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Diamond Devils and Cyclones Shock Travel Baseball World with Merger:  In a move that nobody anticipated, the long heralded South Carolina Diamond Devils have combined forces with the South Carolina Cyclones. The teams will play under the veteran standing Diamond Devils name, which is now entering their 16th year in the AAU/Travel Baseball Circuit. The Cyclones bring players from four different states and arguably the top talent pool in the United States to the Diamond Devils with five national championships under their belt and freshly coming off a 3rd place finish in the World Wood Bat Championships in Jupiter, FL this past October. The Diamond Devil program has produced over 400 college baseball players and more than 100 professional players including 6 first round draft choices in the MLB draft.

By: Austin Alexander Monday, December 28: Over our four years of DP’s existence, the majority of info on our site does not pertain to personal matters off the field. But sometimes, this site is the quickest and easiest way to disburse info to baseball people about baseball people or baseball matters. Many of you have been very gracious with inquiries as it pertains to the recent pregancy complications for my wife Rita and me. Well, what we hoped would be a routine doctor’s visit on Monday turned into a serious fire drill to rescue the baby when my wife’s blood pressure spiked. At 3:08 PM I received a call that she would be rushed into delivery at 4:00, the next hour was an absolute whirlwind.  I apologize for not being able to return every text or email, so I am using the website as my outlet to communicate with those who have interest. Long-story-short: The Caesarian delivery was complete at 4:31 PM on 12-28-09. Henry Banks Alexander was six weeks early but did weigh 6.0 pounds and measured 18 inches long. Because of the early nature of the desired timetable, "Banks" is having difficulty breathing and is presently getting medical assistance at this point. His Mom is resting comfortably as they continue monitoring the blood pressure but concern surrounding her condition improves with each hour that passes. It is impossible for me to respond to each call, text and email at this point but we do appreciate the out-pouring of support. I will continue updating this post as the best way for me to communicate with interested parties. Please keep Rita and young Banks in your thoughts and prayers as hours and days pass. Tuesday, December 29: What a difference prayers can make as evidenced by what we saw happen overnight. Both mom and the baby are doing much better a day later and Banks has been removed from the oxygen tank that was being pumped into his lungs. He is presently breathing on his own and may be able to join the other newborns in the next day or so. Rita and I were able to hold him for the first time this afternoon, he finally was able to meet his big brother Nolan (left) later on Tuesday night. Rita is rebounding great and has been up and moving around, a far cry from Monday afternoon. After fear for both of their lives the day before, Tuesday has been a wonderful day, even though we are not completely out of the woods just yet. Thank you to the many who have wished us well and kept our family in their prayers. Wednesday, December 30: What was supposed to be my one week away from the "DP Whirlwind", turned into a giant rollercaster for sure. They are the 8 days I sprint toward all year long, and then enjoy when they arrive, the days spanning from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day.  When you seldom get a reprieve from the grind, it’s commonplace to gear excitement toward family, etc during that period. But even when things speed up at a meteoric pace, it is more than easy to step back and observe/appreciate what is swirling. This week for ‘my team’ continues to serve as a blessing toward the most important things in life, as far as I can discern. Kudos are still flowing from doctors and nurses as to the progress of mom and son. Given where things stood on Monday night, our present state is clearly a miracle centered around the prayers that bombarded our family. Unless things change overnight, Rita and Banks will leave the hospital and come home on Thursday. Our family sends our appreciation out to you again for your prayers. Thursday, December 31: My entire family is home, proof that miracles do happen! What seemed like a ‘pipe dream’ 72 hours ago happened today shortly after noon. While Rita’s blood pressure concern delayed our getway for a little while this morning, around 12:30 PM we loaded up the original clan + 1 and made our way home! My wife and I would personally like to thank each and every one of you that kept our situation in your prayers. Your prayers were truly powerful and felt by us as we witnessed a very bad situation turn into a blessing. And… this week DP learned that people actually do still send kind emails!! May God bless all of the DP Nation in 2010! Happy New Year’s to you and yours, and thanks once again for all of your support!

