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Recap: Myrtle Beach-Waccamaw

  Pre-Season Action By: Austin Alexander February 15, 2006   Diamond Prospects popped in at Myrtle Beach High School on Wednesday night to take in a pre-season scrimmage with Waccamaw. The Seahawks lost eight seniors from last year’s club and enter 2006 with a young team. Waccamaw’s spring looks promising with a very experienced pitching … 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

Bundle Up

By: Austin Alexander – February 13, 2006 As I spent my first weekend parked in the grandstand, it didn’t escape my eye how poorly prepared many patrons were for February baseball. Whether the sun was hiding, rain was falling or the wind was blowing, the most comfortable people in the park were the seasoned veterans, coaches and scouts. I rolled into the stadium a couple of days with a wardrobe complete with a toboggan (winter hat to you northerner’s), gloves and Michelin-man physique…and was poked fun at for over-dressing. As the innings rolled on, the sun set and wind chill dropped, those same folks returned to find out what I had stockpiled in the car. I panned to the right and left, as the ballpark shivered, the evaluators kept their radar guns held high and stopwatches handy, laughing and joking the entire day. What is it that these cold weather pros know that the casual observer doesn’t? Allow me to assist you for your next arctic experience. A wise coach once told me the secret was in layers. It’s not a fashion show, it’s a baseball game! We’ve always been told there is strength in numbers, early season baseball attire is no different. I’ve been known to load up with seven shirts under my jacket, two pair of long john’s under my jeans, three socks on each foot, Isothermal gloves and a toboggan under the hooded sweatshirt. All this and I still had a solid stash in the car. The point is this: You can always remove clothes once you get to the yard and find yourself a little toasty, however, when the temperature dips you’ll seldom find a willing partner to share warm clothing. Some parents have been known to go the extra mile–propane heaters and blankets. This method is not a bad move if you don’t anticipate moving around throughout the game. Hot chocolate and coffee tend to be popular beverages in this time of need, both good choices. No matter what measures we take to remain warm, there is always going to be a couple of real cool dudes sporting short-sleeve shirts with the collars up, hanging out with the kid wearing shorts who is sitting next to the row of girls with belly-shirts and sandals…apparently they have it all figured out and we’ll just have to make our peace with that. I hope this quick excerpt makes your next chilly day at the field a pleasurable baseball experience. .

Bundle Up

By: Austin Alexander – February 13, 2006 As I spent my first weekend parked in the grandstand, it didn’t escape my eye how poorly prepared many patrons were for February baseball. Whether the sun was hiding, rain was falling or the wind was blowing, the most comfortable people in the park were the seasoned veterans, coaches and scouts. I rolled into the stadium a couple of days with a wardrobe complete with a toboggan (winter hat to you northerner’s), gloves and Michelin-man physique…and was poked fun at for over-dressing. As the innings rolled on, the sun set and wind chill dropped, those same folks returned to find out what I had stockpiled in the car. I panned to the right and left, as the ballpark shivered, the evaluators kept their radar guns held high and stopwatches handy, laughing and joking the entire day. What is it that these cold weather pros know that the casual observer doesn’t? Allow me to assist you for your next arctic experience. A wise coach once told me the secret was in layers. It’s not a fashion show, it’s a baseball game! We’ve always been told there is strength in numbers, early season baseball attire is no different. I’ve been known to load up with seven shirts under my jacket, two pair of long john’s under my jeans, three socks on each foot, Isothermal gloves and a toboggan under the hooded sweatshirt. All this and I still had a solid stash in the car. The point is this: You can always remove clothes once you get to the yard and find yourself a little toasty, however, when the temperature dips you’ll seldom find a willing partner to share warm clothing. Some parents have been known to go the extra mile–propane heaters and blankets. This method is not a bad move if you don’t anticipate moving around throughout the game. Hot chocolate and coffee tend to be popular beverages in this time of need, both good choices. No matter what measures we take to remain warm, there is always going to be a couple of real cool dudes sporting short-sleeve shirts with the collars up, hanging out with the kid wearing shorts who is sitting next to the row of girls with belly-shirts and sandals…apparently they have it all figured out and we’ll just have to make our peace with that. I hope this quick excerpt makes your next chilly day at the field a pleasurable baseball experience. .

