Metter High graduate Rustan Rigdon chasing MLB dreams

The game of baseball is America’s pastime, but for Metter High graduate Rustan Rigdon, it’s a lifestyle.

“I started at our rec department,” he said. “I started playing 8u at five years old, and then I played all stars and started travel ball also when I was five.”

Rigdon has had a deep love for the game his entire life. His mother, Lisa, knows that better than anyone.

“I think he was born with a baseball in his hand,” she said. “His two older brothers had a stuffed baseball they gave him when he was born, and I don’t think he’s ever went a day without one in his hand since.”

Rustan made the varsity team his freshman year as a switch-hitting pitcher and shortstop. That year, he had the opportunity to play with someone he knew very well… His older brother Randan.

“He’s always told his older brother that as a freshman he would be playing with him,” Lisa said. We were like well you know they have a great team so we’re not sure if you’re gonna get to play as a freshman, but he was like oh yeah I’m playing.”

Not only did Rustan and his brother play together, but in 2021 the pair helped lead the team to a state title. Metter’s first since 2003.

A few months later, Rustan received a phone call of a lifetime. An offer to play college baseball at his dream school, Vanderbilt.

“I was very ecstatic,” Rustan said. I knew I wanted to commit there but I waited a couple weeks just to not let my emotions make the decision for me.”

“I was sobbing,” Lisa said. He took it all in stride like he does everything I think, I’m very proud of that.”

His sophomore season, Metter won its second straight state title, and Rustan earned the title of Georgia High School player of the year.

Everything seemed to fall into place for his career until his senior year, when doctors told Rustan he needed to undergo Tommy John surgery.

“It was tough,” he said. “I just remember sitting there crying in a chair when I heard it.”

“I think it broke my heart knowing he wasn’t gonna play as much as a senior,” Lisa said.

After working hard to rehabilitate his injury, Rustan was able to rejoin the team later in the season. And on his very first atbat back, he hit a home run.

“I knew that it was going to teach me some valuable lessons,” Rustan said. “I was gonna get through it because I know my work ethic and I know that I was gonna come out better.”

He hopes his story will help inspire athletes to not give up on their dreams.

“I think just seeing a kid from Metter make it farther than high school and college.”

Rigdon will be joined by another local athlete at Vanderbilt, Will Hampton from Calvary Day will also be a Commodore next year.