Staff photo / Brian Yauger. Harding’s Gummy Hart plays in the field against Niles on Tuesday.

On the mound, at shortstop, at the plate and even on rare occasions, even at second base — Warren G. Harding sophomore Gummy Hart is going to make an impact no matter where he is.

The Raiders’ do-it-all talent earned the program’s first All-American Conference Player of the Year award this season.

“This is my 14th year in this program, and it’s the best year that anyone has had at Harding, and even in the AAC,” Raiders coach Andrew Burnett said. “He’s hitting almost .600 (in the league), he’s 6-2 on the mound with less than 1 ERA, I think 41 strikeouts. Everything. It’s just been a season you could just dream about having. It’s been fun to watch.”

So far this season, Hart sits at a .492 batting average (.562 in league play), with 16 RBIs, 12 doubles, a .649 on-base percentage, 17 stolen bases, a .88 ERA as a pitcher and has allowed just 34 hits while striking out 41 hitters through 47 innings.

Hart has helped push the Raiders to a 14-11 mark, the most wins Harding baseball has recorded in a season since 2014’s 14-win mark, with games still left to play in the year.

Harding isn’t known for its baseball program historically. That honor is mostly saved for its football and basketball programs, but Hart is hoping to change that sentiment.

“I’d love to put Harding on the map for baseball, especially since they’re not known for it as much,” Hart said. “It’s just an honor (to win AAC Player of the Year), especially as a sophomore, and I’m just looking forward to the future.”

Despite his age, and with plenty of older players on the roster, Hart is already one of the group’s leaders. He’s vocal when needed and sets an example with his actions. And with the results he puts up, his example has been an easy one for the team to follow.

“He’s the kid every coach wants to have,” Burnett said. “He leads by example. He’s the first one in the gym or the cage, and he’s the last one to leave. He’s not scared to tell people if they’re not doing it the way it should be done. And when you’re performing like that on the field, it’s pretty easy to (get kids to follow that example), so it’s been fun.”

Baseball is in Hart’s blood. While he also plays basketball for Harding, and is a reliable piece for the Raiders on the hardwood, baseball is his love.

From an early age, Hart has worked with his dad at honing his skills. As those skills grew, so did his love of the sport.

“I really found my love for the game when I was younger. I was always pretty good at it, because my dad would put in so much work with me,” Hart said. “When you’re doing good in sports, it’s just pretty fun.”

It’s not just playing. When asked about some of his favorite players, Hart’s eyes lit up, eager to talk about some of the game’s brightest athletes.

“I love guys like (San Diego Padres star) Fernando Tatis,” Hart said. “I love his swag. At shortstop (specifically), I think my favorite player right now is probably (Kansas City’s) Bobby Witt. I look up to him a lot. He’s one of my idols. I try and play my game like him, he’s probably my favorite player.”

Though shortstop is his preferred position, Hart still thinks there’s nothing better than a good day on the hill.

“I like short more, but when I’m out on the mound shoving and dominating, there’s not a better feeling,” Hart said.

While only a sophomore, Hart is motivated to continue his baseball career in college. With a while left to decide, his top priority is to go somewhere where he can make an impact.

“I just want to go where whatever coach is willing to take a chance on me so I can show my talent and I can showcase myself,” Hart said. “Whatever school I can.”

But much to the excitement of both him and his coaches, Hart has two more seasons after this one. In the meantime, there’s a lot Hart wants to do.

“I want to create a legacy here,” he said. “I want everyone to know that Harding’s not the same old team that they used to be.”

The Raiders are set to face Hubbard on Friday. Then, they kick off their tournament run against Avon Lake on Tuesday.