Where are they now: Tom Mastny

Tom Mastny is set to begin his fourth professional season in the Indians organization. Following a solid career at Furman, including an unbelievable senior year, the right-hander was selected in the 11th round by the Toronto Blue Jays. After spending time in the Jays farm system, he was involved in a trade that sent him to his present employer, the Indians. Mastny was married four months ago to Joanna who is in her third, and final, year at St. Mary’s University Law School in San Antonio, Texas. The couple reside there for now but expect to move again soon due to his wife’s job possibilities in the Navy. Mastny spent time with Diamond Prospects during January to answer some questions for us, enjoy his interview. DP-Please list any college statistics of importance, awards won: TM-My college career was pretty mediocre until my senior year. Up until my senior year I had around a 4.30 ERA and was a .500 pitcher. My senior year, however, something clicked and I had a great year. I led the NCAA in ERA with a season ERA of 1.09 in 124 innings or work. I finished the year 11-2 and was named the Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year. I was also named to the NCAA Division-I All-American team, All-Conference team and I was named Furman Male Athlete of the Year. DP-Please list any major high school accolades: TM-In high school I was a good player, but not great. I thought I was a lot better than I really was. I was a late bloomer. The major accolades that I received were All-Conference my Junior and Senior year, and All-State my Senior year. I was 23-2 my Junior and Senior year’s combined with a 0.93 ERA and 0.91 ERA respectively. DP-What are some of your nicknames? TM-I really don’t have any nicknames. The names I hear the most are “Big Furm” which stands for Furman and my size. I am 6’6” and 230 lbs so people think I’m pretty big. One of my good friends (Brian Patrick who graduated from Duke in ’03) that I played college summer ball and professional ball (Blue Jays) with donned me with that nickname. The other name I hear the most is “Freak”, again just because of my size.  DP-What is your greatest high school thrill? TM-My greatest high school thrill was graduating. Other than that it would have to have been being named All-State. High school was pretty boring for me and was glad to move on in life. Baseball was pretty much my life back then, I did play a little soccer up until my sophomore year and golf (for a hobby) but nothing much other than that. DP-What is your greatest thrill, or two, beyond high school? TM-Beyond high school I have had a number of thrills. Graduating from college was a big thrill and a huge accomplishment in my opinion. Next, getting drafted in the 2003 draft. Both of these accomplishments had been life-long goals of mine. Winning the ERA title in the South-Atlantic league and being named to the All-Star teams my first two professional seasons were big thrills also, but I would have to say that my biggest thrill was getting married this past October. DP-Who are the three toughest hitters you faced in high school and the three toughest after high school? TM-To be honest with you, I can’t remember any hitters from high school. College hitters? Tough question, but I would have to say:  Ryan Gordon (UNC-Greensboro), Buchanan (Western Carolina) and Khalil Greene (Clemson). DP-What was your toughest adjustment (in and out of baseball) after high school? TM-The toughest adjustment for me was being on my own and having to study for school. College was a lot tougher for me than high school was. As for baseball, the biggest adjustment I had to make was from going from the top player on the team to an average player, and having to prove myself day in and day out. My work ethic really had to improve in college. DP-What is the biggest crowd you’ve ever performed in front of and where? TM-I would have to say the biggest crowd that I have performed in front of was last year up in Akron, Ohio. We had a weekend game in front of about 10,000 people. Next would be Staten Island, New York were I pitched in front of about 8,500. In college, the biggest crowd was against Clemson were there was about 4,000 people packed into our stands. DP-Tell people out there what draft day was like for you: TM-Draft day for me was a little bittersweet. Being drafted was always a dream of mine, and after my senior year was over and draft day came, I had high expectations. I had a great senior year, and had been told by some teams that I should expect to be taken in the 4th-8th round. Well, draft day came and the rounds started rolling off. By about the 9th round I decided enough was enough and my friend and I left for Chicago to go to a Cubs game with my sister (the game was actually the game that Sammy Sosa had the corked bat so that was kind of cool). On the way up to Chicago I received a phone call from the Blue Jays telling me that I was drafted in the 11th round. Of course I was ecstatic, but a bit disappointed in the round I was drafted. I soon got over the disappointment of not being drafted as high as I would have liked, and realized that I had finally reached one of my major life’s goals. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a person and why? TM-The person/people that have had the greatest impact on my life are my parents and my wife. All three of them have contributed to my success in different ways, but the one thing that they all have in common is …

