Post 109 shortstop Michael Hughey, shown sliding into third base during a regular season game, and his teammates open the state tournament today against Florence. Don’t let the easy smile or his mild-mannered ways fool you, Gaffney Post 109 shortstop Michael Hughey is as tough and competitive as they come.

He’s proved that by quietly playing all season with a sore back. The injury occurred during the team’s fifth practice in early May.

“I didn’t stretch enough and hurt my back,” Hughey said.

The injury has limited him offensively.

“It’s affected my swing,” he said. “I have a lot less power. Twisting hurts it.”

However, there’s been no drop off defensively where he has fielded his position flawlessly and teamed with second baseman Jared Mills to form a smooth double play combination. In fact, the duo turned a remarkable four double plays in a game.

“We’ve been playing the middle infield the last two years. He puts the ball where I need it and I put the ball where he likes it,” Hughey said.

This is Hughey’s fourth and final season with Post 109 and his third trip to the pressure-packed American Legion state tournament. Some players shrink on the big stage, such as the state tourney, but Hughey enjoys it.

“You just want to do a good job,” he said.

Hughey learned to cope with the pressure while a member of the 2009 Gaffney High state championship team.

“After playing for the state in ‘09, it takes a lot for me to be stressed,” he said.

As a veteran, it’s important Hughey conveys that relaxed attitude to his less experienced teammates.

“There will probably be a lot of nerves, but they have to try to treat it as just another game.”

Hughey had little time off between the start of the legion season and his successful freshman campaign at Limestone, where he outplayed veterans to earn the starting nod at shortstop.

“Getting all that playing time helped me a lot,” he said.

Especially when it comes to one of the game’s subtleties - bunting. He put his improved bunting skills to practice in a pivotal game against Easley last week when he delivered a perfect bunt in a crucial situation.

Post 109 manager Zach Clary said Hughey’s ability to deliver in the clutch doesn’t surprise him.

“Every time he steps on the field he gives 100 percent,” Clary said. “He’s always up there giving it his best.”