Interviews – Page 3 – Diamond Prospects

Coaches Corner: Monte Lee

Diamond Spotlight: Monte Lee has spent the past six years wearing garnet and black, but on June 3 he traded in those colors for maroon and white. A standout player at the College of Charleston from 1996-1999, Lee had been the recruiting coordinator for the Gamecocks but now presides over the Cougars baseball program, his alma mater. Lee took some time for DP right after he took the head coaching position, in his Diamond Spotlight get to know more about him, his background and C of C. DP-How many years have you been in coaching? What got you into the business? ML-I have been coaching a total of eight years. Two years at Spartanburg Methodist, and six years at South Carolina. I got into coaching simply because it was always what I wanted to do. I never really thought about doing anything else. DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a baseball coach? ML-The most rewarding thing about being a coach is trying to get the most out of a young man’s talents. I think the best coaches build a level of confidence in a player to reach levels he didn’t think they could reach. Identifying a player’s strengths and weaknesses and helping him reach his potential is extremely rewarding. DP-What does the term "coach" mean to you? ML-Coach to me means you are a teacher first. You teach a young man how to handle failure and prepare him to handle his successes. The best coaches know how to relate to each individual and gain their trust. Good coaches are great communicators and make their players feel like they can accomplish any task that comes their way. DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession? ML-Being a baseball coach is a way of life, it’s not a job. We put in a lot of hours trying to build our programs and there is a lot more to the profession than just practice and games. Coaches don’t live normal lives! We (with daughter Maddie during 2010 Regionals) work all year, there is no off-season and we are normal everyday people like anyone else. Most days the only time I see my children is in the morning before they go to school and hopefully I can talk to them before they go to bed at night. This profession will definitely give you a guilty conscious when it comes to trying to have a family life. 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? ML-I didn’t get into coaching to make money. I got a degree in college to be a teacher so that I could coach. When I started out, as long as I could pay my bills and have enough gas to get to the field I was happy! There’s nothing better than going to practice everyday or coaching in a baseball game. The thrill of victory is worth more than any amount of money you could make. DP-Describe your coaching experience at USC, from how it began to some of your highlights while there. ML-I don’t know if I could put into words my experience at USC. Coach Tanner offered me the volunteer job there two weeks after I had accepted the head coaching position at a 1A high school. I thought that I would settle down and be a high school coach for the rest of my life. In my first year there, we made it to the College World Series, and then again the next year. In my six years at USC I learned a tremendous amount about the game of baseball and how a successful program should be run. Working with coaches like Ray Tanner, Mark Calvi, Jim Toman, Jerry Meyers and Sammy Esposito was an awesome experience. They are the best in the business, and I hope that I can take some of things that I learned from them and apply it here at the College of Charleston. DP-You have recently taken the top job at your alma mater, tell us what that means to you. ML-It’s truly a blessing for me and my family. To get an opportunity to coach at the place you played is incredible. I never dreamed that something like this would have happened to me, so I feel extremely honored. I don’t think it has quite sunk in yet that I am a head coach, so I have been calling Coach Tanner a lot to get advice! DP-When you hear the expression "old school baseball", what does that phrase mean to you? ML- "Old school" players take losing personal. They run full-speed down the line no matter where the ball is hit, play to the game situation and not for their stats. Old school players play hard and play to win. They don’t care about there stats, as long as the team wins. Old school players aren’t selfish, they put the team first and do anything they can to help the team win. Old school guys are mentally and physically tough. They get dirty, play when they’re not at 100 percent and come to the field to kick your rear end. DP-What is the definition of a "student-athlete"? ML-Student comes first! Student-athletes understand that baseball isn’t going to last forever. You have to have good grades to get into college, and to get a good job one day. 97 percent of the guys that sign pro don’t make it to the big leagues, so you better get a degree. The guys that give 100 percent in the classroom generally excel and over-achieve on the field. DP-What MLB feat in history do you wish you’d been inside the stadium to witness and why? ML-I don’t know if there is any particular feat I could point out, but I would have liked to have seen Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig play on the same team back in the Murderer’s Row …

Coaches Corner: Jack Jolly

Diamond Spotlight-Jack Jolly: Carolina Forest head coach Jack Jolly enters his tenth year at the helm of the Panther baseball program, his 20th overall at the prep level. The father of five children has another family when arrives at the ballpark, the young men whose lives he touches everyday. In this Q and A, Coach Jolly reminisces about his … 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

