Blog – Page 808 – Diamond Prospects

Diamond Spotlight: Ryan Connolly

Chanticleer Commitment-Ryan Connolly: Bishop England RHP Ryan Connolly has had his share of big moments on the mound at the prep level but is squarely focused on the future. Bound for Coastal Carolina next fall, Connolly is focused on a big spring but takes us back to some of his most vivid moments from the past. In his Diamond Spotlight, Connolly… 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

A Farewell to the Professor

By: Austin Alexander-December 8, 2008 On Monday, one of the game’s all-time greats made his retirement official and will now ride off into the sunset with little fanfare and fireworks. Sadly, when he blew the whistle on returning for 2009, ESPN barely made mention of it. But, man-o-man did dazzle us for 23 years! In 1987, Greg Maddux made his Major League debut as a pinch-runner for the Chicago Cubs, this October his final appearance was out of the bullpen in a blowout NLDS game at Wrigley Field as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. But it was what he did in between those appearances that will send him into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot and enlist him among baseball’s immortals. In the day and age of "bigger, faster, stronger", he once appeared in a commercial stating that "chicks dig the longball." And that was certainly true in the mid-90’s. But it was Maddux that made the two-seamer, command, stabbing line drives up the middle and a change-up sexy for 2+ decades. Slight-of-build and ‘armed’ with a mid-80’s fastball, he became as well-known for his unassuming appearance as his brilliance on the mound. Nicknamed "The Professor", this pitching surgeon often appeared as though he had just emerged from a chemical lab rather than from another complete game shutout. He was, indeed, the mad scientist of the rubber and in complete charge of the 60"6" airways between he and the catcher’s mitt. Here’s a quick snapshot of his resume: Facts 355 wins: 8th All-Time, most in Live Ball Era (1920’s to present) Only player with 300 wins, 3000 K’s & less than 1000 walks 4 Cy Young Awards (1992-1995) 18 Gold Gloves: Most at any position 1 World Series Championship A copy of Maddux’s scouting report in high school is now posted on a wall at Turner Field, perhaps his magnificence is best summed up in those words: Not overpowering but has the heart of a lion. Maddux, also dubbed "Mad Dog", gave hope to young players that weren’t tall enough, didn’t throw hard enough or sport enough "stuff" to win. While a power arm with filthy breaking stuff may draw mysterious injuries in the other dugout or prompt a day off among opposing superstars, for 23 years professional hitters kept taking their whacks at Maddux…then took their "comfortable oh-fers" back to the bat rack, shaking their heads in disbelief. The way scouting has evolved since Maddux was a high school pitcher, it is doubtful we’ll ever again see the likes of his kind again, especially without going the college route first. Well noted as a Hall of Fame prankster as well as moundsman, Maddux was a genius on off-days too, tutoring countless of young pitchers who credit much of their successes to him. He has been called by some of the greatest managers and coaches in the game as having the best baseball mind of anyone they’d ever been around. He toyed with hitters while we watched and loved every single outing since many of us can remember. A true professional in every sense of the word, Maddux will be sorely missed. Not just for his greatness, but for the way his humble nature and simple approach evolved into an art form that we will never forget.

Recruiting 101: Winter Calendar

Are you finding the recruiting process tiring, confusing or intimidating? Most players and parents do. You owe it to your son and his future to educate yourself from start to finish on the recruiting game. Recruiting 101 will hit the road this winter and come to a location near you! We have secured 9 different locations statewide to cover the recruiting process for you from A-to-Z. A veteran of 20+ years at the collegiate level, Tim Medlin will be conducting in-depth meetings with families on various topics… Have you considered the following: -How can I best promote my son? -What are college coaches actually looking for in a prospect? –How does scholarship money get distributed throughout a team? -What kinds of financial aid may be available? -How do I know if a school is sincerely interested? -What should a student-athlete look for in a school, baseball program and coach? -What is the difference between a junior college versus a four-year school? -How do I handle my options as the MLB draft approaches? -What kinds of questions should I ask on a college visit? -What are the rules that players and coaches must abide by? -What does a verbal commitment really mean? -What are the advantages/disadvantages to my son signing a letter of intent during the early signing period? If you are interested, the dates and sites are listed below: Location Day/Date Site Time Status Columbia Thurs, January 8 White Knoll HS 7:00-9:30 Open Spartanburg Tues, January 20 Spartanburg HS 7:00-9:30 Open Augusta TBA N. Augusta HS TBA Open Pee Dee TBA W. Florence HS TBA Open Columbia Wed, January 28 Blythewood HS 7:00-9:30 Open Grand Strand Sun, February 8 Conway at Tiger Grand 3:00-5:30 Open Charleston Sun, February 22 Collins Park 3:00-5:30 Open Rock Hill TBA TBA TBA Open Anderson TBA Anderson Rec Dept. TBA Open For sign up information, click here.