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Where are they Now: Bryan Harvey II

  Part I Part II   DP-As you know, Bruce Sutter was just voted into the Hall of Fame, why do you think closers have been slow to get into the Hall? BH-The save is so watered down now. Sutter, Goose Gossage and those guys would throw 150 innings a year, it was different than today. Those guys earned their saves. Dennis Eckersley changed the modern day save into a one-inning deal, it’s easier to get 40-50 saves now than when those guys played. DP-Is Bruce Sutter a Hall of Famer? BH-Yes DP-Is Goose Gossage a Hall of Famer? BH-Yes DP-Is Lee Smith a Hall of Famer? BH-Yeah, just because of all those saves and his longevity. DP-Is Bryan Harvey a Hall of Famer? BH-Nope, didn’t stay healthy long enough. In my era, I believe you should have 400 plus saves to get in. DP-Your career ended early due to arm trouble and the “Tommy John” surgery. What advice can you pass along to a young pitcher who is reading this that may allow him to play injury-free? BH-Honestly, I don’t know if there is a way to avoid it because the throwing motion is so un-natural. Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens had the perfect arm angle and mechanics, they also had strong legs. I would not have had the same success if I’d pitched from the same angle they did, mine was higher but it came at a cost. I would have rather had six or seven good seasons than 20 mediocre ones. Advice? Get with quality pitching instructors as early as you can and try to make your mechanics as good as possible. DP-In 1991 you won the Rolaids Relief Award for being the best closer in all of baseball, what did that award mean to you? BH-Pretty exciting. You know, on the final day of the season they came to me to and told me that if I didn’t pitch that day I was assured of winning the award. If I blew a save and Eckersley got a save, I’d finish second. I said, “Hell no, I’m going to pitch!” I struck out the last four hitters of the game for the save and clinch the award. The best thing about the award is that they donated $20,000 to the “Angel Man Syndrome” foundation, a disease my daughter Whitney has. DP-Baseball players, especially relievers, are well-known for being superstitious. Were there any quirky things you did? BH-I’d never change my shirt, socks or underwear when things were going well. If I blew a couple of saves, all that would be out the door! DP-Who was your idol growing up? BH-I always liked Nolan Ryan, he was fearless. I had the opportunity to meet him, he’s a great guy. DP-What were your favorite parks to pitch in? BH-Anaheim and Kansas City, I love the appearance of both places. DP-What stadium has the rowdiest fans? BH-Boston, the fans are so close to you in the bullpen, they are all over you. DP-You walked through the tunnel of every ballpark in Major League Baseball during your career, it was your biggest thrill when you entered… BH-Yankee Stadium, no comparison. You just think about all the players who wore pinstripes and all the greats who have played there, it gives you goose bumps. Then you walk to the bullpen and pass right by all the monuments…there is just no other place like it. DP-What is it like to see your career go full circle as you now watch your son’s play? BH-A lot more exciting for me. I remember calling home after my games and dad would say he’d worn holes in the carpet because he was a nervous wreck. I was never nervous when I played, I just went out and did my job. Now I know what my dad felt like. When my son’s play now, I’m a wreck, I just want to see them have success. Watching them play now is very special for me. DP-Bryan, this has been fun for me and will be a great piece for our readers. Thanks for your time. .

