Player Profile: Justin Driver

  Name:  JUSTIN DRIVER      Nickname(s):   JD High School (coach): JODY LECROY & GREG HOUSTON Graduation year:  2012 Position(s): OF/CATCHER/2B/SS Other sport(s) played in high school: Height:   5’11" Weight:  165 Bats: R Throws: R GPA:   3.75 SAT: TAKING Oct 2009 PSAT: 138 ACT: N/A Class rank:  N/A Academic awards: BETA CLUB, HONOR ROLL Intended major:  KINESIOLOGY/PT Parent’s names (college attended, if any):  Dale (WCU) & Lisa (TTU) Summer team (coach):  ANDERSON BRAVES (Coach BRANDON BAILEY) &    ANDERSON EAGLES-SR LEAGUE~18U~ LITTLE LEAGUE (Coach LUKE GIBSON) Fall team (coach):   BLUE CHIP BULLS 18U (Coach SETH BRIZAK) High School statistics:  (9TH ONLY:) BATTING AVG: .414   RBI: 5;   SB: 2;  1B: 13;  2B: 2;  3B:1;  HR:0;   R:10 Athletic awards: JV (8TH GRADE) : BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER~CATCHER 60-yard dash:  7.3 Hobbies:    WEIGHT TRAINING, SWIMMING, BASEBALL List any community service or charity work you have done: HOSPICE FUNDRAISER; YOUTH BASEBALL UMPIRE Would you consider a junior college? What do you want a college coach who is reading this to know about you?  I have been playing baseball since i was 4 years old, It is MY LIFE!  I enjoy the game and all the aspects surrounding it, too.  I always give over 100% each time I step onto the field.  I believe in Hustle, determination and strength, on the field, and in the classroom. I want to continue to grow as a player, continue to build core& arm strength, and get even faster.   I enjoy playing different positions, as I feel it makes me a better all-around player.  My goals are to get stronger, faster, help my team win a State Championship, graduate high school with honors, and then go on to play college baseball.  It’s all about the game, I absolute LOVE it!! List your top five college choices (optional): USC-COL; ERSKINE; UNC-CHAPEL HILL; WINTHROP; USC-UPSTATE

