Bio: Billy Sylvester

-Billy Sylvester- Sylvester has 13 years of experience in pro baseball. With the Braves he was selected as the #6 overall prospect and as having the best curveball in the entire organization. He was a member of the 40-man major league roster for 3 years and made 7 all-star games including the Major League Futures Game in 2001. He also played in Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Taiwan. Sylvester also pitched in the Rangers, Nationals and Athletics organizations. Sylvester attended Spartanburg Methodist College for two years and had committed to Clemson University after  leaving SMC as the single season leader in wins, innings pitched and complete games. After his playing career he has been a high school coach at Laurence Manning Academy, Francis Marion University, as well as a coach with the Diamond Devils. Currently he is the Head Coach at Darlington High School and coaches the SC Shockwave. This spring, Sylvester will cover games in the Pee Dee and Lowcountry for Diamond Prospects. Sylvester is a native of  Darlington, SC. He played baseball, football, and basketball at St. John’s High School and then Hudgens Academy. Sylvester resides in Darlington with his wife Jodie and their three children: Sara Beth (8), Wes (5), and Josey (3).

Bio – Randy Carlson

-Randy Carlson-  Randy Carlson recently completed his sixth season as an assistant at The Citadel where he served as the team’s hitting coach while working with the catchers. Carlson is currectly the team director at the East Coast Baseball Academy (ECBA). He also conducts lessons and camps in West Ashley. During the Spring, he will serve as DP’s area Scout in the Charleston area.  While at The Citadel, during his tenure as the hitting coach from 2009-2011, Carlson saw the Bulldogs set several program records on offense and saw the catchers excel defensively behind the plate. In addition, he has coached multiple draft picks that have left their mark in the school record books in Chris McGuiness, Richard Jones, Sonny Meade and Bryan Altman. The Citadel catchers combined for a league-low five errors and a fielding percentage of .988 in the 2011 season. Meanwhile, opposing base runners were thrown out on 28 different occasions, second most in the SoCon. Freshman backstop Joe Jackson was named to the SoCon All-Freshman team along with third baseman Drew DeKerlegand as both first year players hit over .300 on the season. In 2010, Carlson worked with All-Southern Conference second baseman and catcher Bryan Altman who racked up 70 RBI, third most in school history in a single season. He also worked with leadoff man Nick Orvin who broke into the top-10 in runs scored in a single season for the second consecutive year. The 2009 Bulldogs ranked eighth in the country as a team in hits with 728, ranked 16th in doubles with 140 and ranked 19th with a .333 team average on the way to establishing new school records in hits and total bases. Sonny Meade, Richard Jones, Bryan Altman and Nick Orvin all entered the single-season top 10 list in hits in 2009 under Coach Carlson. Bulldog catchers excelled behind the plate under Carlson’s direction. In 2008, the catching staff led the Southern Conference in stolen bases against with a league-low mark of 45 SBA. The Bulldog catchers were second in the SoCon in fewest passed balls and had the third fewest amount of errors in the league. In 2007, The Citadel backstops combined for a .989 fielding percentage, ranking them second in the Southern Conference. The past three seasons, Bulldog catchers have been ranked at the top or near the top of the Southern Conference, thanks to Carlson’s guidance. In 2007, true freshman Richard Jones received numerous accolades under Carlson’s guidance, earning Freshman All-America accolades by Louisville Slugger/Collegiate Baseball, Baseball America, Rivals.com and Ping! In addition, Jones was named the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year while also being named All-Southern Conference and garnered All-Southern Conference Tournament Team accolades. Known primarily for his bat, Jones also had a stellar season behind the plate, ranking third in the SoCon as he gunned down over 30 percent of base runners attempting to steal. A 2003 graduate of Lander University, Carlson was the assistant coach at his alma mater from 2003-05 where he worked with the catchers, outfielders and hitters. He also acted as first base coach and camp director. In 2005, he coached a Lander team that reached the national ranks at No. 7, the Bearcats’ highest ranking in school history. Carlson has also coached 22 players that went on to the professional ranks. Carlson received a coach’s award in 2001, and was named to the Peach Belt Conference  Academic Honor Roll in 2001 and 2002 during his playing days at Lander. He was part of a Bearcat team that was ranked as high as ninth nationally in 2001. That same club finished the ’01 season with a school record 33 wins, including a season-high 18 Peach Belt Conference victories. In every season in which Carlson was a player or coach, Lander was ranked among the top 30 in the country. The Gerry, N.Y. native also played at Jamestown Community College, leading his team to the NJCAA Regionals in 1999. Carlson left his mark on the Jayhawk record books, ranking first in career walks, fourth in career triples, fifth in career at bats, ninth in career runs scored and 10th in career hits. Prior to coming to The Citadel, Carlson acted as head coach of the Wayne County Raptors of the New York Collegiate Baseball League in the summer of 2005. A 1997 graduate of Cassadaga Valley Central School in Sinclairville, N.Y., Carlson is an active member of the American Baseball Coaches Association.