Where are they now: StevenTolleson

Minnesota Twins farmhand, Steven Tolleson, took some time with Diamond Prospects over the Christmas Break to answer some questions for us. “Tolly” hails from Spartanburg, South Carolina and went to Dorman High School. Following graduation, he attended the University of South Carolina and was a three-year starter for the Gamecocks. He concluded a star-studded career in Columbia by being the 5th round draft pick of the Twins following his junior season. Steven, the son of ten-year MLB veteran Wayne Tolleson, was initially sent to Elizabethton (Rookie League). Upon hitting .321 out of the chute, he quickly earned a promotion to Beloit in Single-A. Engaged to his high school sweatheart, Tolly tells us his story. DP-Please list any college statistics of importance, awards won: ST-2003: Palmetto State Freshman of the Year, All-Regional (Atlanta). 2004: Pre-season 2nd team All-SEC, Clutch Performer of the Year, MVP of SEC Tournament, All-SEC Academic team. 2005: Clutch Performer of the Year, All-SEC 1st team, All-Southeast team, All-SEC Academic team, 7th rated middle infielder entering the MLB draft, 5th round draft choice by the Minnesota Twins. DP-Please list any major high school accolades:  ST-Two-time All-State and three-time All-Region; Gatorade Player of the Year finalist. 18 homeruns and 88-for-89 in stolen bases during career at Dorman. DP-What is your greatest high school thrill?  ST-Playing for the state championship, because of the atmosphere that is around a game of that importance.  DP-What is your greatest thrill beyond high school?  ST-That is a toss up between getting drafted and fulfilling my dreams or playing at a school like South Carolina where I went to the college world series two years.  DP-Who are the three toughest pitchers you ever faced? ST-Number one is Luke Hochevar from Tennessee. He was 92-96 and had a great slider. Two, John Huggins from Stanford, my freshman year in the World Series a.k.a. the Greg Maddux of college baseball. He is now in the big leagues.  Last, but not least, the most painful of all, Jason Windsor for Cal State Fullerton. Low 90’s fastball and great change-up.  He single handily kept up from winning a National Championship. DP-What was your toughest adjustment after high school?  ST-The speed of the game is so different.  That is why it is so tough for many freshman to come in and succeed. DP-What is the biggest crowd you’ve ever performed in front of and where?  ST-In the College World Series against Cal State Fullerton for a chance to play Texas for the National Championship, there were right at 30,000. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a person and why?  ST-My Dad, both on and off the field.  He has taught me how to be the right kind of person and a Godly man. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball player and why?  ST-Again, my dad because of the knowledge and experiences that he has had.  DP-What was it like growing up as the son of a Big Leaguer? ST- Growing up as the son of a big leaguer was awesome. I was able to do a lot of things that others will never have the chance to do. I got to take BP at Yankee Stadium and spend time with all-time greats like Don Mattingly. It was like I was living in a dream world. I created memories that will never be forgotten.  DP-Who is your favorite athlete (non-baseball)?  ST-Tiger Woods just because he really has changed the game of golf. DP-Who is your favorite MLB pitcher and position player and why?  ST-Roger Clemens because of his unbelievable drive and work ethic and Derek Jeter because he knows how to win. DP-Who is your favorite MLB team (optional)? ST-It better be the Twins. DP-What is your favorite sport to play other than baseball? ST-I love Golf, because no matter how old or bad you are you can always play.  DP-What is your favorite sport to watch other than baseball?  ST-College Basketball or College Football, for some reason I enjoy watching the college sports more. DP-What goals do you have for yourself in and out of baseball? ST-For baseball, get a little better every year and see where it takes me. Out of ball I want to finish my degree at USC and do something in Real Estate. DP-If you could have dinner with three people in history, who would they be and why?  ST-Tiger Woods, maybe he would give me some golf tips. The President, that would be something a lot of people don’t get a chance to do. George Steinbrenner, because he seems to be a very interesting person.  DP-Where do you see yourself in 10 years? ST-Always have to set your goals high so I see myself not only in the big leagues but making an impact in the big leagues. DP-Your thoughts on what Diamond Prospects can do for kids in South Carolina versus when you came through the prep ranks?  ST-It can give you the awareness on what is going on across the state and hopefully motivate you to become a better person and player. DP-Give a high school player who is reading this article one piece of advice.  ST-WORK, WORK, WORK, because if you don’t some one else is! DP-Tolly, Thanks a ton and good luck this spring!   .