Palmetto Games: Invitees 2008

August 16-17, 2008 Sarge Frye Field  -Pitchers-  Name  High School  Class  Committed  Madison Younginer  Mauldin  2009  Clemson  Greg Harrison  Hilton Head  2009  South Carolina  Colby Holmes  Conway  2009  South Carolina  Bobby Watford  Conway  2009  Coastal Carolina  Brooks Hall  TL Hanna  2009  USC Upstate  Christian Powell  Greenwood  2009  –  Dre Watts  Laurens  2009  South Carolina  Tucker Hawley  South Aiken  2009  Alabama  Matt Pegler  Riverside  2009  College of Charleston  Cameron Holmes  Boiling Springs  2009  College of Charleston  Jake Zokan  Spring Valley  2009  College of Charleston  Ben Carlson  Mauldin  2009  Spartanburg Methodist  Stefan del Pino  Dorman  2009  Coastal Carolina  Drew Cisco  Wando  2010  –  Tyler Wilson  Gaffney  2010  –  Chris Hanna  Stratford  2010  –  Daniel Palka  Greer  2010  –  Krishawn Holley  Mid Carolina  2010  –  Forrest Koumas  Lugoff-Elgin  2010  –  Tyler Smith  Sumter  2010  –  Michael Hanzlik  Blythewood  2009  –  Chris Cox  Mauldin  2009  –  Kyle Ward  Georgetown  2009  –  Don Sandifer  Bamberg-Ehrhardt  2009  –  Travis Murphy  Dillon  2009  –  Ryan Connolly  Bishop England  2009  Coastal Carolina  Jared Keels  Spring Valley  2010  –  Daniel Gossett  Byrnes  2011  –  Kelly Wright  St. James  2009  –  Austin Pritcher  James Island  2009  Citadel  Ryne Slack  Ninety-Six  2010  –  Brandon Henderson  Chesnee  2010  –  Alex Wilson  Landrum  2009  –  Chase Goude  Battery Creek  2009  –  Gaither Bumgardner  Great Falls  2009  –  Hunter Cole  Dorman  2011  –  Chad Balderman  Dutch Fork  2009  –  Taylor Guerrieri  North Augusta  2011  –  Zach Godley  Bamberg-Ehrhardt  2009  –  Bobby Jackson  Gaffney  2009  –  Emilio Pagan  JL Mann  2009  Gardner-Webb  James Hall  Brookland-Cayce  2009  –  John McInnis  North Myrtle Beach  2010  –  Jake Long  Westside  2009  –  Ben Sauls  Beaufort  2009  –  Cole Robison  Blue Ridge  2010  –  Cody Craig  Timberland  2010  –  Tyler Broome  Wilson Hall  2009  –  Jake Padgett  Gilbert  2009  –  Steven Bleile  North Augusta  2009  –  Taylor Grover  Midland Valley  2009  – -Catchers-  Name  High School  Class  Committed  Brison Celek  Bishop England  2009  South Carolina  Dylan Cole  Dorman  2009  Furman  Paul Nitto  JL Mann  2009  –  Landis Lane  West Florence  2009  –  John Michaels  Gaffney  2009  –  Will Bedenbaugh  Mid Carolina  2009  –  Austen Barber  Eastside  2009  –  Kirk Shelley  Hillcrest  2010  –  David Rickenbacker  Socastee  2009  –  Phillip Herring  Dillon  2009  –  Tyler Montgomery  Greer  2010  –  Dillon Gaines  Irmo  2010  –  Brad Zebedis  South Pointe  2010  –  Luke Feisal  Greenville  2010  –  Grayson Greiner  Blythewood  2011  –  Jeremy Beacham  Palmetto  2009  – -Infielders-  Name  High School  Class  Committed  Kyle Martin  Wade Hampton  2011  –  Phillip Alexander  Mauldin  2009  –  Corey Holmes  White Knoll  2009  –  Chris Owings  Gilbert  2009  South Carolina  Justin Trapp  Fairfield-Central  2009  College of Charleston  Matthew Moore  Belton-Honea Path  2009  –  Logan Thomas  Pickens  2010  –  Bruce Caldwell  Sumter  2011  –  Dustin Morris  Landrum  2009  –  Reggie Weatherford  Lake City  2009  –  Seth Neely  Rock Hill  2009  Clemson  Adam Spires  Gilbert  2009  –  TJ Young  Dorman  2009  Coastal Carolina  Cameron Yost  Hillcrest  2009  –  Chandler Smetana  West Florence  2009  –  Joey Pankake  Easley  2011  –  Tyler Jackson  Robert E. Lee  2009  Spartanburg Methodist  Blake Gruel  Beaufort  2009  –  Justin Gullickson  Spartanburg  2009  –  Luke Tollison  Laurens Academy  2009  Spartanburg Methodist  Stephen Curtis  Sumter  2010  –  Jared Huffman  Myrtle Beach  2010  –  Alex Abrams  Bishop England  2010  –  Hunter Rice  Boiling Springs  2010  –  Taylor Rozier  North Augusta  2009  –  Josh Pless  Boiling Springs  2009  Citadel  Brody Greer  Belton-Honea Path  2009  –  Will Muzika  Dorman  2009  –  Gray Stafford  Cheraw  2009  –  Corey Forrester  Bishop England  2010  –  Daniel Rawls  Chester  2009  –  Drake Thomason  Eastside  2010  –  Connor Lewis  AC Flora  2010  –  Tori Patterson  Laurens  2010  –  Ryne Hardwick  Conway  2009  –  Hiller Huggins  Irmo  2011  –  Jimmy Lindberg  Bishop England  2011  –  Evan Darr  North Augusta  2009  –  Jake Kirkland  Dorman  2009  Erskine -Outfielders-  Name  High School  Class  Committed  Travis Burnside  Laurens  2009  Spartanburg Methodist  David Donald  JL Mann  2010  –  Shon Carson  Lake City  2011  –  Nick Berry  West Ashley  2009  –  Daniel Aldrich  Wando  2009  South Carolina  Shane Miles  Lake City  2009  Charleston Southern  Greg Milanes  Aiken  2009  –  Matthew Van Laan  Lexington  2009  Charleston Southern  Anthony Smith  Dillon  2009  –  Jordan Scott  Riverside  2010  –  Matt Brown  Conway  2009  –  Tripp Faulk  North Myrtle Beach  2009  –  Jacob Tavernier  Belton-Honea Path  2010  –  Tyler Miller  Fort Mill  2009  USC Upstate  Domineke Albert  Richland Northeast  2011  –  Justin Brewer  Liberty  2009  –  Dominique Anderson  Hillcrest  2009  –  Ryan Walker  First Baptist  2009  –  Matthew Roberts  Greenville  2009  Air Force  Josh Greene  York  2010  –  Tavaras Smith  Cainhoy  2009  –  Kieston Stevens  Union  2010  –  Tevins Walker  Mid Carolina  2010  –  Josh Knab  Carolina Forest  2009  – -Coaches-  Name  High School  Steve Williams  Lancaster  Roger Finley  Easley  Ed Taylor  Walhalla  Dean Jones  Chesnee  John Daurity  Socastee  Jimmy White  Hartsville DP Note: Players were selected by a handful of pro scouts, college coaches, high school coaches and the DP staff. To print application, click here. Football Players: Invitees that play football should make an attempt to determine if they will be able to attend Saturday, Sunday, both days or not at all ASAP. Please email your response to: [email protected] Injured Players: If your name appears on this list but you have sustained an injury that you know will prohibit your participation on August 16-17, please email us ASAP at: [email protected] .