Coaches Corner: Dale Nelson

Coaches Corner: Dale Nelson just completed his second year as a head coach at Laurens High School, the twelfth season overall at his alma mater. He has seen some quality talent roll through the high school but, perhaps, nothing that rivals the ability he has in the underclassman grades. Nelson is sitting on the culmination of a lot of hard work and… 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: Joel Vaughn

Coaches Corner: Barnwell skipper Joel Vaughn just completed his second season at the helm of the Warhorse baseball program. The son of a baseball coach, Vaughn has high expectations of his teams…he has raised the bar even higher for his players as people. Vaughn spent some time with DP at the conclusion of another playoff season and shares with us … 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: 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 …

Coaches Corner: Tom Fleenor

In January of this year, Fire Ants Head Coach Tom Fleenor (right) took on the task of building a brand new program at USC Sumter. No stranger to building programs, Fleenor spent the last seven years taking USC Upstate from a perennial cellar dweller in the Peach Belt Conference to three straight 30 plus win seasons as the school’s recruiting coordinator. His classes included two Peach Belt Freshmen of the Year, an All-American, a Peach Belt batting champion and three players that signed professional contracts. One of those players is currently in Double-A with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. All told, Fleenor has coached over 50 players that have gone on to professional careers. DP-How many years have you been in coaching? What got you into the business? I have been coaching for fourteen years. The main reason I coach is because I don’t want a real job! I realized my senior year in college that I could not imagine myself doing anything else, but baseball. DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a baseball coach? Making a difference in a kid’s life. I truly love that part of my job. It does not even have to be something baseball related. If I can somehow get, or keep, a kid pointed in the right direction in life, that makes my job totally worth it. DP-What does the term “coach” mean to you? Mentor, father figure and even a friend. Some coaches do not think you can be all three, but I emphatically believe you can as long as you can decipher which situation requires what role. DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession? That it’s not as glamorous as some would think. Most coaches don’t make much money and they spend a lot of time away from their families. I’m lucky enough to have a wife that has stuck by me through thick and thin, but a lot coaches are not so fortunate. 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? It’s kind of like finding the right woman. You don’t really know why it is that you can’t be without her, even though she might drive you crazy sometimes, but you keep coming back. A person just knows that it’s what God intended for them to do. DP-You are highly regarded as a recruiter in the profession, what makes you good at what you do? I just try to be myself and it seems to work. I am basically just a kid at heart and I am passionate about what I do. The kids tend to pick up on it. They are smarter than we sometimes give them credit for when it comes to judging a person. I truly enjoy coaching the kids and I think it shows in the way I recruit them as well. DP-When you hear the expression “old school baseball”, what does that phrase mean to you? No batting gloves, playing the short game, hustling at all times and simply playing the game the way it was meant to be played. The “old school” game was not the gorilla ball that kids see on Sportscenter every night. Today’s game is all about who can throw 90 and who can hit the ball into the trees. The object of the game is to score more than the other team and putting the team ahead of your own individual goals, plain and simple. DP-What is the definition of a “student-athlete”? There is a commercial for the NCAA that says it all: Most of them will be going professional in something other than sports. A college education provides an individual the opportunity to have a good life. I tell almost every recruit I talk to that college is about the next 50 years, not the next four. Let’s look at it this way–there is a reason why they are not referred to as “athlete-student”. The “student” must always come first. I bet you didn’t know I could be that deep! DP-What MLB feat in history do you wish you’d been inside the stadium to witness and why? Hank Aaron breaking the homerun record at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. I think Aaron is a great human being that took a lot of flack in his day as he approached the record just because he was black. You have to be a class act to not respond to racist idiots. DP-What is your most memorable experience as a baseball coach? Watching my 17 month-old, Bradley, throw out the first pitch at one of my Northwoods League games back in 2001. He stood about six feet away from home plate and threw a perfect strike to his daddy with 1000 people in the stands. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball coach and why? Mike Policastro (currently the head coach at Cleveland State Community College), my college coach and Phil King, my best friend’s father. Coach Poly was a so-called players’ coach, but he had a real New Jersey/Italian mean streak as well. He was a great guy to play for and he remains a good friend to this day. I think I got most of my coaching style from him as far as how I deal with the players. Phil King was not my baseball coach, but he was more of my life coach. He was a tremendous player in his day (football and baseball at Furman) and an even better man. I am changing my number this year to 23 (Mr. King’s high school number at Clinton) in memory of him. DP-Who are the best three players you have ever coached against? It’s hard to name just three as I coached against the best of the best when I was at Ole Miss. The ones that stick out are David Eckstein (Florida), Brad …