Where are they now: Patrick Hogan

  Patrick Hogan’s second professional season with the Florida Marlins ended the way many other years have for the Clemson graduate, injured. This past summer Hogan, an Irmo-native, took a line-drive off his right forearm, ending his year and sending him on the shelf one more time. He presently has a titanium plate with eight screws in his arm to repair the break. At the time of the injury, he was fresh off rehabilitating his elbow from its third surgery. During his time on the mound as a member of the Marlins organization, Hogan set the rookie mark for saves in a season, was second in the New York Penn League in total saves and first in save percentage (12 out of 13). Hogan is presently rehabbing in Columbia as his younger brothers Matt and Doug (a sophomore on the Clemson baseball team) both attend his alma mater. Between teaching lessons and coaching a local fall team, Hogan took time during the off-season to answer some questions for Diamond Prospects. DP-Please list any college statistics of importance, awards won: PH-2002: led team in appearances; 2003-Stowe Award (Most Valuable Pitcher), two-time ACC Pitcher of the Week, 2004 Second team All-ACC, Stowe Award, led team in appearances, led team and ACC in strikeouts per nine innings, led team in saves, third all-time in Clemson history for saves in a season, third all-time in Clemson history for career saves and drafted in the 14th round by the Florida Marlins.  DP-Please list any major high school accolades: PH-1998 All-Region, All-Area, AAAA State Champions, Team finished in top 15 in the nation; 1999 All-Region, All-Area, #3 rated prospect in South Carolina; All-Region, All-Area, North/South All-Star in Basketball  DP-What is your greatest high school thrill? PH-Winning the AAAA State Championship in 1998. DP-What is your greatest thrill, or two, beyond high school? PH-Playing in the College World Series. DP-Who are the three toughest hitters you ever faced? PH-Stephen Drew from Florida State, Ryan Braun from Miami and Ryan Zimmerman from Virginia. I faced Drew and Zimmerman a couple of times in college and faced Braun this past season in pro-ball. All three of these guys are very similar, and they all absolutely owned me. All three have tremendous power, but are also very disciplined at the plate. Very seldom do they swing and miss, and they always seemed to get the barrel of the bat on the ball. DP-What was your toughest adjustment after high school? PH-The overall speed of the game. The college game is played at a much faster rate than high school. DP-What is the biggest crowd you’ve ever performed in front of and where? PH-Against Nebraska on the opening night of the College World Series. The game was sold out, and they announced attendance was somewhere around 30,000. At the time was the largest attendance ever at the CWS. DP-In one sentence, describe the experience of playing in the College World Series: PH-The only way to describe playing in the College World Series is “breathtaking”. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a person and why? PH-My parents. They are two people who I truly idolize. They have always pushed and supported me 100% in anything I have pursued. I know that sounds generic, but it’s the absolute truth. I couldn’t think of two better role models to have in my life.  DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball player and why? PH-Jack Leggett and Kevin O’Sullivan. The two of them have influenced and inspired me in so many different ways I don’t even know where to begin. The one thing that has always had the largest impact on me about the two of them, is their passion and dedication towards the game. Personally, I can’t imagine another pair of coaches in the country who are as dedicated and loyal to a program or their players as the two of them are to Clemson.                        DP-Who is your favorite athlete (non-baseball)? PH-Brett Favre. I think he exemplifies the true meaning of toughness, both physically and mentally, from every aspect. The obstacle’s he has overcome throughout his career is mind-blowing to me.  DP-Who is your favorite MLB pitcher and position player and why? PH-Roger Clemens. He’s a guy who I get an absolute rush out of seeing on the mound. His mental toughness and competitive approach to every game is unmatched. When he’s on the mound, he just has a look in his eye that is different from any other pitcher. I don’t think he’s a pitcher who ever backs down, or tries to pitch to a hitter’s weakness. He knows what he has, and he goes right after every hitter with his best stuff each and every pitch.    DP-Who is your favorite MLB team? PH-Right now it’s the Marlins! Hopefully it will remain that way. DP-What is your favorite sport to play other than baseball? PH-Golf. I never thought I could be so terrible at something and enjoy it so much though. I guess that’s why I like it. It’s a big challenge. DP-What is your favorite sport to watch other than baseball? PH-College football. I don’t know what it is about the college game that I enjoy so much more than the NFL. Saturday’s during the Fall, I could sit in front of the TV from 10 a.m. till midnight just watching football. DP-What goals do you have for yourself in and out of baseball? PH-Growing up, my main goal was to one day play college baseball at an upper-echelon program, and to have a chance to compete for a national championship. Since that goal has been attained, the next goal I have set for myself is reaching the big-leagues. As far as goals for myself, when I’m done playing baseball, I would one day like to be a head coach at the college level.     DP-If you could have dinner with three people in history, who would they be and why? PH-Babe Ruth, simply because he …