Sandgnats to merge with Palmetto Elite: The Palmetto Sandgnats recently made the decision to merge with the newly founded Palmetto Elite Baseball Club. Andy Hallett and Mark Bonnette, who have been coaching the Sandgnats for several years, will be joining the Elite coaching staff for the upcoming 2010 season. Both Andy and Mark have long and distinguished coaching backgrounds and will be a great addition to the impressive lineup of coaches for the Elite. The Elite baseball club has moved the tryout scheduled for January 9th to January 23rd to be conducted at AC Flora High School. A special note for older kids who may be taking the SAT on the 23rd. Our tryout will start at 1:00 but we can make special arrangements if you will contact one of our coaches to let them know that you have a conflict. Tripp Cromer, Kip Bouknight and Britt Borders have launched a new travel baseball program catering to serious players from 10-17 who are interested in playing at the next level. The Palmetto Elite will play in the best tournaments for maximum exposure and focus on teaching fundamentals and the nuances of the game. The Elite is committed to providing a travel baseball experience unlike any other in the state. The Palmetto Elite Baseball Club (PEBC) is a new organization founded for the purpose of creating a baseball experience unmatched in the state of South Carolina. We are interested in identifying serious players who love the game and are committed to putting forth the effort to improve and get to the next level. PEBC will compete with the best teams in the country at each age group while staying true to the hallmark of our organization, player development. Whether you are a ten-year old preparing to play school baseball for the first time or a high school player with the desire to play in college or the pro’s, PEBC is committed to helping you develop the skills, work habits and mindset to meet your goals. We are excited about the opportunity to build a program that focuses on teaching the fundamentals at an early age and graduates to learning the nuances of the game as demonstrated by only the best players. The Elite Players! If you want to be the best, join the elite. See you in January. Tripp Cromer: [email protected]  Kip Bouknight: [email protected] Britt Borders: [email protected] Palmetto Elite Baseball Club – Evaluation Camp Registration                                      NAME_________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS______________________________________________________________________ PHONE________________________________CELL PHONE____________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS________________________________________________________________ EMERGENCY CONTACT_______________________________PHONE___________________ DATE OF BIRTH____________________AGE AS OF 4/30/10__________  POSITION(S)________________________SCHOOL_______________________GRADE_______ ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY I/we know of, and acknowledge the risks involved in the participation of this event and related activities, and understand that serious injury, and even death, is possible.  I/we choose to accept any and all responsibility for my child’s safety and welfare while participating in this event & related activities.   With full understanding of the risks involved, I/we release and hold harmless Palmetto Elite Baseball Club and its officials, coaches, and assistants of any and all responsibility and liability for any bodily and personal injuries, damage to property and the consequences resulting from my child’s participation, including any failure or defect of equipment in or on the premises.  I/we authorize Palmetto Elite Baseball club to provide emergency medical treatment for my child, should the need arise for such treatment in my absence.  Such care may include, but not be limited to, first aid treatment, transporting to a medical facility or summoning of emergency assistance.  SIGNATURE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN: ______________________________________________________RELATIONSHIP________________________DATE___________  Please send form and fees to:  Palmetto Elite Baseball Club – 45 Avain Trail – Columbia, SC 29206 Make checks payable to Palmetto Elite Baseball Club – Registration Fee =   $45.00

