dp Staff – Page 342 – Diamond Prospects

Coaches Corner: Chris Carter

Coaches Corner-Chris Carter: Byrnes High School has new sheriff in town, his name is Chris Carter. Carter (left) just completed his second season as the Rebels top cop after a successful run as the head coach at Easley. One of South Carolina’s brightest baseball minds, Carter is one of the really good guys in our sport. He combines a fiery desire to win, a quick wit and pours himself into his players. Carter spent some time with Diamond Prospects at the conclusion of the spring season, enjoy his candid responses. DP-How many years have you been in coaching? CC-I have been a baseball coach for nine years. The first three years were in Florida and the last six years in South Carolina. DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a baseball coach? CC-The most rewarding thing for me is the relationships that you create with kids, other coaches from being involved in baseball. Almost all of my friends are involved in the game in some form or another. DP-What does the term “coach” mean to you? CC-‘Coach’ is a very special term for me because I believe that in today’s society, the most influential people in the lives of teenagers are their coaches. It includes being a friend, a critic, a fan, a counselor, a father figure, a role model and many other things. DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession? CC-That being a Head Coach is not a glamorous position. It is much easier to be an Assistant Coach than to be a Head Coach. The time that the job requires off the field is often overwhelming. DP-What is your definition of a “student-athlete?” CC-A kid that has earned the right to participate based on how they have performed and behaved in the classroom. Being a member of a high school program is a privilege that has to be earned. It is not a requirement for graduation from that school. DP-We always hear how players have superstitions, I know coaches do too. Do you have anything interesting? CC-After a win, I always get a strawberry milkshake for the ride home. This year we played the song “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond in the middle of the fifth and we scored five runs and came back from behind to win. The rest of the year that song was played in the middle of the fifth. DP-What is your most memorable experience as a baseball coach? CC-Winning the State Championship in 1996 and Making the Upper State Playoffs in 2001. Attending the graduations and weddings of my former players DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball coach and why? CC-Coach Jack Leggett,he proved to me that you may not have the best players but that you can out-work other teams and be competitive. He also taught me that if you pay attention to the details, that it will pay off in the long run. DP-Who are the best three players you have ever coached against? CC-Patrick Boyd, Jason Place, Matt Campbell DP-Who do you think are the top three players in your area right now? CC-Max Greer (Laurens), Justin Hopper (Lexington) and Scott Wingo (Mauldin). DP-What does it mean to be a good teammate and is that important? CC-A good teammate leads by example and does more than what is expected from their coach. As they say, the only difference between ordinary and extraordinary is a little extra. It is important because good teammates often times become your best friends. DP-What do you see as the biggest difference in high-school aged players today versus ten years ago? CC-Ten years ago players talked about the responsibilities and obligations. Today’s kids talk about their rights and privileges. DP-We often hear about the “politics” that surround high school baseball. What is your philosophy on this subject and on dealing with the parents of your players. CC-I have a great relationship with the parents in my program. We have a pre-season meeting in which we establish the rules and they have followed them. I spend more time with their children in the spring than my own and, for the most part, they respect that. DP-What high school rule(s) would you change? CC-I don’t think the season starts at the best time of the year. I think we should be able to have a certain number of practices in January so that we can take advantage of the good weather days. I also believe that kids should be able to play more games on the jv and varsity levels. Some kids may be a pitcher on jv and a position player on varsity. The rules for football allow kids to play on both Thursday and Friday nights. I also think the 3 on 1 rule is terrible. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a person and why? CC-My wife, Amy. She is the person that I admire the most. She is a blessing to me. DP-What MLB feat in history do you wish you’d been inside the stadium to witness and why? CC-The Boston Red Sox beating the Yankees in Game 7 of the ALCS after being down 3-0. That was awesome for a Red Sox fan. DP-Who is your favorite athlete (non-baseball)? CC-Willy Korn, he is one of the greatest kids I have ever coached DP-Who is your favorite MLB pitcher and position player to watch and why? CC-Jonathan Papelbon and David Ortiz. They fight each pitch of each at bat everyday. DP-Who is your favorite MLB team? CC-Let’s Go Red Sox DP-What is your favorite sport to play other than baseball? CC-I don’t really play any other sport. DP-What is your favorite sport to watch other than baseball? CC-It is not soccer for sure! DP-What are some of your hobbies? CC-I am an avid turkey hunter but I am terrible at it! …