Diamond Spotlight: Shane Miles

Buccaneer Signee-Shane Miles: Lake City High School outfielder Shane Miles is one of the top runners and athletes in the senior class. In his Diamond Spotlight, Miles tells us what made Charleston Southern the right fit for him and shares some thoughts about his deep love for baseball. He also reveals an interesting trio at his fantasy dinner! … 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.

Coaches Corner: Tim Perry

Diamond Spotlight-Tim Perry: UNC Asheville Recruiting Coordinator Tim Perry has deep ties in South Carolina, though he now calls the Tar Heel state home. He recently spent some time doing a Q & A with Diamond Prospects and provides us a series of responses on topics ranging from NCAA Regionals, cooking and family life to where he attributes his success. DP-How many years have you been in coaching? What got you into the business? TP-10 years. My dad worked at USC-Spartanburg while I was growing up so I hung around Coach John Daurity and his team as much as I could dragging bats and shagging for BP. By the time I was in High School, I knew I wanted to coach! DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a baseball coach? TP-The lives you touch and the relationships you build. There is no greater feeling in the world than receiving a call or a text from a former player after a great game in Pro Ball and feeling like you helped them get there. DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession? TP-The time and energy that goes into recruiting, practice, games, preparing scouting reports for games, scheduling, fund raising, travel arrangements and summer ball placement. 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? TP-A good friend of mine, Bubba Dorman, once said, "I did not get into coaching to make a living, I do it to make a difference". I feel the same way. I knew what the salary was when I signed the contract. DP-How do you balance the time demands of coaching and your family? TP-I have a very supportive and understanding wife. She played tennis at Wofford and her dad coached football and brother is a football coach. She loves baseball and our program as much as I do and involves herself and our daughter in it as much as possible. It is always difficult being away from them but it makes you appreciate your time at home with them so much more. You learn to cherish it during the busy times of the year. DP-Though you coach in North Carolina now, most of your ties are to the Palmetto State. Tell us about your route to Asheville and how closely you keep up with baseball in South Carolina: TP-I grew up an hour from Asheville in Greenville, SC but never imagined coaching and living here. The Mountains have definitely grown on me though and we still live very close to our family, which helps. I still keep up with HS Baseball in SC as much as I can on www.Thedimondprospects.com, but we stay pretty busy in NC so I don’t get down to as many games in SC as I once did. DP-How is your golf game these days? TP-Not very good. I play a lot of Army Golf these days. Right, Left, Right, Left, Right, Left. It is still an enjoyable 4 hours away from the office. DP-When you hear the expression "old school baseball", what does that phrase mean to you? TP-Playing as hard as you can every pitch of every out of every inning of every game that you play. DP-A couple of years ago, your Bulldogs pulled off an improbable run through the Big South Tournament to earn a bid into the NCAA Regionals. Describe that week and what you think allowed your kids to accomplish the feat: TP-We were playing well down the stretch going 8-4 in our last 12 regular season games. But it was not until Allen DeRatt pitched a 2-hit shutout against the #1 seed Birmingham Southern in Game 1 that our guys started believing they could win the whole thing. Everybody fed off that and we pitched really well the rest of the week going 4-1, 2.66 ERA, 36 K to 18 BB, and Opp BA was only .219. We remained confident throughout the championship game despite falling down 10-0 early. We just kept telling them that if we could get into their bullpen we had a chance. They never gave up, just kept pecking away and when we gave the ball to Deratt down 10-5 in the 6th you could see on their faces that they believed they could win it all. DP-What is your most memorable experience as a baseball coach? TP-Rob Vernon’s Grand Slam in the Big South Championship game that put us ahead of Liberty 11-10 after trailing 10-0 and Allen Deratt striking out PK Keller to win that Championship Game and the DOG PILE in the middle of Coastal Carolina’s infield that ensued. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball coach and why? TP-I cannot pick one single person. I have been very fortunate to surround myself with a lot of very good mentors like John Daurity, Tim Medlin, Bubba Dorman, Joe Hudak and Mike McGuire and have taken bits and pieces from each and every one of them. DP-Who are the best three players you have coached against? TP-Buster Posey– Florida State, Matt LaPorta– Florida and Kevin Slowey– Winthrop DP-What do you see as the biggest difference in high school-aged players today versus when you played? TP-The concept of TEAM and WINNING seemed more important when I played. There were no showcases and FALL BALL had just begun. DP-Now switching gears, think back to your days as a baseball player, please list any notable accolades: TP-I would have to go all the way back to Little League All-Stars where I started behind the Plate in front of Matthew LeCroy. He went on to star at Clemson, play in the Olympics and spent 8 years in the Big Leagues. I guess we know who motivated him, huh. DP-What is your greatest thrill, or two, beyond high school? TP-Graduating from Newberry College, marrying Virginia Grace Shaw, and experiencing the birth of our daughter Ava Grace Perry. DP-Who were …