MLB Camp: Minorities & Inner City Youth

Players, Coaches, Athletic Directors: Major League Baseball (MLB) is sponsoring a professional baseball tryout camp for Minorities and Inner City Youth. The camp will be conducted by scouts of the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau, with invitations given to scouts of the thirty Major League clubs to attend. Details of the tryout camp are as follows: WHAT: Major League Baseball Tryout Camp – Minorities & Inner City Youth.   WHEN: Monday, June 23. Registration 8:30-9:00 AM. Camp: 9:00 AM – 2:00PM. WHERE: Ernie Shore Field: Winston-Salem, NC – pro park & home of the Winston-Salem Warthogs. 401 Deacon Blvd. www.warthogs.com. WHO: High school age youth, 15-18 years of age. COST: Free EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Bring your own glove and a bat of your liking. A few wood bats and no gloves will be on hand for participants to use. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For additional tryout camp information or to obtain a blank medical waiver form, contact Gary Randall at 803-984-2927 or e-mail [email protected].                         IMPORTANT: REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE: MEDICAL WAIVER FORM: A signed MLB Medical Waiver Form (blank form attached) signed by a parent or legal guardian is required for participation – no exceptions! Participants must present the signed waiver form when they register or bring a parent or legal guardian to the camp to sign the form at registration. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCOUTING BUREAU   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:                                                                                                                                        Parent / Guardian Signature Name (printed):                                                Date:                                                                            MLSB revised 01.01.04           

DP Summer Showcase: Schedule 2008

-AC Flora High School: June 9-10, 2008- Monday 9:00 AM        Session 1: Check-in at AC Flora (Pick-up jersey) 9:45             Session 1 players report to RF for a meeting and stretch 10:00           60’s, Defensive Workout, BP, Bullpens 11:45           Session 2: Check-in at AC Flora (Pick-up jersey) 12:15 PM       Lunch/Recruiting 101 Seminar in RF Fieldhouse 12:45            Session 2 players report to RF for a meeting and stretch 1:00-3:15      60’s, Defensive Workout, BP, Bullpens                     3:30              Royal vs Red 5:00              Grey vs Gold 6:30              White vs Orange 8:00              Black vs Green Tuesday 9:00              Royal vs Red 10:30            Grey vs Gold 12:00            White vs Orange 1:30              Black vs Green Session 1 Teams: Royal, Red, Grey, Gold Session 2 Teams: White, Orange, Black, Green Each player is responsible for bringing his own gear. Please have a pair of turf/running shoes just in case inclement weather drives us inside. For directions and hotel information, click here. The concession stand will be open all day Monday and Tuesday courtesy of AC Flora Baseball. Recruiting 101 passes will be on sale at check-in. Baseball jewelry and DP apparel will be on sale throughout the event!

