dp Staff

Coaches Corner – Matt Williams, Spartanburg Methodist College: Growing up the son of a coach, a young left-hander played the game but kept his ears open along the way and has turned into a fine coach in his own right as the recruiting coordinator for the Pioneers. He took some time for DP to let baseball viewers get to know him better. DP-How many years have you been in coaching? What got you into the business?  MW-I have been at Spartanburg Methodist for 5 years, I coached Spartanburg American Legion for 4 summers, Diamond Devils for 1 summer, helped my dad at Lancaster High School 1 year, and the Columbia Blowfish for half of this past summer. The summer after my sophomore year at SMC Coach Wallace asked me if I wanted to be the pitching coach for the legion team. DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a baseball coach?  MW-Watching a pitcher go out and have success after we have worked on something. Also, after one of our guys commits to a four-year school or gets the opportunity to play pro ball after the hard work they have put in. DP-What does the term "coach" mean to you?  MW-It means to be able to relate something to one of your players and for them to go out and execute what you have taught them. DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession? MW-The amount of time that is put into each day.  DP-We all know there is very little money in coaching at the college level yet the time involved is mind-boggling, why do you do it? MW-I love being around the game and helping teach the game to others. I grew up at the baseball field so for me, I do not know what else I would have done. Not a lot of people go to work and enjoy what they do. DP-How do you balance the time demands of coaching and your personal life? MW-I make time for my personal life when I get the chance. DP-Why is the JUCO route a good option for a high school player? MW-1) Game experience- this cannot be replaced by sitting on the bench early in your college career. Juco’s have to rely on freshman and sophomores to contribute right away whereas at the four-year schools you may have to wait on an older guy to graduate. 2) It allows you the chance to be drafted every year where if you go to a four-school you have to wait until your junior year or when you are 21 years old. DP-Take a few lines to sell Spartanburg Methodist to a prep recruit: MW-SMC is totally different than all of the other two-year schools around. We offer guys a true college experience in which they will live on campus, eat in the café, and participate in campus life, all wihile getting an education and playing baseball. SMC will give you a chance to play for a NATIONAL TITLE and one of the best coaches in the country in Tim Wallace. DP-How have the NCAA recruiting rule changes helped or hurt JUCO’s? MW-I think it has helped SMC. We have also been able to get good players in the past but with the rule changes it has given us the opportunity to pick up some guys that may have been offered very little aid to a four-year institution. DP-Your dad coaches at a competing Region X program. Describe what its like to see your father in an opposing dugout and how competitive are your conversations when wearing different uniforms? MW-At first it was different because we went to Lancaster to play, I was sitting in the visiting dugout (which I had never done), and we had always competed for the same things but once the game started it was all about SMC getting the win. The conversations for me are always fun because right now we hold the series lead at 4-0. DP-Two years ago your dad and grandmother became ill at the same time and you lost her. What was that experience like and how has that changed your life? MW-It was a very unfortunate situation for both of them to be in the hospital at the same time and for her to pass away. He was in ICU and she was in a regular room but he knew she had been struggling for some time. When she did pass away, we really didn’t know what to do because he is in ICU and we didn’t want to upset him with the news and things turn bad for him also. My mom and I spoke with the doctors for a while and they told us it would be okay to tell him, then my mom decides she does not want to tell him, so I had to convince her that if the doctor says it is okay then we should let him know. So we went up to his room to tell him and he takes it as well as he could because he knew she was better off and she would reunite with my grandfather. Unfortunately, he did not get to attend her funeral but he received his fair share of visitors at the hospital. Luckily after about two weeks at the hospital he was released and seems to be doing well. For me this definitely showed me to value every minute you get to spend with family because you just never know when something may happen.   DP-Your mother is currently fighting cancer. How is she doing and what has her battle been like for you? MW-My mom was diagnosed with indiamentral cancer in June. She had her uterus removed, has been through chemotherapy and radiation treatments and they feel like they have cured her of cancer. At first it was very tough for her because just like every mother, she wanted to look good and be able to walk down the isle for my brothers wedding. She goes back to the doctor in January for her last check-up. She seems to be getting …

