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The University of Mississippi Athletics
INSIDER: Henry Brothers Provide Solid One-Two Punch
4/2/2007 | Baseball
By Ben Garrett
OleMissSports.com Insider
Off the field, they're brothers. On the field, they're two totally different people.
Although the brotherhood of Justin and Jordan Henry has been well documented, the blood-line of the two is about the only thing they share when it comes to the game of baseball.
With two contrasting styles of play, the pair has positioned themselves as two of the most consistent performers for the Rebel baseball team both in the field and at the plate. Justin, the older of the two, leads the Rebels in hitting, holding an impressive .437 batting average. Jordan, a freshman, holds an equally impressive average at .349, but has become well known to Rebel fans as a burner on the base paths as well as an accomplished bunter.
Jordan and Justin are one and two in the batting order respectively, and Rebel head coach Mike Bianco feels that the offensive is triggered by their production.
"The Henry brothers have brought a lot of life and energy to our lineup," Bianco said. "They are having great years and when you have that kind of combination, its fun to watch."
At the beginning of the year, Justin held the distinction of the team's lead-off hitter, but has since been designated to the second slot; clearing the way for Jordan to jump-start the offense. Since the change, the Rebel offense has jumped from 72 runs in the first 15 games, to 77 in the last 11. Justin believes the move has enabled the Rebels to be more aggressive in the batter's box.
"I think the move has put a lot of pressure on the other team," he noted. "Jordan can hit the ball just about anywhere with a chance to beat it out. It has really opened a lot of opportunities for me and helped the team out."
As the lead-off man, Jordan has had to accept more responsibility for getting on base. Batting in the eight whole earlier this season, the youngster has had to learn quickly and adapt to his new role; a role in which he has excelled so far.
"In the beginning, I think coach was just seeing if I was ready to play," Jordan said. "But as the season progressed, he has really gained confidence in me to get up there and do my job at the plate."
The duo has also been consistent in the field, as both possess fielding percentages over .950. Justin, who started the year at second base, has been alternating between his natural position and left field. After taking time to adjust to rotating between the two, the junior has started to settle in.
"The position change was different at first, but I'm finally starting to get used to it," he said. "It's been fun, and I really don't think about it too much now."
As the two continue to lead the charge for the Rebels both in hitting and in the field, Jordan believes the team has to continue to improve to achieve their overall goal of getting to Omaha.
"We have to continue to improve each day," he said. "I think we are steadily improving. Something gets better that wasn't there, and we learn from our mistakes. We just have to keep progressing."
The one-two punch for the Rebels has placed the team in position to make yet another run at post-season play. With the bond the two share, Justin feels the chance of playing together will be something each can look back on in the future and cherish.
"Some day we'll be able to look back and reflect on the opportunity of playing together and realize how special it really was."
