08.04.2011: Inside the Dugout: Mark Haddow

Mark Haddow leads the Voyagers in home runs (6) and has arguably been the most clutch hitter on the team this year. His two-run home run late in the game against Helena was right in the middle of the team's 5-run comeback. His double in Ogden to begin the top of the 9th inning began a rally in which the Voyagers, down 7-2 to begin the inning, took a 9-7 lead heading to the bottom of the ninth. And recently, on Sunday, July 31, Haddow hit the team's first walk-off home run of the season for the Voyagers, a part of the Great Falls' 4-3 victory to begin the second half.

Defensively, Mark has demonstrated a rocket arm and made a sensational catch in yesterday's 5-2 win over Helena. Ranging into foul territory from his position in right field, Haddow reached over a railing, flipped head-over-heels into the Voyagers bullpen, while holding onto the ball completing a highlight-reel catch.

On top of all that he provides the team on the field, Mark is, plain and simple, a great kid. Speaking to those he left behind at UC-Santa Barbara, they were all excited that I had the opportunity to get to know Mark, voicing an array of incredibly positive opinions about the former Gaucho. In just two months, I have been able to spend ample time with Mark and he truly is a great person. He is very humble and a genuinely nice young man. And, for a first-year professional, Mark carries himself like he's been around the block for a long time.

Without further ado, here is Mark Haddow...