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Coaches Corner-Steve Williams, USC Lancaster: Steve Williams has been a fixture at Doomsday Corner for years, now he is the chief Lancer at USC Lancaster. Anyone that has ever met this man can attest to his passion for the game and the players he works with. In his Q & A, that love for baseball and young people are apparent: DP-How many years have you been in coaching? What got you into the business? SW-Officially 34 years, but it started in the neighborhood in 1965, that is too many to count. DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a baseball coach?  SW-When a young man realizes what he has just done is something we had talked about, worked on, and shared getting to that point. That sparkle in just 1 eye is really "priceless". DP-What does the term "coach" mean to you?  SW-It is a person who partners with student-athletes to try and maximize their personal, educational and athletic potential. DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession?  SW-The time involved and that monetary reward is not everything! It helps, but more often than not, it is not the best aspect of the profession. DP-We all know there is very little money in coaching at the college level yet the time involved is mind-boggling, why did you do it? SW-Why does the sun rise every day? If you can find your passion in life it’s hard to walk away from it!  DP-How do you balance the time demands of coaching and your family life? SW-First, you have to have a wife that loves you no matter what! Jan enjoys sports to a point, but then she lets me go. The kids were always involved growing up because they were exposed. Matt coaches/ recruits at Spartanburg Methodist, Rob punted at Coastal, and Katy played softball at Spartanburg Methodist. They all understood about the time away, often they went with me. DP-Why is the JUCO route a good option? SW-JUCO allows a student-athlete to play more games in 2-year period, which means there is a chance to gain more experience due to more games played, and he is eligible for the "Draft" each year. It also allows him to grow socially and educationally. DP-Take a few lines to sell USC Lancaster to a prep recruit: SW-It is a new program therefore you have a chance to be a part of building a tradition. The student-athlete has smaller classes at a very reasonable price. Once they acquire their Associate’s Degree classes transfer easily. The student-athlete will have a chance to compete against some of the best JUCO talent in the country! DP-You have coached at the HS level, in the Cape Cod League, AAU baseball and now at a JUCO. How are the different levels the same and how are they different? SW-All the levels have the throwing, hitting, and fielding. The basic baseball fundamentals needed to participate. The speed of the game changes at each level, as you progress the intensity, focus, and passion must continue to grow. There are many components involved in getting to "Pro" baseball. This is the dream of each participant at each level, not many guys dream about being doctors, lawyers, or teacher/coaches.   DP-One of your sons coaches at a competing Region X program. Describe what its like to see your kid turn into a college baseball coach and how competitive are your conversations when wearing different uniforms? SW-I’m proud of him, but it is fun to compete against him. As a parent you don’t think they are paying attention when they are young and they surprise you. He has had a chance to be around lots of good baseball people, so a lot of the time our conversations are about baseball. I tell him I helped him get where he is, now he has to go back and help me get where he is. Life is a circle!! DP-Two years ago you and your mother became ill at the same time and you lost her. What was that experience like and how has that changed your life? SW-What a test of Faith! She had the beginnings of Alzheimers and had been ill off and on since we lost my Dad. She missed him and my brother (Mike) terribly, she just went to be with them again. I’m who I am because of them. I trust God, He is a great guy!! The days are always good, sun is always bright. I’m more thankful for Jan, Matt, Rob, and Katy. I’ve realized my time is short and obviously God has something I still have to do! I’m having a ball (no pun intended) right now in my life, Thanks to God! DP-Your wife is currently fighting cancer. How is she doing and what has her battle been like? SW-Wow, what a strong lady. First to put up with a very passionate baseball coach and to have raised 3 kids. She always let me coach until they were able to tag along. She has had surgery, chemo and radiation, all in the last 6 months. She is doing fine, everything looks good. She is tired still, but it does not slow her much. She has just made about 100 tree ornaments to sell at a Relay for Life event. Wow! DP-When you hear the expression "old school baseball", what does that phrase mean to you?  SW-It means you play the game with passion, integrity, hustle, intensity, and camaraderie. DP-What is the definition of a "student-athlete"?  SW-Here is where the high school players have to learn time management that first year. You have to excel in the classroom, so you can compete on the field. They have to be conscious enough to work hard in both areas. DP-What is your most memorable experience as a baseball coach?  SW-There have been too many to write about. I would like to think the most memorable experience has not yet happened! DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as …