Coaches Corner: Jeff Whitfield

Diamond Spotlight-Jeff Whitfield: Furman assistant coach Jeff Whitfield is in his second season with the Paladins and recently spent some time with Diamond Prospects to cover topics ranging from family to cheerleading, and from baseball heroes to imparting his thoughts on the different aspects of coaching. The TL Hanna product and Lander University graduate speaks his mind in a series of great responses. Enjoy! DP-How many years have you been in coaching? What got you into the business? JW – I have been a coach for 4 years. Originally, I went to Lander University with the intention of going on to Medical School and becoming a doctor. Later, I decided to teach school and coach baseball. There’s a big difference in pay, but I knew this choice would make me happier in the long run. DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a baseball coach? JW – The great reward of coaching is to see these young players grow into men over their four years under your leadership. It is also incredible to see them handle and overcome adversity with the challenges they encounter. DP-What does the term "coach" mean to you? JW – To me, "Coach" means someone who can both teach a sport and be a leader for the team. A coach needs to be able to guide players in every aspect of the game both on and off the field. Coaches should strive to help their players be their best on the field, in the classroom and as an individual. DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession? JW – Most people don’t realize that this is a year-long profession… it never stops. I leave my house every morning at 6:30 AM and do not get home until 8 or 8:30 at night. There are frequent road trips and that time away from your family is tough. But, the more time and effort you put into it, the more it pays off in the long run. 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 – I started coaching for the love of the game and to keep balance in my life between what I have to do and love to do. Baseball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. After many years of playing and training in order to make it into the big leagues, I could not just turn my back on the sport that helped mold me into the individual I am today. I’ve also had many great coaches that I’ve looked up to and who helped me get started in this profession. I teach Elementary PE as my "day job" to supplement my coaching salary. It’s great to have a career that affords me the flexibility to do both. DP-How do you balance the time demands of coaching and your family? JW – This is very tough!!! At Furman, Monday is our day off so Mondays are "date night". When I get home from school my wife and I go out for dinner and a movie, or we do whatever she wants to do. My family knows that baseball is a huge part of my life. My wife is still number one in my heart (with baseball at a close second). I invite my wife to come on as many recruiting trips with me as possible. She is a nurse and has a lot of flexibility and freedom with her schedule. She is able to go on many summer recruiting trips with me so she can understand the sport better and to spend more time with me as well. DP-When you hear the expression "old school baseball", what does that phrase mean to you? JW – "Old School Baseball" means playing the game hard and playing the game right… the way it is supposed to be played. "Old School Baseball" means not worrying about how you look, but being one with baseball and enjoying the game for the love of the game. DP-What is the definition of a "student-athlete"? JW – A student-athlete is exactly what it implies; a student first and then an athlete. Furman has a tough academic program so we have exceptional student-athletes here who do a wonderful job of making sure they take care of classroom responsibilities before they ever come out to the field. It is tough for our student-athletes because these guys are in labs or classes everyday. This makes scheduling practices everyday quite difficult. We stress getting your degree, first and foremost, and then see where baseball may lead you. A player never knows when it is going to be his last pitch, at bat, or game and it’s important to have a solid education to fall back on. DP-What is your most memorable experience as a baseball coach? JW – It’s tough for me to recall my most memorable experience as a baseball coach. Even as a young coach, I have a lot of great memories that stand out. The most memorable experience so far would have to be the 13-game winning streak we had in conference last year. It started at UNC Greensboro; I remember it started on a crazy play that Jay Jackson made when he was on third with one out in the 8th inning of a tied game. We reviewed everything he was going to do, like we always do with a runner on third, but Jay asked if it goes to the 2nd baseman and he catches it moving, then tag? I told him that if it goes to the 2nd baseman, and he catches it moving away from the plate then tag. What did we have to lose? We won the game by a single run which started the streak. The best thing about the streak was that we played many teams who were more talented than us "on …