Coaches Corner: Chris Wells

Coaches Corner-Chris Wells: Hilton Head skipper Chris Wells just completed his eighth season at the helm of the Seahawk program…and what a year it turned out to be. During Hilton Head’s first year in 3A, Wells guided his crew to the State Championship Series before running into AC Flora. Before the baseball season began, Wells did a Q & A with us about the past present and future. He also has high goals for the perfect guest list at the dinner table! DP-How many years have you been in coaching? CW-2007 will be my eleventh year as a baseball coach. I spent two years as an assistant coach and am beginning my 9th year as the Varsity Baseball Coach at Hilton Head High School. DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a baseball coach? CW-There are so many things that are rewarding about being a coach. Probably the most rewarding thing is seeing 14 year old boys mature into men. As they learn concepts like team work, discipline, work ethic, and sportsmanship over their 4+ years in high school is special. Playing a role in that development is gratifying. DP-What does the term coach mean to you? CW-“Coach” is synonymous with things like teacher, facilitator, leader, and motivator. But in order to be effective at all of those, I believe first and foremost one has to be a good communicator. Letting players know where they stand and what your expectations are is most important. I have an open-door policy with my players. They know they will get the truth with me. I don’t tell them what they want to hear, but what they need to hear…….and there can be a big difference. DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession? CW-Coaches get kicked in the butt ten times more often than they get patted on the back. Being a high school coach is a sacrifice that those of us in this fraternity choose to make. We don’t do it for the peanuts they call stipends. We do it for the love of the game and the pats on the back. DP-What is your definition of a student-athlete? CW-A student-athlete is a competitor. One who does what it takes to be successful in the classroom and on the field. DP-We always hear how players have superstitions, I know coaches do too. Do you have anything interesting? CW-I am superstitious, but nothing too outlandish. When we win, I try and repeat my routine the next time out, even down to wearing the same underwear and socks……….of course I wash them first. DP-What is your most memorable experience as a baseball coach? CW-Right now my most memorable moments seem to be mistakes I have made as a coach. Getting tossed from some games early on in my career still sticks out for me. Nowadays I don’t let bad umpiring effect me as much. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball coach and why? CW-Many people have made big impressions on me as a coach. Dave Delgado, Jimmy Frost, Greg Elliott, Dan Driessen, Jack Radcliffe, Burt Bazzle (to name a few) have all affected me as a coach in some way or another. However, my father, John Wells, has affected me the most as a man and therefore as a baseball coach. My father instilled in me a drive, a work ethic, a desire to do my best. I owe a ton to my father and he impacts me on a daily basis. DP-Who are the best three players you have ever coached against? CW-Not sure who the third would be, but Chris Fidrych (Beaufort HS, Clemson) & Justin Smoak (Stratford, USC) both stand out above everyone else. DP-Who do you think are the top three players in your area right now? CW-Brian Harrison (Senior, Hilton Head), Greg Harrison (Sophomore, Hilton Head), Blake Gruel (Sophomore, Beaufort) DP-What does it mean to be a good teammate and is that important? CW-Being a good teammate is very important. There isn’t a better compliment that can be made from one teammate to another then being called a good teammate. TRUST is everything. DP-What do you see as the biggest difference in high-school aged players today versus ten years ago? CW-It is much more competitive now than it has ever been. Year-round play; AAU, Fall Ball, Showcases and Camps have changed the game of high school baseball. DP-We often hear about the politics that surround high school baseball. What is your philosophy on this subject and on dealing with the parents of your players. CW-On the first day of tryouts, we ask the players their names, grades, and positions that they want to tryout for. We don’t ask them their parents’ names or occupations. At our pre-season parent meeting, we thank the parents for their support and communicate to them how they can assist the program off the field. We, as coaches, will take care of all on-the-field decisions. We don’t expect them to agree with all of the decisions, but to support them. So far, so good. DP-What high school rule(s) would you change? CW-I would change the SCHSL rules on academic eligibility. A greater emphasis needs to be put on academics. Student-athletes should have to carry a 2.0 to be eligible for athletics. Currently a student with all D’s is eligible to play and I think that is too low. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a person and why? CW-People like my father, my aunt and some of my close friends have all made huge impressions in my life. But, the person who probably made the greatest lasting impression was my mother. Although she died at 32 (when I was only 13), she really impacted who I am more than any other person. My mother was strong, passionate, caring, faithful, loving, and a great mother. DP-What MLB feat in history do you wish you’d been inside the stadium to witness and why? CW-I have always wanted to be at a MLB game to see a no-hitter. Seeing …