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Coaches Corner – Jim Toman, Liberty University: The big guy was a fixture at ballparks across our state for more than a decade. His recruiting classes at USC speak for themselves. Jim Toman is the top cat at Liberty University now, but has taken time over his holiday for Diamond Prospects to answer a few questions about the past, present and future. Enjoy! DP-How many years have you been in coaching? What got you into the business? JT-A total of 24. 3 HS, 1 at FIU, 7 NC State, 11 at USC and 2 Liberty. This is my 25th year. I came from an athletic family and played college ball at NC State and I thought coaching was something I could excel at and would enjoy doing. DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a college baseball coach?  JT-The relationships between the coaches and players and seeing the players succeeding in life and in Professional ball. DP-What does the term "coach" mean to you?  JT-Someone that can get the most out of a player, both personally and athletically. DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession?  JT–That coaches at all levels put in a ton of hours and in most cases are really underpaid. DP-In the fall of 1996, you came to Columbia as a very highly-decorated recruiting coordinator from North Carolina State. What type of adjustments did you have to make leaving your alma mater for USC? JT-We had to learn the state of SC and make the state our top priority in recruiting and had to begin to understand the Clemson/USC rivalry and its importance to the fans. DP-You’ve been to Omaha and had success. What is that experience like? JT-I was very, very fortunate to help USC make it to the CWS three times. It is every coach’s dream to get there. It is everything it is made out to be and more. I would love to take Liberty there as well. DP-In what ways is it different for you coaching at a mid-major school now versus being in the ACC/SEC? JT-When I was as NC State and USC, I was an assistant so it was very different now being the head coach and also being at a mid-major. I realize that I am not as good a recruiter now! On the field it is very similar, the biggest change is recruiting. Many of the better players seem to want to go to the ACC/SEC…what they need to realize is that there are a lot of advantages to going to a school like Liberty. The opportunity for early playing time is more evident here than at some of the top SEC and ACC schools. DP-After nearly two decades as an assistant coach, compare and contrast how is your role is now as the head coach. JT-I still keep my hands on recruiting and definitely have a lot more things to worry about as the head coach. Luckily I have had great assistants. DP-We all know there is very little money in getting started in coaching at the college level yet the time involved is mind-boggling, why did you do it? JT-Good question. I wasn’t overly concerned about money when I was younger and really didn’t consider doing anything else. DP-How do you balance the time demands of coaching and your family? JT-Luckily I married a very understanding wife. God is first, family is second, and baseball a close third! DP-Some people may not know the story of how you met your wife and how it relates to baseball in our state. Care to share? JT-She picked me up at the Georgetown IP Classic, that’s how I remember it. She has another story. DP-When you hear the expression "old school baseball", what does that phrase mean to you?  JT-Playing the game the right way, the way the game was meant to be played. Hustling, playing hard, having fun. This is how everyone should play the game today. DP-What is the definition of a "student-athlete"?  JT-Someone that realizes that you go to school to get a degree first and athletics is secondary. DP-What is your most memorable experience as a baseball coach?  JT-The three trips to the College World Series. DP-Quite a few rules have changed the recruiting game over the past 5 years. Which rule changes do you like, not like and how has it altered your approach to recruiting? JT-I do not like the 27 scholarship slots or the 35 man roster limit. All these rules do is limit the opportunities for student-athletes. I would like to see 15 scholarships and divide them any way you like and have a limit of 40 players. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball coach and why?  JT-Ray Tanner. He gave me an opportunity to coach at NC State and USC. I learned recruiting from him and learned how to run a clean program and treat people as fairly as possible and also learned a good work ethic from him. DP-Who are the best three players you have coached against?  JT-David Price, Mark Prior, Cliff Lee. There have been lots of others. DP-What does it mean to be a good teammate and is that important?  JT-Someone that everyone on the team can trust. Someone that puts the team ahead of himself. It’s a big part of team chemistry. DP-Do you have any superstitions? If so, what? JT-Not really. If things are going good I certainly don’t change things though. DP-What do you see as the biggest difference in high school-aged players today versus when you played?  JT-They play year round, they are bigger, stronger, and faster now. They aren’t as tough as we were back in the day…at least they don’t seem as tough!! DP-Now switching gears, think back to your days as a baseball player, please list any notable accolades:  JT-My senior year as NC State I set the ACC tournament record for total bases. I think it lasted for 20 years …

