UECU Player of the Week: Tommy Hunsicker of Wilson

By Mike Drago Last updated May 30, 2023

When Bill Underwood was looking to make changes to his Wilson lineup he started at the top.

He moved junior third baseman Tommy Hunsicker to the leadoff spot and that, along with several other factors, helped the Bulldogs take off.

“At the top of the order you need guys to get on base,” Underwood said. “He (quickly) figured out what his job was up there: Making contact, getting the ball in play.”

Hunsicker did that successfully last week as the Bulldogs knocked off second-seeded Cumberland Valley 10-0 and 11th-seeded Manheim Township 4-2 in the District 3 Class 6A Tournament.

He went 4-for-7, scored four runs, stole two bases and drove in two runs, leading the Bulldogs to the championship game and earning Utilities Employees Credit Union Player of the Week honors.

Hunsicker, a two-year starter, has pushed his batting up about 80 points since midseason to .356, third on the team. He leads the team with 32 hits, shares the team lead with 23 runs scored, is second with .448 on-base percentage and third with 15 RBIs.

He was an all-division pick in Berks I.

“Being the starting quarterback, that helps with his confidence, and being in the spotlight a little bit,” said Underwood. “(Leadoff’s) a great spot for him.”

Hunsicker has been running more since moving up to the No. 1 spot in the order; he’s second on the team with 11 stolen bases.

“He’s a pretty smart runner,” Underwood said. “He’s a student of the game. (Earlier this season) he picked up a tendency on a pitcher and stole third base on him.”

Hunsicker passed for 1,067 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, his first as the Bulldogs starting quarterback. He threw for 223 yards and two TDs in a playoff loss to Harrisburg.

He is also a reserve forward on the basketball team.

This is Hunsicker’s first Player of the Week selection this season, and the first for the Bulldogs. Matt Ostenbridge has been Pitcher of the Week three times.

Players considered for Utilities Employees Credit Union Player of the Week honors are nominated by their coaches or by members of the MikeDragoSports.com coverage team.

Also considered for Utilities Employees Credit Union Player of the Week:

Joe Crist, Brandywine Heights
Nick Hugo, Kutztown
Dominick Pizzelanti, Kutztown
Cam Burr, Muhlenberg
Christo Hunsicker, Wilson

Selected as Utilities Employees Credit Union Player of the Week this season:

April 3: Bryce Detwiler, Gov. Mifflin
pril 10: Alex Kelsey, Exeter
April 17: Bryce Detwiler, Gov. Mifflin
April 24: Joe Crist, Brandywine Heights
May 1: Alexander Velez, Gov. Mifflin
May 8: Cameron Burr, Muhlenberg
May 15: Tyler Minick, Gov. Mifflin
May 29: Tommy Hunsicker, Wilson

Selected as Utilities Employees Credit Union Player of the Week last season:

April 4: Kevin Lawlor, Berks Catholic
April 11: Conner Licklider, Hamburg
April 18: Luke Weller, Exeter
April 25: Tyler Minick, Gov. Mifflin
May 2: Tyler Minick, Gov. Mifflin
May 9: Luke Weller, Exeter
May 16: Kenay Rodriguez, Muhlenberg
May 23: Cam Burr, Muhlenberg