Coaches Corner: Anthony Carroll

Coaches Corner-Anthony Carroll: Conway High School baseball has been a part of Anthony Carroll’s life dating back to his playing days. Carroll just concluded his fifth year at the helm of the Tiger program, also his twelfth as a coach in the program. Carroll spent some time with Diamond Prospects when his season ended to help us get to know him better. DP-How many years have you been in coaching? AC-I have been coaching for twelve years at Conway. I have been the head coach for the last five seasons. DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a baseball coach? AC-The thing that I enjoy most about coaching is watching these young men grow, not only as players, but as a person in society. I enjoy watching them be successful when they finish up and leave Conway High School. DP-What does the term “coach” mean to you? AC-To me the term ‘coach’ means someone who is a leader, disciplinarian and someone that is there to help players when needed. DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession? AC-How much time is put into our season. DP-What is your definition of a “student-athlete?” AC-A student-athlete is someone who excels not only on the field but in the classroom. Most athletes do not realize that there is a lot more money in academics than baseball. DP-We always hear how players have superstitions, I know coaches do too. Do you have anything interesting? AC-I have a bunch of them. If we are winning I always use the same pen to make the line-up and I always stand in the same spot in the dugout each inning. DP-What is your most memorable experience as a baseball coach? AC-My most memorable experience as a coach is going to Sumter and being down by four in the top of the seventh and rallying to win the game. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball coach and why? AC-I would say Rick Hardwick. I coached with him for six years prior to being named the Head Coach here. He taught me a lot about baseball and about handling players. DP-Who are the best three players you have ever coached against? AC-Allen Caldwell (Sumter), JD Melton (Myrtle Beach) and Barrett Kleinknecht (West Florence). DP-Who do you think are the top three players in your area right now? AC-It is hard for me to pick three from the area. We have several on our team right now that have a chance to be pretty good and play college baseball. DP-What does it mean to be a good teammate and is that important? AC-A good teammate is someone who will be there with you on and off the field. Someone who you can count on. I think it is important because it takes everyone for a team to have success. DP-What do you see as the biggest difference in high-school aged players today versus ten years ago? AC-I think the biggest difference is the size of the players. They are bigger so they hit it farther and throw it harder. Not to mention all the changes in technology such as bats. DP-We often hear about the “politics” that surround high school baseball. What is your philosophy on this subject and on dealing with the parents of your players. AC-That is something that comes up yearly, but I feel it is my job to put the nine best players on the field to represent Conway High School. I understand that all the parents want their son to play, but as a coach, I have to do what is in the best interest of our team. DP-What high school rule(s) would you change? AC-I would change the pitching rule that allows a pitcher ten innings in three calendar days. I think that a lot of people throw kids way too much which tends to lead to arm problems. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a person and why? AC-I would have to say my dad. He is the most laid back man I have ever seen. He has taught me to work hard and believe in whatever I’m doing. DP-What MLB feat in history do you wish you’d been inside the stadium to witness and why? AC-I wish I could have been there to see Mark McGwire break the homerun record. DP-Who is your favorite athlete (non-baseball)? AC-LaDainian Tomlinson DP-Who is your favorite MLB pitcher and position player to watch and why? AC-My favorite pitcher is John Smoltz because he takes command of the plate and pounds the strike zone. My favorite position player is Alex Rodriguez because he plays the game hard and doesn’t care what people think. DP-Who is your favorite MLB team? AC-Atlanta Braves DP-What is your favorite sport to play other than baseball? AC-Golf DP-What is your favorite sport to watch other than baseball? AC-College Football DP-What are some of your hobbies? AC-I like to fish a little bit and spend time with my two kids and wife. DP-If you could have dinner with three people in history, who would they be and why? AC-I would like to have dinner with Cal Ripken, Jr, Steve Spurrier, and Tom Osbourne. They all shared the desire to win and did whatever took to do it. DP-Where do you see yourself in 10 years? AC-Coaching baseball at Conway High School DP-What is your greatest high school thrill? AC-Hitting two home runs in a game at Marion DP-Who were the three best players you played against? AC-Jacob Shumate (Hartsville), Todd Martin (South Florence) and Derrick Urqhart (South Florence). DP-What are your thoughts on what Diamond Prospects can do, and has done, for kids in South Carolina? AC-I think that Diamond Prospects has done a good job of helping kids get their names out. I think …

Diamond Spotlight: Fieldin Culbreth

By: Austin Alexander – June 2007 Fieldin Culbreth (right) is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina where he still lives with his wife and three children. He is also a rabid baseball fan who was in Spring Training preparing for his twelfth season as a Major League umpire when we caught up with him. The coaches who frequent our site and many of our… The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well. Username Password Remember Me Forgot Password

Diamond Spotlight: Atlee Pearson

Erskine Signee: Byrnes’ Atlee Pearson has been one of prep baseball’s toughest customer’s on the mound during the past couple of seasons. He was rewarded with a scholarship to Erskine College where the Flying Fleet have big plans for the right-hander. Pearson’s team made a good charge in the playoffs in 2007 before falling in a marathon game during… The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.