Tip of the Cap: A tribute to Al Berry & Steve Williams

By: Tim Wallace-May 1, 2008 Baseball is a great game. I am sure that everyone who reads DP would agree with that statement and could (and would) argue that position. We know the history of baseball. We know the players, managers, heroes, goats. We can recite the statistics and recount the details of the games. We’ve cheered when the game was played at its’ best and we’ve joined the boo-birds when the game got the best of the players. We can appreciate the beauty and difficulty of baseball because most of us have played the game, whether in a pickup game in the neighborhood or in some organized league. Baseball is special to all of us. This is a tough time of year for many readers of DP. There will only be one team at each level  celebrating  once the last out has been recorded. Shortly after the champions are crowned, even the winners will realize the sadness that accompanies season’s end. I’ve already watched the tears of those who came up short this year, those of the players whose careers are over and also those of parents who won’t see their sons play anymore. As exciting as the game can be, I am not sure that anything can prepare us for the pain that comes with one’s last game, no matter the level attained. The end of the season is also especially difficult for one other small group of people involved with the game, the coaches. While the game belongs to the players, I would suggest that no one is more committed or loves the game more than the coaches. The amount of time and energy that they invest, for a very insignificant salary supplement, would overwhelm most people. The effort that they put forth comes because of two things, their love of the game and, more importantly, their love of their players. Many will put on a tough exterior but when all is said and done, their care and concern is evident. Most realize the impact that they have on their athletes and embrace their role as mentor. Many of us know the kind of impact that a good coach can have on us. I was fortunate to have great coaches as I worked my way through High school and Legion ball in Lancaster, SC. John Daurity came to town in my  Freshman  year and proceeded to have more impact on my life than anyone that I have ever met. He was, and is, a wise man who is still loves and enjoys teaching the game and influencing lives at Socastee High School. Not only did Coach Daurity know the game, he knew people. He brought along-side two local young men who would prove to be great assistants for him and, in the long run, great head coaches in their own right. Al Berry and Steve Williams (left) entered the coaching ranks during my Sophmore year of high school. Thirty years later, both of these gentlemen are retiring from the High School ranks and I don’t know that any tribute can adequately convey the feelings I have for these men. During their years together they coached some of the best teams that ever donned a uniform in SC. I’ve heard many discussions that ended with the agreement that the 1991 LHS team may have been the best seen by this generation.  Though their personalities seemed to indicate major differences in thought, the blended "good cop-bad cop" coaching style that they had proved to be very effective in bringing out the best in their players.   Once Coach Berry made the move to Dutch Fork, Coach Williams took over the reins at Lancaster. Individually they both continued to do a great job and have done so for a long time. It takes a special man to coach as long as both of these gentlemen have and still be successful. As we age as coaches, it gets tougher and tougher to relate to the young men we work with. Both Coach Williams and Coach Berry have been able to do so. As a coach now, I would like to say "Thank you" for your commitment, both to the game and to the kids. You both are tremendous representatives and models of how things can be done in this profession. As a former player, I would like to say that the lessons I learned on the field from both of you have proven to be invaluable. I believe however, that you might be shocked to know that the thing I remember most fondly, and think of most often regarding both of you, is the fishing trips we used to take during Legion season. Though I knew you both loved the game, it was there that I saw your concern for me as a person. For that, I cannot thank you enough. Now that both of your high school coaching careers have come to an end, I just wanted you to know that your efforts over the years weren’t unappreciated nor will they be forgotten. Many others would probably say similar things if given the opportunity.  I wish I were a better writer so that I could convey what I feel for you guys in my own words but since I’m not  I’ll look to baseball for the right terms.  For what you’ve accomplished as coaches and, more importantly, for the kind of men you are – I tip my cap to you. DP Note: Steve Williams now moves on to be the pitching coach at USC Lancaster and will serve in the same capacity for the South Carolina Diamond Devils 18u AAU team. Al Berry will remain a teacher and football coach at Dutch Fork.