Border Battle

South Atlantic Border Battle: This past weekend, the 3rd Annual South Atlantic Border Battle was hosted in Columbia at USC and Capital City Stadium. The event pitted the top 2012 & 2013 players from SC, NC and VA prospects… The SC juniors took the 2012 crown after outscoring both opponents 19-0, allowing only three hits. The NC’s 12’s were paced by pitching as well, also going 2-0. (L-Taylor Widener, South Aiken) Detailed Info: Border Battle Recaps & Prospect Information Scoreboard / Team SC Rosters / Border Battle Website / Border Battle Alumni

Bio: Tim Perry

-Tim Perry-  Presently: Tim Perry is entering his first year as the head coach at Airport High School after 10 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level. He will also serve DP as a Recruiting 101 consultant and cover games as an area scout during the spring, just as he did in the Upstate in 2010.  As a coach: 13 years of experience   College: 10 years, 7 at Division I level, (7 as Pitching Coach/ Recruiting Coordinator, 3 as Associate Head Coach) Newberry College, UNC Asheville, Temple University   High School: 3 years, 1 as Head Coach   2006 Big South Championship, 2006 Clemson, SC Regional Championship 2008 Big South Pitcher of the Year: Alan Deratt finished 7th nationally with a 1.74 ERA. 28 All-conference selections and 17 Conference tournament team selections 22 Players gone on to play professionally, 16 of whom are pitchers, 5 current, 1 big leaguer (Tony Campana)   As a player: Was a 4-year letterman at Newberry College 36 starts, 54 appearances ( 16 wins, 7 saves) Team leader in IP and K  1995-1997, ERA in 1995-96,   Played HS at Riverisde HS Team MVP, 1993   Education: BS degree in Sports Management from Newberry College in 1997, minor in coaching Pursuing MAT in Physical Education from USC currently. Personal: Married to the former Virginia Grace Shaw from Myrtle Beach, SC , daughter Ava Grace Perry, 3 years old.

MLB Players: Coached by AA

 Name  MLB Club  Position  Drew Meyer  Rangers  INF  Steven Jackson  Yankees/Pirates  RHP  +Daniel Bard  Red Sox/Rockies  RHP  LJ Hoes  Orioles/Astros  OF  Matt Wieters  Orioles/Nationals/Cardinals  C  Steven Tolleson  Twins/Athletics/O’s/Blue Jays  INF  Justin Smoak  Blue Jays/Rangers/Mariners  1B  Dustin Ackley  Yankees/Mariners  UTL  Kyle Seager  Mariners  3B  Cody Stanley  Cardinals  C  +Chris Owings  Diamondbacks/Red Sox/Rockies  INF/OF  Seth Frankoff  Cubs/Mariners/Diamondbacks  RHP + = Active in MLB