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Coaches Corner – Jeff Wicker: USC Salkehatchie recruiting coordinator Jeff Wicker is in his sixth year in Allendale. His passion for baseball is apparent but his Q & A with us resulting in one of the most humor-driven spotlights that we’ve ever published. Enjoy! DP-How many years have you been in coaching? What got you into the business? JW-This is my 9th year, and my 6th on the collegiate level. I coached two years of legion ball for Post 28 in Spartanburg, and also helped at Clover HS for parts of one year. I’m also entering my fourth summer of coaching in collegiate summer leagues. I got started after my sophomore year in college. I had Tommy John surgery late that spring and really couldn’t do anything that summer, so I volunteered (the first of many seasons!) as a local recreation league coach for a 15-18 year old team. A second elbow surgery actually led to me coaching legion, as well. I guess the saying that those who can’t play the game coach the game rang true! DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a baseball coach?  JW-The relationships are by far the most rewarding part. I’m still very close with a lot of former players. Many of them are now finishing their college requirements and entering the work force. It’s awesome when you get a random email or phone call from past players. I’ve also made some great friends within the coaching ranks. DP-What does the term "coach" mean to you?  JW-It really depends on the day. Some days it means friend. Some days it means motivator. Some days it means disciplinarian. Some days it means academic advisor. I could probably name 20 different hats that a coach has to wear, but it all centers around teaching. DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession?  JW-Through the many interviews preceding mine, most of your readers are probably aware that the hours are incredibly long, and the pay is incredibly small. DP-We all know there is very little money in getting started in coaching at the college level yet the time involved is mind-boggling, why did you do it? JW-As I briefly mentioned in the first question, the main reason I coach is because I can’t play anymore. After that, I just love going to the ballpark everyday. I’ve always been a student of the game, and coaching just seemed to be a natural progression.  DP-How do you balance the time demands of coaching and your personal life? JW-I don’t. DP-Why is the JUCO route a good option? JW-Repetition, repetition, repetition, repetition. Players get more time on the field under JUCO regulations. We’re allowed to play a fall schedule, and pretty much get the majority of the fall semester to have full team practice. With intra-squads and games, many of our hitters get upwards of 100 plate appearances in the fall. Most of our pitchers get 25-30 innings of mound time during that time span. Incoming freshmen are also competing against 19-20 year old sophomores, as opposed to 22-23 year old seniors for playing time. There’s a big difference. DP-Take a few lines to sell USC Salkehatchie to a prep recruit: JW-In addition to my answer to the previous question, USC Salkehatchie is a great place for a young man to grow as a person, student, and player. We don’t have any of the bright lights, but student-athletes have access to a quality education and pretty good baseball facilities. All of our facilities are on-campus. Coach Dorman does an unbelievable job on the playing surface. Our field is as good as any field we play on in the spring, if not the best. We also have a pretty good weight room and clubhouse at the field. The clubhouse and field are equipped with wireless internet access, and our SID is planning on webcasting and video streaming many of our home games in the near future. We also recently broke ground on a new 100 bed, housing facility 150 feet from our main classroom building. The school is growing, and I think people might be surprised at what we have to offer. DP-What is the definition of a "student-athlete"?  JW-Very few players get a chance to make a real living playing the game. A student-athlete is someone who realizes academics are the key to their future. DP-What is your most memorable experience as a baseball coach?  JW-Travis Howard’s walk-off grand slam in 2007 was a big one, but the most memorable experience was probably a legion game in 2001. We’re in an elimination game in the state playoffs. I was coaching with Brandon McKillop and Corey Galt. Galt couldn’t make it for some reason, and McKillop got tossed (shocker) in the seventh or eighth inning, putting me in the box for the first time all summer. We’re down eight runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Thanks to my brilliance, we scored eight runs in the ninth and win the game in extras.   DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball coach and why?  JW-I have to pick two, and they’re probably the two grumpiest people I know. I played for Tim Medlin for five years at Newberry College and really learned the game from him. He also got me started in the college game by giving me the opportunity to coach with him one year. I’ve learned a tremendous amount about coaching from Bubba Dorman. This is my 6th year with him, and he’s an incredible teacher of the game. DP-Who are the best three players you have coached against?  JW-Lonnie Chisenhall (Pitt), Kyle Koeneman (Walters State), & Matt Little (Louisburg)  DP-What does it mean to be a good teammate and is that important?  JW-It means showing up everyday and giving effort. DP-Do you have any superstitions? If so, what? JW-It depends on the time of the year. Early in the year, with full sanity, I have very few. As the …

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