State Championship Preview

By: DP Staff-May 11, 2008 In January, over 200 baseball teams began practice with high hopes of playing during the week of May 12-16. Hundreds of games were played, some were blowouts, some kept us on the edge of our seat. But after all of that, here we are with eight teams still alive and vying for a 2008 State Championship! Attendance at ballparks large and small have been at an all-time high…prep baseball in our state is alive and well! In 2008, Diamond Prospects was been privileged to have a front row seat to personal triumphs, big errors, raunchy calls by umpires, walk-off homers, Web Gems, injury, midnight games, double plays, mental mistakes, a left-handed shortstop, more bad calls, suicide squeezes, a deer running across the outfield, a dog running across the infield, sac bunts, more bad calls, collisions, thrown helmets, infield/outfield, hustle, laziness, comebacks, choke jobs, ball four, strike three (some were on bad calls) and a girl playing first base in a Varsity game! It has all led us to this point. By the end of the week, four towns will anoint their local heroes and four baseball programs will have to watch an opponent celebrate. Four teams will win, four won’t. What takes place in the next few days will provide these young men with memories of a lifetime. Years from now, local fans will reminisce about the big hit, big pitch, big play and ole "what’s his name" that did it all. With that said, if your team is finished and you love this game, find one of these contests and support the kids that have paid the price to play in South Carolina’s most meaningful games. The State Finals are upon us, let’s enjoy baseball in its purest form! —————————————————– Diamond Prospects covered over 250 games in 2008. We put our efforts together over the past three months to condense all of the information we have on the teams that will do battle this week. Today, we provide you a cheat sheet of names and info as well as some keys to success and things to look for throughout the series. Print it off and takes it to the games, see how things play out! —————————————————– 4A Capsule Upper State Winner: Boiling Springs Bulldogs Head Coach: Jeff Lipscomb Record: 22-6 Region: II Key Players: Jeffrey Campbell (.435, 6 2B, 9 HR, 26 RBI, 8 SB), Hunter Rice (.368, 8 HR, 30 RBI), Cameron Holmes (7 HR, 22 RBI), Jimmy Revan (.351, 9 2B, 3 HR, 30 RBI), Josh Pless (6 2B, 2 HR), Taylor Hollifield Key Pitchers: Jimmy Revan (11-0, 0.73 ERA, 65.2 IP, 107 K, 19 BB), Cameron Holmes (2-1, 1.60 ERA, 30 IP, 32 K, 9 BB), Hunter Rice (4-1, 3.84 ERA, 20.1 IP, 19 K, 14 BB) Keys to success: Keep riding that belief that they cannot lose! They have won games every way possible, several in late-night, thrilling fashion…Senior Jimmy Revan and Cameron Holmes, who appears healthy again, form a duo of southpaws that will have to throw well for the Bulldogs… Offense! 33 dingers on the season in a hitter’s park, this line-up has proven it can recover from any sort of deficit… No fear. They went to North Augusta and pulled off an improbable doubleheader win with their backs against the wall… Home field advantage. Bulldog fans have long since been known as a very rowdy bunch. Expect nothing different on Monday as the joint will be jammed and that could have an impact… . Lower State Winner: Conway Tigers Head Coach: Anthony Carroll Record: 28-2 Region: VI Key Players: Mac Doyle (.506, 9 2B, 11 HR, 31 RBI), Jeff Caskey, Sport Rabon, Ryne Hardwick, Bobby Watford Key Pitchers: Colby Holmes (9-1, 0.97 ERA, 65 IP, 110 K, 14 BB), Bobby Watford (8-0, 0.69 ERA, 61 IP, 73 K), James Floro, Haddon Childs Keys to success: Conway has ridden two legit arms in Colby Holmes (right) and Bobby Watford to this point but they do have depth on the mound too. Mac Doyle paces the offense but is nicely insulated with dangerous hitters. Conway gloves it well and has proven they can win close games. The Tigers also ride into this week on a long winning streak and have tons of confidence when they play, as evidenced by the way they beat Stratford on Friday to get to this point. Series Outlook: Game 1 is huge, period. The first one is always critical but if the Tigers return home with a series lead, it could spell trouble for the Bulldogs… Both clubs enter the series with their pitching staff’s in tact and on normal rest. Conway sends two hard-throwing right-handers with power breaking balls out for Games 1 and 2, Boiling Springs will counter with two mid-80’s southpaws with plus change-ups, all four have been dominant in 2008 but in different ways. The Tigers emerge from a very strong Region VI where they have seen quality pitching all season long, but they have not faced the likes of fastball/change-up lefties like Revan and Holmes… The catching in this series features South Carolina’s top two backstops Conway’s Mac Doyle (left) and Boiling Springs’ Jeffrey Campbell (right). Not only do they lead their teams in hitting, they are also the two best defenders in the senior class. Both can completely shut down the running game, therefore the long ball and sacrifice bunts will come into play. Which one has the better week could determine who our champion is… Travel will be a factor as well. Who can get off a four-hour bus ride and play? That remains to be seen… Two very accomplished clubs that play a different brand of baseball but are playing well at the right time, it should create plenty of excitement in a series that could come down to the final pitch! —————————————————– 3A Capsule Upper State Winner: AC Flora Falcons Head Coach: Andy Hallett Record: 22-9 Region: III Key Players: Jay Wilson, Robert Gibbes, Will …