Diamond Prospects All-Decade Team: 2000- 2009  Over the following weeks, Diamond Prospects has opened up the process of selecting our Palmetto State’s All-Decade Team to you, and we needed your help! The listing below is the group of nominees, divided up by position. From December 26- January 12 you had your say. On January 15, DP will unveil the First Team and Second Teams, along with the Teams and Coaches of the Decade. -Pitchers-  Name  High School  College  Drafted/Club  Will Atwood  Greenville  USC  12th/Nationals  Hamilton Bennett  Fort Mill  Winthrop  –  Forrest Beverly  Conway  USC  23rd/Nationals  Alex Burrell  Landrum  USC  –  Thomas Berryhill  Aynor  Newberry  5th/Braves  Adam Bullard  Mauldin  SMC/GW  43rd/Braves  Steven Calicutt  Dorman  ETSU  21st/Giants  Matt Campbell  Hillcrest  USC   1st/Royals  Drew Cisco  Wando  *Georgia  –  Mike Cisco  Wando  USC  36th/Phillies  Blake Cooper  Edisto  USC  –  Josh Cribb  Lake View  Clemson  8th/Royals  Matt Crim  Stratford  The Citadel  21st/Braves  Trey Delk  Lugoff-Elgin  Clemson  29th/White Sox  Shane Dove  Fort Mill  SMC  38th/Diamondacks  Jonathan Ellis  St. Andrews  The Citadel  6th/Padres  Jeremy Epperson  Brookland-Cayce  SMC/FDT  –  Alex Farotto  Riverside  USC  34th/White Sox  Zac Fuesser  York  Walters State  34th/Pirates  Brett Harker  Hillcrest  CofC  5th/Phillies  Ben Henry  Loris  –  30th/Rangers  Ryan Hinson  Northwestern  Clemson  10th/Padres  Brad Hocking  Riverside  USC  –  Cameron Holmes  Boiling Springs  CofC  –  Colby Holmes  Conway  USC  48th/Braves  B.J. Hyatt  Wade Hampton  USC Sumter  4th/Astros  Jay Jackson  Christ Church  Furman  9th/Cubs  +Steven Jackson  Summerville  Clemson  10th/Yankees  Jeff Jeffords  Lamar  SMC/USC  19th/Reds  Curtis Johnson  Lakewood  FDTC/USC  –  Michael Kohn  Camden  USC-U/CofC  13th/Angels  Jordan Lyles  Hartsville  *USC  1st/Astros  David Marchbanks  Mauldin  USC  7th/Marlins  Clinton McKinney  Greenville  UNCG/Clemson  48th/Rockies  Brandon Miller  Emerald  USC  –  Patrick Mincey  Hartsville  SMC  –  Steven Neff  Lancaster  USC  26th/Pirates  Dylan Owen  Chesterfield  Francis Marion  20th/Mets  Ryan Owens  Stall  The Citadel  FA/Astros  Kyle Owings  Gilbert  SMC  –  Matt Pegler  Riverside  CofC  –  Wynn Pelzer  Holly Hill  USC  9th/Padres  Barrett Phillips  Belton-Honea Path  SMC  FA/Pirates  Matt Price  Sumter  USC  –  Kevin Pucetas  Broome  Limestone  17th/Giants  Aaron Rawl  Lexington  USC  21st/Phillies  Jimmy Revan  Boiling Springs  SMC/USC  –  Heath Rollins  Lexington  USC/Winthrop  11th/Rays  Don Sandifer  Bamberg-Ehrhardt  Francis Marion  –  Link Saunders  Dutch Fork  The Citadel  FA/Yankees  Lee Tabor  Manning  Francis Marion   30th/Reds  Nic Touchstone  Sumter  NW Florida St.  18/Angels  Matt Vaughn  Summerville  Clemson  –  Adam Westmoreland  Brookland-Cayce  USC  35th/Dodgers  Brandon White  Summerville  Francis Marion  –  Asher Wojciechowski  Beaufort  Citadel  –  Marc Young  Riverside  SMC   –  Madison Younginer  Mauldin  *Clemson  7th/Red Sox -Catchers-  Name  High School  College  Drafted/Club  Brison Celek  Bishop England  USC  –  Phil Disher  South Aiken  USC   15th/Astros  Doc Doyle  Conway  Coastal Carolina  5th/Mets  Kyle Enders  Riverside  USC  –  Doug Hogan  Irmo  Clemson  18th/Rangers  Richard Jones  Wilson Hall  The Citadel  9th/Cubs  Charlie Lisk  Fort Mill  *USC  9th/White Sox  John Murrian  Stratford  Winthrop  9th/Tigers  Jacob Wallace  Dorman  SMC/Francis Marion  – -First Basemen-  Name  High School  College  Drafted/Club  David Anderson  White Knoll  Coastal Carolina  FA/Orioles  Zach Brown  Berea   The Citadel  27th/Padres   Chris McGuinness  James Island  The Citadel  13th/RedSox  Hank Parks  Easley  SMC/USC  –  Justin Smoak  Stratford  USC  1st/Rangers -Middle Infielders-  Name  High School  College  Drafted/Club  Shelton Cisson  Berea  Erskine  –  Drew Crisp  Riverside  USC  35th/Orioles  Sterling Dye  Brookland-Cayce  FDT/Wofford  –  Taylor Harbin  Travelers Rest  Clemson  8th/Diamondbacks  Reese Havens  Bishop England  USC  1st/Mets  Shane Kirkley  Lugoff-Elgin  Wofford  –  Chris Owings  Gilbert  *USC  1st/Diamondbacks  Steven Tolleson  Dorman  USC  5th/Twins  Bryan Triplett  Gilbert  SMC/USC  12th/Astros  Justin Trapp  Fairfield-Central  *Coastal Ca.  34th/Royals  Scott Wingo  Mauldin  USC  – -Third Basemen-  Name  High School  College  Drafted/Club  Danny Brezeale  Berkeley  *Clemson  19th/Braves  Hunter Cole  Dorman  *Georgia  –  Lee Curtis  Eastside  SMC/CofC  8th/Red Sox  Trey McDaniel  Brookland-Cayce  USC/Western Ca.  –  Brandon Waring  Airport  Wofford  7th/Reds -Outfielders-  Name  High School  College  Drafted/Club  Daniel Aldrich  Wando  CofC  –  Tommy Baldridge  Fort Mill  Coastal Carolina  33rd/Yankees  Kyle Behrendt  Greenwood  Wofford  –  Allen Caldwell  Sumter   SMC  12th/Royals  Shon Carson  Lake City  –  –  Brad Chalk  Riverside  Clemson  4th/Padres  Tyler Colvin  North Augusta  Clemson  1st/Cubs  Roscoe Crosby  Union  Clemson  2nd/Royals  Quentin Davis  Darlington  Francis Marion  13th/Braves  Konstantine Diamaduros  Spartanburg  Wofford  –  Bryan Fogle  Lexington  Erskine  30th/Rangers  +Brett Gardner  Holly Hill  CofC  3rd/Yankees  Justin Greene  Stratford  Francis Marion  20th/White Sox  Dwayne Lynah  Stratford  SMC  45th/Mariners  DeAngelo Mack  Airport  USC  13th/Yankees  Sonny Meade  Stratford  Citadel  Independant  Jason Place  Wren  *USC  1st/RedSox  Kevin White  Spartanburg  Presbyterian  Independant  Travis Witherspoon  Sumter  SMC  12th/Diamondbacks -Utility-  Name  HS  College  Drafted/Club  Marty Gantt  North Augusta  SMC  –  Brooks Hall  TL Hanna  *USC  4th/Brewers  Greg Harrison  Hilton Head  USC  –  Richard Mounce  Blythewood  Clemson  –  Forrest Koumas  Lugoff-Elgin  *USC  –  Daniel Palka  Greer  *Ga. Tech  –  Christian Powell  Greenwood  CofC  47th/Indians  Michael Roth  Riverside  USC  –  Drake Thomason  Eastside  *USC  –  +Matt Wieters  Stratford  Ga. Tech  1st/Orioles *Denotes committed / +Played in Big Leagues Criteria: Player had to play at least one prep season during the decade. Emphasis is to be placed on performance on the field during the high school career combined with his career beyond high school, their entire body of baseball work to date.

-North Carolina 2010’s- -North Carolina 2011’s- -Virginia 2010’s- -Virginia 2011’s- -South Carolina 2010’s- -South Carolina 2011’s-

-Team South Carolina Coaches- Jeff Blankenship – Wando High School Coach Blankenship (107-20) is beginning his 5th year at Wando High School as Head Varsity Baseball Coach and entering his 10th year of High School Coaching. Originally from Matthews, North Carolina, Coach Blankenship is a graduate of the College of Charleston earning a BA Degree in 2000 and earned a Masters in Educational Leadership from the Citadel in 2008. He was a Varsity Assistant for 5 years and the Head Junior Varsity Coach for 3 years at Wando while also coaching for the Mount Pleasant Diamond Warriors during the summers. Coach Blankenship teaches in the Social Studies Department and is the Curriculum Coordinator for US History CP and the History of Conflict and War. Coach Blankenship and his wife, Jennifer, have a 7-month old son named Jake. Championships Won by Year: 2006: Sertoma Preseason Classic, Region VII, District VII. 2007: Sertoma Preseason Classic, Hanahan Invitational Tournament, Region VII. 2008: Hanahan Invitational Tournament, District V. 2009: International Papermill Classic, Region VII, District VII, Lower State. Brian Hucks – Brookland-Cayce High School Coach Hucks is a 1991 graduate of Lexington High School. While at Lexington, he was a four-year letterman in baseball and a three-year letterman in football. Coach Hucks attended the University of South Carolina after stops at Anderson Junior College and Campbell University. He was a three year letterman in baseball at USC as well as a tri-captain his senior year. Coach Hucks graduated from USC in 1996 with a B.S. degree in physical education. He was drafted in the 31st round of the major league baseball draft by the Cincinnati Reds where he played in the minor league system through 1997.   