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Where are they now: David Marchbanks

  David Marchbanks completed his eligibility at South Carolina in 2004 and Mauldin High School in 2000 as one of the most decorated pitchers in both school’s storied history. For his efforts he was selected in the 7th round by the Florida Marlins and quickly found himself in Double-A. After a short bout with shoulder tendonitis prompted his release from the Marlins, the 23-year old now finds himself healthy and looking for a new organization. One of the game’s nicest guys and fiercest competitors, “Chief” took some time with Diamond Prospects to discuss awards, Omaha, injuries and the optimism he has that his career will get back on track.   DP-Please list any college statistics of importance, awards won: DM-Dean’s list 2000 & 2001, 2000 Newcomer of the Fall, 2003: SEC Pitcher of the Year, Second in the nation in wins (15), First team All-SEC, First team All-American, District IV Player of the Year, Drafted by the Florida Marlins in the Seventh Round.  DP-Please list any major high school accolades: DM-2000: Region 1 AAAA All-Region team, Statewide Player of the Year, Mr. Baseball, North/South Game MVP, AAAA State Championship Team.                DP-What is your greatest high school thrill? DM-Winning the State Championship my senior year over Richland Northeast. There aren’t many players that can walk off the field for the last time in high school with a State Title and that is something I am very proud of. DP-What is your greatest thrill, or two, beyond high school? DM-Winning two games in one day against 8th ranked Mississippi State. I started the last three innings of a suspended game and got the win for that game, we had a 45-minute break and I started the second game and pitched eight innings and got the win for that game. It was the first time since 1974 a USC pitcher got two wins in one day.  DP-Who are the three toughest hitters you ever faced? DM-Khalil Greene (Clemson), Aaron Hill (LSU) and Wes Moyer (UNC).   DP-What was your toughest adjustment after high school? DM-Definitely learning how to pitch. In high school I was pretty much just a thrower and I got guys out just by throwing hard and didn’t really have much for an off-speed pitch. When I went to college, I was facing much smarter and better hitters in the SEC, so I had to learn how to throw all of my pitches for strikes and pitch according to situations.  DP-What is the biggest crowd you’ve ever performed in front of and where? DM-When I pitched against Nebraska in the 2002 College World Series. It was in front of about 30,000 fans that looked like a sea of red. It was, by far, the most hyper and intense environment I have ever pitched in. DP-In one sentence, describe the experience of playing in the College World Series: DM-It was an experience I’ll cherish and be proud of for the rest of my life.  DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a person and why? DM-I would have to say my dad, because he has been there for me through thick and thin. He has always supported me and helped me through the tough times and showed me how to live my life with character. He also showed me the value of hard work and being dedicated to everything you strive for in life. He’s been the most positive influence in my life and he’s definitely someone I’ll always look to.  DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball player and why? DM-Ben Waddle, Ray Tanner and Jerry Meyers. Coach Waddle brought me along in high school and taught me how to carry myself on and off the field. Coach Tanner is one of the fairest and toughest men I’ve ever known. I loved playing for him and he’s a person I’ll always admire and respect. Coach Meyers taught me how to be a complete pitcher and taught me how to be successful in college. DP-Who is your favorite athlete (non-baseball)? DM-Michael Jordan, he single handedly dominated the NBA and was a player that every kid looked up to. DP-Who is your favorite MLB pitcher and position player and why? DM-Roger Clemens, one of the most dominant pitcher’s ever. He’s unbelievably competitive, tough and has an amazing work ethic. Todd Helton, he’s a great hitter, plays the game the way it should be played and has achieved all of his success the right way. DP-Who is your favorite MLB team? DM-Atlanta Braves DP-What is your favorite sport to play other than baseball? DM-I love to play golf. It’s a great way to relax and have a good time with your buddies off the field.  DP-What is your favorite sport to watch other than baseball? DM-I love college football. There’s nothing better than a Saturday of tailgating and watching South Carolina football. DP-What goals do you have for yourself in and out of baseball? DM-I am going to keep working hard and hopefully that will one day get me to the Major Leagues. Out of baseball I want to eventually get into Commercial Real Estate back home in Greenville. DP-If you could have dinner with three people in history, who would they be and why? DM-Bear Bryant, he is the best football coach of all-time and always got the most out of his players. Nolan Ryan, he is my childhood hero and I have always admired the way he went about his business and the way he pitched. Muhammad Ali, one of the most significant sports figure of all-time and is a man that stood up for what he believed in and didn’t care what anyone thought.  DP-Where do you see yourself in 10 years? DM-I see myself pitching in the Major Leagues. DP-Your thoughts on what Diamond Prospects can do for kids in South Carolina versus when you came through the prep ranks? DM-In my opinion, any way a player can get exposure to scouts and …