DP Summer Showcase: Player Notes

Schedule for Wednesday & Thursday, June 11-12 2014 Wednesday 8:00 AM          Session I Check-in at AC Flora HS (Pick-up jersey) 8:40               Session I Players report to RF for a meeting and stretch 9:00              Session I Workout (60’s, Defensive workout, BP, Bullpens)   11:30             Session II Check-in at AC Flora HS (Pick-up jersey) 12:00 PM        Recruiting 101 Seminar with Tim Perry  12:40             Session II players report to field for a meeting and stretch 1:00              Session II Workout (60’s, Defensive workout, BP, Bullpens) 4:00              Black vs White (10+ inning game) Day 1  Session 1 – Red, Orange, Green, Blue Session 2 – Grey, Gold, Black, White  -Rosters TBA – Thursday 9:00               Red vs Orange (10+ inning game) 12:00             Green vs Blue (10+ inning game) 3:00               Grey vs Gold (10+ inning game) *Once each day begins, all times are approximate, if we are ahead of schedule we will move into the next session/game immediately. Player Notes: -Players are responsible for bringing baseball pants, HS hat, bat, glove, helmet, indoor shoes and any other equipment you may need. DP will provide your jersey. -Game Rules: 4 hitters = 1 inning -Parents: Once games begin, please vacate the area behind home plate for coaches and scouts to evaluate. -On Wednesday, the registration tables will be stationed by the RF bullpen/indoor facility at the entrance closest to the parking lot. -Please be familiar with the schedule and be on time (or early) when your team is scheduled for activity. You are free to leave after your games. -On Wednesday, Tim Perry will conduct a Recruiting 101 seminar for players and parents. He will touch on topics ranging from selecting a college, financial aid, the NCAA Clearinghouse to the MLB Draft. If you have not pre-registered for this seminar already, you may pay cash when you check-in, the cost is $25 per family. Note: The siminar will be held in the AC Flora indoor facility, we ask that you bring your own chairs to sit in the air-conditioned unit.   -Concessions will be available each day, courtesy of AC Flora HS. FYI, Falcon burgers rank in DP’s Top 3 statewide! –Hydration: It will be hot! Players are encouraged to drink plenty of water before performing. The concession stand will have Gatorade and water, players are also allowed to bring their own cooler.   -Baseball jewelry and DP apparel will be available on Day 1 only.   Hotel info: We have secured a reduced rate at a Columbia hotel, be sure to mention Diamond Prospects for the discount. Sleep Inn – 803.731.9999 $69.99:  http://www.sleepinncolumbia.com/   Directions to AC Flora HS: click here   Please stay turned to TheDiamondProspects.com in the days leading up to the event for any last second announcements. Also, in the case of inclement weather during the event, the DP website will be our way of communicating with you.

Bio: Joey Haug

Haug re-joins the DP staff after a one-year hiatus in which he served as the pitching coach for the University of Richmond Spiders in Richmond, Virginia. He also currently serves as an associate scout for the Tampa Bay Rays. Haug scouts/evaluates games, assists with editing for the DP website, and is the commissioner of the DP Coastal Fall League. Prior to joining the Spiders, Haug was a pitcher for two regional-hosting Coastal Carolina teams, including being a Team Captain for the 2008 team that went on to face eventual national runner-up North Carolina in the Super Regional. He went undefeated in his career as a Chanticleer, setting school records for the lowest single-season and career ERA. He was a First-Team All-Big South performer, Academic All-Conference award winner, and named to the All-Tournament team in their Regional Championship-winning 2008 season. Before joining the Chants, Haug was a two-year starter at Maple Woods Community College, the same school that produced standout major leaguers Albert Pujols and Logan Morrison. Haug pitched and played centerfield for the Centaurs and made two regional championship appearances, winning one. At Plattsburg High School in Plattsburg, Missouri, he was a two-time First Team All-State Pitcher as well as a First Team All-State Cornerback on the football team. Haug currently lives in Myrtle Beach and gives pitching lessons at the Coastal Baseball Academy. He can be reached at [email protected] to schedule lessons.

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Staton to North Greenville: On Thursday night, Laurens senior INF Allen Staton (right) made a commitment to play baseball for the Crusaders. English to Gamecocks: On Thursday, St. James senior OF Tanner English (left) made a commitment to play baseball for South Carolina. Kirkland to Campbell: On Wednesday night, USC Sumter 1B/OF Jake Kirkland made a commitment to play baseball for the Camels. Kirkland prepped at Dorman High.  Clark to Erskine: On Wednesday night, Emerald senior RHP/OF Eric Clark made a commitment to play next year for the Flying Fleet. Spence to Fleet: On Wednesday, Belton-Honea Path INF/RHP Cody Spence (right) made a commitment to play baseball at Erskine College. Turner to Wofford: On Tuesday, Chesnee senior OF Cody Turner made a commitment to play for the Terriers. Johnson to Fire Ants: On Tuesday, Greer 3B/RHP Chandler Johnson made a commitment to play baseball at USC Sumter. Williams to Lancers: On Tuesday night, Airport HS senior catcher Jordan Williams made a commitment to play baseball next year at USC-Lancaster. Henry to Cougars: On Sunday night, Broome senior SS/RHP Chase Henry(left) made a commitment to the College of Charleston. He was arguably the top available player in the Class of 2011.   Commitments-2011: To view a complete listing of the new senior class’ commitments/signings, click here  