Coach Hucks is beginning his 11th season as head coach at Brookland-Cayce High school. His overall record at B.C. is 218-86. His teams have produced region champions in 2000, 2002, 2004 (co), 2005, 2006 (co), 2007, and 2008. His 2000 and 2008 teams captured the AAA state championship. Coach Hucks was named region coach of the year in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. He was the AAA state coach of the year in 2000 and 2008, as well as the statewide coach of the year in 2008. In Coach Hucks ten years at Brookland-Cayce, he has had 34 players sign athletic grant-in-aids to further their baseball career collegiately. Thirteen of his players have been selected to play in the North/South All-Star game.   Coach Hucks is married to the former Stephanie Smith of Pickens, SC. They have 2 children, Caroline (7) and Jackson (2). David Horton – Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School After graduating from Bishopville High School where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball, Coach Horton attended Newberry College where he pitched for the Indians for four years. At Newberry he majored in Science and he later attended Appalachian State University to earn his degree in Physical Education. For the past 40 years Coach Horton has been the head baseball coach at Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School. During those 40 years he has compiled 816 wins and 243 losses. Under his leadership, the Red Raiders have won 14 State Championships–at one point winning 8 consecutive state titles, which tied the national record. Coach Horton has been named National Coach of The Year in both the ABCA and the NHSACA Baseball organizations. He was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in l998. Notable former players include Mookie Wilson and Preston Wilson. Coach Horton is married to the former Susan Williamson of Asheboro, NC. They have one daughter, Jennifer, who resides in Suwanee, GA with her husband Joe Baweja. His two grandsons, Lawson (10) and Brodie (3) are his pride and joy. Chris Bates – Rock Hill High School Coach Bates (192-31) is entering his first year as Head Coach of the Rock Hill Bearcats after spending a year as an Assistant Coach at Brookland-Cayce High School.  From 2002-2008, he served as the Head Coach of the Riverside Warriors where they won 7 Region Titles, 7 District Championships, 3 Upper-State Titles, 3 State Championships, and were Upper-State Runner-up 3 times. The Warriors were ranked nationally 5 of those 7 years, and a preseason number 1 national ranking in 2004. Coach Bates has won 3 State Coach of the Year Awards and has coached 4 State Players of the Year. In 2004, he was named National District 3 coach of the year. During those 7 years, he had 12 players selected for State All-Star Games, 26 All-State selections, 24 sign college scholarships, 4 All-Americans, 1 Olympian, and 4 players Drafted by the Major Leagues.    Coach Bates began coaching baseball and football in 1996 at Eastside High School, where he was an assistant for two years. He then became an assistant baseball coach at Riverside under Don Miller in 1998. He also served as an assistant football coach at Riverside. From 1998 to 1999 Coach Bates served as the head coach of the Golden Strip American Legion Post 176 baseball program, where they won two League IX championships compiling a 38-10 record. He has since worked with the SC Diamond Devils, SC Spirit, Greenville Gators, Team Carolina, and the SC Bombers Baseball programs during his summers.  Coach Bates graduated from Mauldin High School in 1991, where he lettered in baseball and football. After graduation, he earned a BA degree in Sports Management in 1995 from Belmont Abbey College. He was a four-year starter on the Crusader baseball team and a two-time captain. In 1998, he earned a degree in Physical Education from USC-Spartanburg. -Team North Carolina Coaches- Greg Simmons – Charlotte Christian High School *  BS from Liberty University. Played baseball 1986-1988. Grad Asst 1989 *  20th year at Charlotte Christian and 18th year as head baseball coach. 411-167-1 * 9 State Tiles and 12 Conference titles. * 4 Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 titles. (Top HS program in the papers area) * 4 Charlotte Observer COY (2000,2002,2006 and 2009) * ABCA Region COY 2003 and 2009 * ABCA National HS COY 2003 * NCSAA National COY …

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