Isaac Fix

People who have their priorities set seem to make sense of the journey in front of them as it’s happening.  Those folks are what one might call “squared away” – they may seem matter of fact but in essence they just get the process.  Include 2021 left-handed pitcher, Isaac Fix from William Byrd High School in Roanoke, Virginia, in this category.

He knows what he can do and he has a pretty good idea what he’s going to do.  His Dirtbags coach, Brent Haynes of the 16u Bad Company from the summer of 2019 says, “Isaac is a yes sir, no sir kid who goes about his business the right way and when he has all his stuff working, he’s a guy who doesn’t get hit and creates very weak contact.”

Joining the Dirtbags in the summer prior to 8th grade year is just one example of Fix keeping his priorities in order. Having several friends with the Dirtbags at the time, who all had good things to say about the organization, made sense as a way to improve his game and get seen by college programs.

According to Fix, the improvement with the Bags has happened through coaching.  He credits Haynes and assistant Dallas Newton with direction on mechanical flaws to his delivery.  The tweaks, says Isaac led to better command and improved confidence.

Not that he wasn’t already good.  In fact, the 2019 spring saw him post a 6-1 record with 41 innings for his high school. The lower arm slot lefty, who stands 6’1” and weighs 160 pounds, regularly pitches 83-85 mph with his fastball and bumps an occasional 87. A self analysis of his pitching style is one who pitches to contact to get low pitch counts while also attempting to work corners.  Priorities are important on the mound, too.

Haynes went on to add, “Isaac has really made some jumps from the summer and the interest level is really picking upon him and it’s going to be interesting to see what happens as he continues to get better!”

Speaking of seeing what happens, Fix says the recruiting process has heated up this past summer.  For him a college decision will come down to academics and relationships. A diligent student, he hopes to land at a university with an opportunity to pursue engineering and work with a pitching coach who will both challenge and mentor him.

Having been on on campuses, with more visits planned, of some prestigious D1 programs both regionally and nationally, the opportunities to achieve his goals will surely result in an impressive decision. 

 Leading up to this has all been part of Fix’s journey as a Dirtbag. Being a member of the organization for such a period has allowed Isaac to experience many “great moments.”  The start he got at the WWBA this past summer ranks among his highest. While he may not have given a lot of details on the performance, it’s just not his style. He did agree he was “locked in” on such a big stage and that said enough.

The most impressive aspect of someone who “gets it” may be how they need to say so little to make a point loud and clear.  That shows in how Fix reflects on what he’s learned about the Dirtbags in his time. He recognized that the coaches and leaders of the Bags are “in it for the kids” and are helping players “to be the best they can be and get the right college program for them.”

He knows it because he has lived and played it.

As for prioirities, up next for Fix is football this fall where he plays wide receiver and safety, while playing baseball  on the weekends. He also has off-season plans to put in more work in the weight room. And finally, that opportunity to make a D1 commitment is also on his list.