Diamond Spotlight: Kyle Deese

Clemson Signee-Kyle Deese: Chapman High School’s Kyle Deese had his childhood dreams realized only to see his senior season change shortly thereafter. Shut down early in the spring, Deese was good enough out of the gate to attract interest from Clemson and the deal was made in the following weeks. Deese continues to work himself closer to the mound… The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.

Player Profile: Christopher Watford

Name: Christopher Watford Nickname(s): Goose or Wheels High School (coach): Dutch Fork ( Randy Johnson ) Graduation year: 2011 Position(s) MIF or CF Other sport(s) played in high school: Football Height: 6’0" Weight: 171 Bats: Right Throws: Right GPA: 3.4 SAT: PSAT: 144 ACT: Class rank: 232 Academic awards: Received recognition for maintaining well above a 3.0 while playing three different sports since eighth grade. Intended major: Sports medicine Parent’s names (college attended, if any): Joey and Melisa Summer team (coach): Upstate Mavericks ( Chris Nall ) Fall team (coach): SC. Mets ( Marlin McPhail ) High School statistics: Hitter: AVG .297, 2B 5, 3B 1 , H 0, RBI 8 (lead off) , SB 9 Athletic awards: 60-yard dash: 6.7 P’s-Top MPH: C’s-Best POP time: Hobbies: Playing other sports List any community service or charity work you have done: Would you consider a junior college? No What do you want a college coach who is reading this to know about you? I am commited and I work hard. .

Summer Showcase

Diamond Prospects’ Summer Showcase June 11-12, 2007 Plenty of talent, plenty of evaluators and plenty of rain on Monday kicked-off a productive opening day at Ben Lippen High School, despite the weather! Many of the players that DP had previously identified made their way to Columbia for the two-day event, but as with any event of this magnitude, plenty of new names emerged too. By in large, it was not the fastest group of young men ever assembled, as only four guys broke the 7.0 barrier in the 60-yard dash. What we lacked in speed, we made up for in power, arm strength, young talent and those who could flash the leather. Over the coming days, we will break down the players who excelled in various categories ranging from the best arms and bats to a ranking by class. Stay tuned to DP as we crunch the numbers and survey some of the coaches in attendance to provide you an in-depth breakdown of our second annual event. Note: DP would like to send a long distance high-five out to Brent Walsh, Travis Catchings and the entire Ben Lippen support staff for allowing us to make their place our home for two days. They opened their doors to us, kept the field in great shape and spun one quality tune after another to break up the monotony! Job well-done, thank you for having us! NEW! Top prospect rankings from the 2008, 2009 and 2010 classes, to go with overall rankings and the DP awards, are now posted. To view, click here. More to come! .

DP Showcase Schedule

-Schedule for Monday and Tuesday, June 11-12, 2007- Monday 9:00 AM Session 1: Check-in at Ben Lippen HS (Pick-up jersey) 9:45 Session 1 players report to the football field for a meeting and stretching 10:00-12:00 60’s, Defensive Workout, Batting Practice, Bullpens-Royal, Green, Purple 11:45 Session 2: Check-in at Ben Lippen HS (Pick-up jersey) 12:00 Lunch (will be provided for players on Day 1) 12:05 Recruiting Seminar in football bleachers 12:45 Session 2 players report to the football field for a meeting and stretching 1:00-3:00 60’s, Defensive Workout, Batting Practice, Bullpens-Black, Red, Grey 3:00 Royal vs Green 5:00 Purple vs Black 7:00 Red vs Grey Tuesday 9:00 Royal vs Green 11:00 Purple vs Black 1:00 Red vs Grey . Session 1 Teams: Royal, Green, Purple Session 2 Teams: Black, Red, Grey . Notes Pitchers will throw no more than 2 innings and a 10-pitch bullpen. Four hitters will constitute one inning. Know in advance which team you are on and which session you are in. When your team is not participating, you do not have to be at the field. Once we get started each day, all times are approximate. Be sure to arrive at the field no later than 45 minutes before your scheduled game time. Due to limited seating at the ballpark, we encourage players and parents to bring chairs. There is also little shade, tents are permissible at the field. A concession stand will be available throughout each day. DP apparel and baseball jewelry will be available for sale. For directions to Ben Lippen High School, click here. .

DP Showcase: Summer 2007

-Diamond Prospects Showcase Breakdown: Summer 2007- Top Prospects: Class of 2010 Rank Name High School Position 1 Logan Thomas Pickens RHP/SS 2 David Donald JL Mann OF 3 Jared Huffman Myrtle Beach INF/RHP 4 Daniel Palka Greer LHP/1B 5 Tori Patterson Laurens SS 6 Jake Long TL Hanna SS/RHP 7 Connor Lewis AC Flora 1B/LHP 8 Corey F… The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.