MLB Inner City Tryout Camp

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL INNER CITY TRYOUT CAMP WHEN: Monday, June 16, 2014. Registration 9:00-9:45 am at the field. Tool evaluation (Run, Throw, Hit, Pitch) begins at 10 am and typically concludes early-to-mid afternoon. No game will be played. There is no charge for the camp. WHERE: USA Baseball National Training Complex, 200 Brooks Park Lane, Cary, N.C., 27519 WHO: High school students who attend inner city schools (“Inner City Youth”) EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Participants will need to wear suitable footwear and bring a baseball glove. Baseballs, wood bats, batting helmets and one set of catcher’s gear will be on hand for camp use. IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE: Campers will NOT be allowed to participate without a properly completed MLB Waiver/Release Form. These forms will be available at the camp registration desk the day of the event. If you won’t have a parent or legal guardian to sign the form at registration, you may request one in advance through Gary Randall – [email protected] and one will be e-mailed to you. Please be sure to bring the completed form with you to the camp. CONTACT PERSON: Should you have any questions, contact Gary Randall – [email protected]. If weather is an issue the day of the event, text or call 803-984-2927. Liability Waiver and Release In consideration of being allowed to participate in any tryout, workout or other activity (“Tryout”) organized by the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball, a Major League Club or any other Major League Baseball individual or entity (collectively, the “Baseball Parties”), the undersigned prospective player (“Player”) agrees to assume all risks incidental to such participation (including, without limitation, injury or loss to person or property).  Each of the undersigned hereby agrees to release and forever discharge each of the Baseball Parties from any and all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any nature whatsoever, whether in law or equity, known or unknown, that any of the undersigned ever had, now has or hereafter can, shall or may have against any of the Baseball Parties arising out of or in any way related, directly or indirectly, to Player’s participation in such Tryout. Each of the undersigned parent(s) or guardian(s) of Player hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each of the Baseball Parties from and against any and all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any nature whatsoever, whether in law or equity, known or unknown, incurred by any of the Baseball Parties and arising out of or in any way related, directly or indirectly, to Player’s participation in such tryout, workout or other activity.  Each of the undersigned parent(s) or guardian(s) of Player hereby ratifies Player’s execution of this waiver and release form. At least one parent or guardian of Player must sign this form if Player is under the age of 21, in order for Player to participate in any Tryout. Player Signature Name (printed):                                               Date:                                                               Player’s date of birth:                                     Parent / Guardian Signature Name (printed):                                               Date:                                                                                                                                                 