Signees by High School

Rank by Signees: Baseball season is closer that you may think and before long, we will begin turning our attention to the 2009 campaign. Starting in January, Diamond Prospects will rank every classification, every team, every conference and every graduating class…but if you are looking for a cheat sheet of numbers that may mean everything (or nothing at all), search no further than DP! It is often said that talent and seniors give you a chance at a quality season. Today we present our ranking of high schools by the number of seniors that they have slated to play at the next level. For what it’s worth, here you go: Signed/Committed High School 5 Dorman 4 JL Mann 3 Mauldin 2 Belton-Honea Path 2 Bishop England 2 Blythewood 2 Boiling Springs 2 Brookland-Cayce 2 Byrnes 2 Conway 2 Dutch Fork 2 Gaffney 2 Gilbert 2 Hanahan 2 Hillcrest 2 James Island 2 Lake City 2 Landrum 2 Laurens 2 Laurens Academy 2 North Augusta 2 Northwestern 2 Pinewood Prep 2 St. James 2 South Aiken 2 Spartanburg 2 TL Hanna 1 38 Schools Tied Note: These figures are as of November 23, 2008

Diamond Spotlight: Dylan Cole

Furman Commitment-Dylan Cole: Dorman two-way standout Dylan Cole has his sights set on Paladin Baseball but a few things lie ahead of him first, including a run at the 4A title. In his Diamond Spotlight, Cole covers a few of the goals he has and provides DP readers a glimpse into getting to know one of South Carolina’s top players. DP-Please l… 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.

DP Rankings: Class of 2009

-Diamond Rankings: 2009 Graduates- Right-Handed Pitchers Rank Name HS Committed Notes 1 Madison Younginer Mauldin Clemson Electric arm that sits at 91-93, as high as 95 2 Brooks Hall TL Hanna South Carolina Fresh arm in low-90’s with good size, stuff and upside 3 Colby Holmes Conway South Carolina Best combination of … 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.

Hit, Run & Throw: Application

Tentative Schedule for January 25, 2009 12:00 Check-in at Brookland-Cayce High School 12:45 All players report to the playing field 12:55 Stretch 1:00 Event Begins 4:00 PM Event Ends (time is approximate depending on number of participants) 4:00 Recruiting Seminar (45 minutes) *Note-A concession stand will be available throughout the day, courtesy of BCHS. ——————————————————————————- Diamond Prospects Hit, Run & Throw Application Please PRINT the following form neatly. Detach this section and mail back with payment to: Diamond Prospects : PO Box 1262 : Conway, SC 29528 **Stay tuned to TheDiamondProspects.com in the days leading up to the event for hotel information, directions, rosters, last second announcements, etc. Name ____________________________________ High School ___________________________ Grad Year _________ Address ___________________________________ City __________________________ State ______ Zip __________ Home # _______________________ Cell # ______________________ Email _________________________________ DOB __________________ Fall/Summer team ___________________________________________________________ DP Members Only: User name______________________________ (Please subtract $5.00 from your event tuition) Medical Waiver: I waive and release Diamond Prospects, its staff and/or Brookland-Cayce High School officials from any injury that may occur during the camp to the above-mentioned camper, on site or involving travel to and from the event. I also take responsibility for any expenses that incur during the camp due to necessary treatment of injury. I also give permission for emergency treatment if needed. I understand by signing this waiver, I give consent to participation in the event and assume all risk arising from it. Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________ Date ______________ Recruiting 101: If you wish to attend the Recruiting Seminar, please check the corresponding box below. _____ Yes, I would like to attend the Recruiting Seminar. In my family, _____ person(s) will attend. Please include an additional $25 to your event tuition. Be sure to pick up a seminar ticket at the check-in table. ——————————————————————————————————— Fee: $50 * Registration Deadline: January 23, 2009 Please make checks payable to Diamond Prospects Note: DP Members receive a $5 discount. Players who are one of eight from the same high school receive a $10 discount-Please mail your applications in together. Due to insurance, site fees and other expenses involved that are paid-in-full prior to the showcase, this event is NON-refundable. Note: Event application and tuition must be received, not post-marked, by the posted deadline. Total amount enclosed: $_______________ www.TheDiamondProspects.com Diamond Prospects PO Box 1262 Conway, SC 29528