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Pitching Probables

Do you want to know which pitchers will be hooking up throughout the post-season? Want to assist pro scouts, college coaches and Diamond Prospects with our coverage of the playoffs? Want to help generate additional interest in games statewide over the final month? Very simple! Prep coaches and DP viewers can now assist us as we provide a comprehensive list of starting pitcher’s assignments and game times. If you can accurately confirm a starting pitcher, log it in! We’ve done this during the past two post seasons but this time we are reaching out to you so the listing can be more complete. The format will be very user-friendly and it will take less than a minute to punch in the info. We ask that our viewers use the same discretion that you’ve exhibited with the DP Scoreboard, which has also been a huge success. "Pitching Probables" will be posted under the DP Scoreboard. Thank you for your help in making Diamond Prospects the headquarters for high school baseball! Proceed to the Pitching Probables, click here. .

Player Profile: Austin Weekley

Name: Edward Walt Weekley IV Nickname(s): Austin High School (coach): James Island Charter High School/Tom Hatley Graduation year: 2011 Position(s): P/3B/1B Other sport(s) played in high school: None Height: 6’0′‘ Weight: 155 Bats: R Throws: R GPA: 4.175 SAT: N/A Class rank: 26 Out Of 489 Academic awards: Honor Roll Intended major: Sports Medicine Parent’s names (college attended, if any): Lori Weekley & Walt Weekley (The Citadel ’85) Summer team (coach): Charleston Braves/ Thomas O’ Quinn Fall team (coach): Charleston Braves/ Bill Collier High School statistics: Pitcher: W-L, ERA, IP, SO, BB 5-3, 2.16, 43.1, 33, 11 Hitter: AVG, R, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI, SB .380, 1 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 14 RBI Athletic awards: All Tournament Team in 13U World Series in St. Louis 60-yard dash: N/A P’s-Top MPH: 70-75 MPH Hobbies: Duck Hunting, Playing Baseball, List any community service or charity work you have done: Give money to the Salvation Army at Wal-Mart Would you consider a junior college? No What do you want a college coach who is reading this to know about you? I work hard to get better each day. List your top five college choices (optional): University of Tennessee, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Georgia Tech and The Citadel

