Bruins in 2023 as a senior who will be in his third year as a starter.
“He covers a ton of ground in the outfield and runs really well,” Bartlesville head coach Cody Price said.
Growing up in a baseball family, Fox has been locked in on the sport since he was a child.
“I have played baseball since I could even pick up a little plastic bat and ball,” said Fox, who helped Bartlesville to a 25-14 overall record in 2022.
One of Fox’s most memorable moments in baseball came at a younger age.
“One of my favorite achievements was in 13-and-under with the Stixs,” he said. “We were seventh in the nation, went 46-5, went undefeated in the state, and went to the World Series in Omaha…just from a bunch of small town boys on the team. We just grew up playing together, and that is the best team I have ever played on.”
Baseball is a serious matter for the Fox family.
His father, Andrew Fox, played collegiately at Coffeyville Community College and at Louisiana-Lafayette.
“The person I look up to is my father,” Luke said. “Ever since I was young, it was my father. He played two years of juco at Coffeyville then got a full ride to play at Louisiana and played outfield, so I always wanted to make him proud and finish the journey for him and go farther than he did. My playing style comes from him, playing fast and hard, and playing old school baseball.”
Luke uses his speed to his advantage in both the outfield and on the basepaths, but he can also do work at the plate where he has continued to improve on his hitting approach.
“I would say my strengths are in the outfield, stealing bags, and moving runners at the plate,” he said. “I have improved most with my hitting and knowing where the ball is pitched and finding gaps and taking extra bags.”
Luke is excited for the upcoming season and feels the Bruins can surprise some people with a veteran roster.
“We might not be the biggest team or strongest, but I think we want it more than any other team and we play with heart and leave it all out there on the field,” he said. “I just know we will surprise people this year. Me and my teammates’ goals are to go to state and win it. That is a goal we all want and hope to do.”