Coaches Corner: Barry Mizzell

Blythewood head coach Barry Mizzell just completed his first year as part as the high school’s inaugural season after a very successful run at Richland-Northeast. Mizzell is mentioned in prep coaching circles as one of the most respected and revered skippers manning high school dugouts in South Carolina. His reputation as a great "baseball guy" and playoff coach are evident when you see his teams play in big games. During the spring Mizzell took some time out for Diamond Prospects to take us through his career and sheds some light on why he feels his teams have won. . DP-How many years have you been in coaching? BM-17 years DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a baseball coach? BM-Watching the players develop into successful young men after baseball. The ability to make a difference in the life of these young men. DP-What does the term “coach” mean to you? BM-Teacher DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession? BM-The dedication that coaches have for their jobs. DP-What is your definition of a “student-athlete?” BM-A young man that has his priorities in line. An athlete that has discipline on and of the field. The same dedication and commitment on the field must also take place in the classroom. DP-We always hear how players have superstitions, I know coaches do too. Do you have anything interesting? BM-Not really. DP-What is your most memorable experience as a baseball coach? BM-Winning the State Championship in 2001. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball coach and why? BM-My former high school baseball coach, Charlie Assey. He is the reason I got into coaching and teaching. He hired me for my first coaching job. DP-Who are the best three players you have ever coached against? BM-Pokey Reese, Kip Bouknight and Pep Harris. DP-Who do you think are the top three players in your area right now? BM-Alex Lee, Chris Love and Timmy Taylor. DP-What does it mean to be a good teammate and is that important? BM-A good teammate is one that is willing to sacrifice for the good of the team. DP-What do you see as the biggest difference you in high-school aged players today versus ten years ago? BM-Players today have many more opportunities to better themselves than ten years ago. But, I am not sure that the players of today are as committed as they were then. 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? BM-We play the nine players that will give us the best chance to be successful. I think you can eliminate a lot of problems by communicating with the player and parents. DP-Now switching gears, think back to your days as a baseball player, please list any notable accolades: BM-Played on State Championship team in High School, Played college baseball at Baptist College at Charleston. DP-What is your greatest high school thrill? BM-Winning the State Championship in 1982 DP-What is your greatest thrill, or two, beyond high school? BM-Coaching-wise, it would have to be winning State Championships in baseball and football at Richland Northeast. Family-wise, it would be getting married and the birth of my two children. DP-Who were the three best players you played against? BM-BJ Surhoff, Walt Weiss and Herm Winningham. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a person and why? BM-My Dad and my Grandfather. They instilled in me the proper values and work ethic that you must have if you want to be successful. DP-Who is your favorite athlete (non-baseball)? BM-Joe Montana DP-Who is your favorite MLB pitcher and position player to watch and why? BM-Gregg Maddux and Chipper Jones. DP-Who is your favorite MLB team? BM-Atlanta Braves DP-What is your favorite sport to play other than baseball? BM-Golf DP-What is your favorite sport to watch other than baseball? BM-College Football DP-What are some of your hobbies? BM-Hunting, fishing and spending time with my family. DP-What is something people don’t know about you? BM-Outside of baseball, I am fairly laid back. DP-Where do you see yourself in 10 years? BM-Teaching and Coaching DP-Your thoughts on what Diamond Prospects can do for kids in South Carolina? BM-I think this will give kids much-needed publicity. A great site for high school baseball. DP-Give a high school player who is reading this article one piece of advice. BM-Never be satisfied with your success. Always work hard. DP-Coach Mizzell, thanks for taking time for us during your spring season! .

Coaches Corner: Andy Hallett

AC Flora head coach Andy Hallett just completed his eleventh year as a baseball coach and ninth as the “Head Falcon.” The Upstate, New York native also has his hand in several ventures outside of the AC Flora baseball program, among them is running the Palmetto Sand Gnats summer and fall traveling teams and organizing the Forest Acres Classic held … 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.