All-Decade Team

Diamond Prospects All-Decade Team: 2000 – 2009  It’s only every ten years that an opportunity arises to assemble an All-Decade Team. It has been our privilege to sift through a ton of deserving players to finalize a 1st and 2nd Team! Each one of the nominees were worthy of the ‘Holy Grail’ but we were forced to narrow it down to 30 very prominant people, plus the teams and coaches that made the biggest impact on the years between 2000-2009 in each classification. Our process of labeling any one of these individuals to a team of this magnitude has been a humbing honor for DP! But so much fun to assemble too… -First Team- Pitchers (5) Matt Campbell – Hillcrest HS, South Carolina: 1st Round Draft pick by the Kansas City Royals. Had a 28-7 record at Hillcrest and posted a 20-11 record at USC. Brett Harker – Hillcrest HS, College of Charleston: C of C’s all-time leader in saves with 29. 5th Round pick by the Phillies. 4.14 career Minor League ERA. Currently in Triple-A with the Marlins. Steven Jackson – Summerville HS, Clemson: USA Today Honorable Mention selection at Summerville. 19-8 career record at Clemson. 10th Round pick by the D-Backs. Debuted in the Major Leagues with the Pirates in 2009 and posted a 3.14 ERA. Jordan Lyles – Hartsville HS, South Carolina signee: Won a State Championship in 2007. 1st Round Draft pick by the Houston Astros out of Hartsville. Named the Astros Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2009. Rated the 3rd best prospect in the Astros organization in 2009. David Marchbanks – Mauldin HS, South Carolina: Named Mr. Baseball in SC in 2000. High School record of 23-6. Posted a 24-7 record at USC. Was a 7th Round pick of the Florida Marlins. Won a State Championship in 2000.            Catchers (2) Dock Doyle – Conway HS, Coastal Carolina: Wendy’s High School Heisman nominee. MVP of North/South game. Hit .370 with 16 HR in his senior season at Coastal. Was a 5th Round pick by the New York Mets in 2008. Named Big South MVP in 2008. Doug Hogan – Irmo HS, Clemson: Captain at Clemson during his senior season where he hit 25 homeruns in his career. 18th Round pick by the Rangers in 2008. Played in the Arizona Fall League in 2009.                                                                                 First Base Justin Smoak – Stratford HS, South Carolina: Co-Mr. Baseball in 2005 with Havens. Baseball America High School All-American. Named MVP of the Cape Cod League. Hit 62 homeruns in three seasons at USC. 1st Team All-American in his Junior season. 11th overall pick by the Texas Rangers in 2008. MVP of the gold medal winning Team USA in the 2009 World Cup. Rated as the #4 prospect in the minor leagues by Baseball America. Won a State Championship in 2005 at Stratford. Middle Infield (2) Reese Havens – Bishop England HS, South Carolina: Won two State Championships (2003, 2005). Co-Mr. Baseball in 2005 with Smoak. Baseball America High School All-American. Hit .359 with 18 HR in his junior season at USC. 22nd overall pick in 2008 by the New York Mets. Christopher Owings – Gilbert HS, South Carolina signee: Won two State Championships (2006, 2008). 1st Round pick (41st overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009. Two-time AA Player of the Year. Batted .306 in his first professional season.                                                           Third Base Brandon Waring – Airport HS, Wofford: 7th Round pick by the Reds out of Wofford after setting several school records including 27 HR in 2007. Named the Carolina League (A+) MVP in 2009. Also named the Baltimore Orioles Minor League Player of the Year in 2009. Outfield (3) Brad Chalk – Riverside HS, Clemson: Won two State Championships (2003, 2004). 2004 South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year. Preseason First Team All-American at Clemson in 2007. Career .357 hitter for the Tigers. 2nd Round draft pick by the San Diego Padres. Hit .301 this season with the Lake Elisnore Storm (A+). Tyler Colvin – North Augusta HS, Clemson: 13th overall pick by the Cubs out of Clemson in 2006. 1st Team All-American in his Junior season with the Tigers. Debuted in the Major Leagues with the Cubs in 2009. Brett Gardner – Holly Hill HS, College of Charleston: 3rd Round pick by the Yankees out of C of C. All-time record holder in runs at C of C. Led the SoCon in stolen bases in 2005. Debuted with the Yankees in 2008 and helped win a World Series in 2009. Utility Matt Wieters – Stratford HS, Georgia Tech: All-American selection at Stratford in 2004. Two-time All-American at Georgia Tech. 5th overall pick in 2007 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year in 2008. Rated the top prospect in the MLB in 2009. Debuted with the Orioles in 2009 and hit .288 in his rookie season. -Second Team- Pitchers (5) Drew Cisco – Wando HS, Georgia signee: Ranked as the 38th best prospect in the nation for the 2010 class by Perfect Game and #1 in South Carolina by DP. Won PG World Woodbat with the Diamond Devils and was named the tourney’s Most Outstanding Pitcher… Member of 2009 Wando’s State Runner-Up team. Jay Jackson – Christ Church HS, Furman: Named All-State in 2005. Led the SoCon with 9-1 record in 2008. Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 9th Round in 2008. Was tabbed by Baseball America as the 9th best prospect in the Cubs organization in 2009. Kevin Pucetas – Broome HS, Limestone: Drafted in the 17th Round by the San Francisco Giants. Has dominated the Minor Leagues to the tune of a 42-13 career record and a 3.20 ERA. Participated in the 2008 Futures Game. Currently in AAA with the Giants and on their 40-man roster. Aaron Rawl – Lexington HS, South Carolina: All-State at Lexington. Finished with a 35-15 career record at USC. Drafted in the 21st Round by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2005. Won a State Championship in 1999. Adam Westmoreland – Brookland-Cayce HS, South Carolina: Named Mister DP in 2008. AAA All-State and Player of the Year. Drafted by the Dodgers in 35th Round but elected to attend USC. Had a 4-2 record in 2009. Won a …

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