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Coaches Corner: Kangaroo Court

By: Austin Alexander-January 8, 2006 I was sitting in the first base dugout recently as one of our hitters exited the field. Upon entering the dugout, he tripped over some shin guards that lie in his path and stumbled down the steps before re-gaining his footing, meanwhile, sharing a laugh with the teammates who saw his mishap. At that point, I dropped in, “That’ll cost him some points in Kangaroo Court!” In return, I got nothing but blank stares! Immediately I realized they had just heard a term for the first time and had no clue what I was referring to. Kangaroo Court penalties can take on many faces. Its definition in The Dickson Baseball Dictionary is as follows: A clubhouse session in which a player assesses guilt and fines for errors and omissions, normally on the field. By now you’ve probably been able to deduce that one form of it may include a clumsy moment that we have all experienced at least once in our life. Maybe a player trips, perhaps it was walking to the plate with a donut on his bat, going to the on deck circle without a helmet will also do the trick. Forget your spikes or wear the wrong uniform top and you’ll be called on the carpet! Kangaroo Court will also reside over a first baseman that forgets to throw the ball around the horn, an outfielder that tracks down out number two and then advances toward the dugout. A catcher who rolls strike two back to the mound on his way off the field is also in violation. Kangaroo Court is in session when a player fails to get a sacrifice bunt down, a cut-off man is missed or if a hitter is unsuccessful in advancing a runner from 2nd to 3rd with no outs. Arrive late for batting practice, fall asleep during a meeting or miss a bus, you’ll pay the price. In most professional organizations, players may be levied fines for the last group of examples. Many college programs have their older players monitor the silly and brainless things a baseball player will do, usually ending is some form of light hazing or humiliation for the perpetrator. Kangaroo Court can be a fun way to make light of the awkward moments that will happen over the course of a season, it can also serve as the perfect route to police the discipline of a ballclub. Either way, it is a phrase that has spanned baseball’s existence and now your understanding of its meaning puts you "in the baseball know." .

Coaches Corner: Ashley Burnett

Ashley Burnett, the head baseball coach at Gilbert High School, is in his 14th year of coaching baseball after serving a year apiece at Aynor and Marlboro County, three years at Emerald and is in his ninth year at Gilbert. Upon graduating from Lexington High School, he went on to play at Anderson and Winthrop. Coach Burnett goes the extra mile for … 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.

PO Box 51438
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

The Palmetto State's one stop shop for prep hardball
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