Zach Duvall takes aim for a base hit. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Zach Duvall’s interest in baseball started 12 years ago when he played for the Pirates at Palmer Park.

Now a senior at Bob Jones High School, Duvall maintains a 4.2 GPA. He has landed a baseball scholarship with the University of Alabama in Huntsville and plans to study either engineering or business.

Baseball “always felt natural to me. It has been such a huge part of my life for so long,” Duvall said. “It has also connected me with some friendships that I’ll hold on to for the rest of my life.”

For Bob Jones, Duvall plays shortstop and is a relief pitcher. During summer, he plays for the East Coast Sox in Columbus, Miss. In September, Duvall was selected as Huntsville Hospital’s “Athlete of the Week” and was nominated for Wendy’s High School Heisman award.

He is a member of National Honor Society and Asbury United Methodist Church. Zach’s parents are Brad and Cindy Duvall. Brad is a program manager at Northrop Grumman. Cindy is a registered nurse.

Zach’s sister Rebekah, 22, is an Athens State University student.

Q & A

Q: What restaurants do you like?

A: “My friends and I love to go to Cricket’s, 88 Buffet and Taco Bell.”

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: “Undoubtedly, Chinese food.”

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?

A: Alabama Crimson Tide, Tennessee Titans and New York Yankees.

Q: What’s your favorite sports memories?

A: (1) 2014 area game, James Clemens at Bob Jones. “The stands were full because of the rivalry. I went 3-4 with 2 doubles, a home run and 3 RBIs. Most importantly, though, we won the game and beat rival James Clemens.”

2) 2011 tournament in Omaha, Neb. during College World Series. “My team saw Virginia play South Carolina and go into the 13th inning. We won the tournament with 49 teams from all over the country, (including) Washington, Utah, Colorado and Southern California and went 7-0, wining 13U championship.”

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: “Hang out with my friends, play video games and watch movies.”