Archives – Page 292 – Diamond Prospects

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 …

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 …

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. Username Password Remember Me Forgot Password

Coaches Corner: Scott Freeman

Scott Freeman, head baseball coach at Mauldin High School, is this week’s feature in the Coaches Corner. Freeman is entering his 13th season as a baseball coach and has been very successful in the prep ranks. He has an unbridled passion for baseball and the game’s history, spend anytime at all with him and this fact is very evident. Coach Fr… 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: Josh Salay

Rock Hill right-hander Josh Salay is, perhaps, the top unsigned player in the 2006 class and, according to a recent survey of pro scouts, might just be one of the top talents in South Carolina when the MLB draft rolls around in June. At 6-3/175, Salay’s fastball sits in the 88-90 range, his frame and arm strength make him interesting to coll… 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: Wes Welchel

Wes Welchel is a 5-11, 160-pound left-handed pitcher from Waccamaw High School. Set to attend the College of Charleston next fall, he holds a state record that may never be broken. Read more about the the pitcher recently voted as having the best breaking ball in South Carolina. DP-Please list any high school statistics of importance, awards… 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: Barrett Kleinknecht

Barrett Kleinknecht is a senior at West Florence High School and is the son of highly regarded high school coach Bob Kleinknecht. In November he signed with the College of Charleston. The very hard-working middle infielder sat down and answered some questions for Diamond Prospects about the past, his present and the future. DP-Please list a… 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: Nick Sprowls

Nick Sprowls is not the most physically imposing pitcher you’ll see this spring but the dimensions of his heart span the bulk of his 5-7/175 pound frame. The Wando High School senior will be a left-handed pitcher next fall at The Citadel; he was also recently named as having the “Best Change-up” in the 2006 class. Enjoy Diamond Prospects fea… 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: Sam Mahoney

My name is Sam Mahoney, I am a seventeen year-old senior at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant. I transferred to Wando in August from Boston, Massachusetts. I am the son of Bill and Paula Mahoney. I have a brother named Bret, who is an outfielder for Loyola University. I played both baseball and football for BB&N High School, in Boston… 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.