Around the Horn

By: DP Staff-April 1, 2008 What a start to the 2008 season we have had! Quality weather, for the most part, has allowed Diamond Prospects to set new DP records for coverage so far this spring. Some new clubs have made a name for themselves, others have stumbled out of the game but many, many new names have surfaced and been exposed in the early going. As we pass the midway point of the season, DP takes a look back at the campaign to date and provides our audience a snapshot of the first six weeks of the season as we build toward playoff contention and every indication of a wide-open post-season in all four classifications. ——————————————————————– Diamond Prospects Statistics Teams covered: 123 Games seen: 107 Fields: 50 Parents dropping off drinks at the dugout: >100 ——————————————————————– DP Accolades Quickest game: 1:28, South Pointe vs Chaminade-Madonna Prep Latest game: Mauldin versus North Augusta at the IP Classic, the final pitch was made at 2:32 AM! Best game: Brookland-Cayce 2 Riverside 0 at the IP Classic Best comeback: AC Flora led Sumter 11-2 in the fifth inning, only to see the Gamecocks rattle off 16 unanswered runs en route to an 18-11 non-conference win. Best Team: Hartsville, Riverside, Brookland-Cayce, Sumter, Dorman Biggest Surprise: York, Greenville, Belton-Honea Path, Greenwood, Union Biggest Disappointment: North Augusta, Greer, Mauldin, Spartanburg, Midland Valley Wildest play: Stay with us for a second and put on your thinking cap…Bases loaded and one out, Landrum at the plate, Spartanburg in the field. On the pitch, the hitter made contact with the catcher’s mitt (catcher’s interference) and the ball bounded into the baseline between first and second and directly toward the Spartanburg second baseman. He, the ball and the Landrum runner arrived at the same time and the ball was jarred loose. Well, it should have been a dead ball (from the interference in HS, the play is dead on a balk or interference call) and a potential ejection for the Landrum runner, all runners should have moved up a base with no out being recorded on the play and Landrum plating a run. As the umpires discussed the play, both head coaches were having words over what had happened with the collision, and unbeknownst to the umpires, was becoming very heated! Cooler heads finally prevailed, an out was called on the Landrum baserunner and he was also ejected. The craziest part of the entire ordeal is that the plate umpire came to the backstop and explained the ruling to all of the parents and fans in its entirety amid a chorus of boos from the patrons! Best home to first time: 3.78, Rock Harling (Westside) Best home to first time (turn): 4.18, Bradley Victor (York) Best pop time: Trey Wimmer (Greenwood), 1.94 in between innings Longest homerun: Mac Doyle (Conway), Brad Zebedis (South Pointe). Best defensive play: With JL Mann leading 7-3, Gilbert loaded the bases with one out…With the tying run at the plate, a line drive was smoked to leftfield. Charging in, Patriot senior Kellen Moman made an outstanding diving snag as he was fully out-stretched when he picked the ball out of the air, just before it scooted under him. The Gilbert runner at third tagged a broke for the plate, Moman bounced to his feet and fired a perfect strike to the dish to nail the runner and nail down the victory. Both ends of the play were noteworthy and it ended the game; Zeke Rollins (Landrum) crashing into the leftfield fence against Mid Carolina at AC Flora during a pre-season scrimmage. It was the first out of the game but spelled the end of the day for Rollins. Best pitcher’s duel: Adam Westmoreland (Brookland-Cayce) versus Matt Pegler (Riverside), BC won 2-0; Jordan Lyles (Hartsville) versus Matt Price (Sumter), Hartsville won 2-1 on two unearned runs. Most dominant pitching performance: Charlie McCready (Fort Mill versus Dillon), Adam Westmoreland (Brookland-Cayce versus Riverside), Zac Fuesser (York versus Nation Ford), Daniel Palka (Greer versus Greenwood). Hardest fastball: Madison Younginer (Mauldin) 93 MPH, Adam Westmoreland (Brookland-Cayce), Matt Price (Sumter), Tyler Wilson (Gaffney), Colby Holmes (Conway), Jordan Lyles (Hartsville), Josh Adams (Midland Valley) 91 MPH… Best baseball name: Cub Cook (batboy for Lake City and 3-year old son of skipper Jason Cook). Tallest Player: Case Stiglbauer (Dreher) 6’8" Shortest Player: Hunter Burton (Palmetto) 5’5" Cleanest round of pre-game: White Knoll Top Fungo Guy: Mark Bonnette (White Knoll), Jeff Young (Riverside), Brian Hucks (Brookland-Cayce) Best Catcher’s Pop-up: Jason Cook (Lake City) Valiant effort on a Catcher’s Pop-up: Brian Hucks (Brookland-Cayce) x 4 at the IP Classic! Coach that could still play: Billy Sylvester (Carolina Academy) Energy Award: (tie) Travis Henson (Landrum), Ben Waddle (Dorman) Worst call by umpire: Too many to list, it’s been a rough spring statewide for the men in blue! Best Argument with an Umpire: Kevin Atkins (Broome) Best line from a parent in the bleachers: "We don’t yell at your kids, don’t yell at ours!!" Best Playing Surface: AC Flora, Mauldin, North Myrtle Beach Best pre-game tunes: Myrtle Beach Best in-game tunes: Georgetown Best Hamburger: AC Flora Best Chicken/Chicken Bog: White Knoll, Midland Valley, AC Flora, Waccamaw Best Dressed Evaluator: Dominic Viola (Baltimore Orioles) The Gary Randall Attendance Award: College-Monte Lee (South Carolina), Pro-Billy Best (Atlanta Braves). Hospitality Award: Georgetown at the IP Classic, Waccamaw at the Coastal Invitational *Accolades only apply to games that Diamond Prospects covered.