Page 809 – Diamond Prospects

Diamond Notes: Trend of Decommitments

By: Austin Alexander-December 18, 2008 Once upon a time – and not too long ago – verbal commitments were "stronger than oak"…by both parties, the student-athlete and the institution. In recent years, baseball commitments are not carrying the same weight, sending the coaching profession into uncharted waters. We have surveyed a strong sampling of coaches from various levels of college baseball to weigh in on the topic and answer the following four questions: 1-What is your definition of a verbal commitment, 2-Your thoughts on kids changing their minds after committing, 3-What are the affects it will have on college baseball if it happens more, 4-How do you generally view a players commitment to another school. We apologize in advance that names and schools could not be attached to the excerpts due to NCAA guidelines. This compilation of information is lengthy but we were able to obtain some very thought-provoken responses. Enjoy! A Conference USA Recruiting Coordinator said: 1-School and player honor the scholarship and commitment as soon as it is made, unless grades or off-field issue makes player ineligible, unable to clear the clearinghouse, not admissible to the school. Or a serious incident off the field (arrest, dismissal from HS team, etc), which could be detrimental to the university. Even in the case of an injury related to the sport, we have honored our commitment and scholarship money. 2-If kids feel that they aren’t 100 percent sure of their decision or their fit within a program, don’t commit! 3-The affects of the decommitment on college baseball will be absolutely awful. I’m probably living in a fantasy world, but I was hoping our sport never came to this. The amount of fluctuation from the draft on the team and with each recruiting class, the August 15 date to which kids must decide on signing or school each summer, and adding the chance that your commitments will go elsewhere is not a good situation. 4-I have never called a player which I knew had committed, and don’t plan to. Several coaches from other school have called our committed players, fortunately they stuck with us. I probably live in a fantasy world. A Big South Recruiting Coordinator said: 1-I interpret a verbal commitment as a kid that has made a decision to attend a school. He has verbally told the school he plans to attend and the other schools recruiting him as to his selection. I expect that he will sign the necessary paperwork at the next signing opportunity. Although it is non-binding I view it as he has made his decision. 2-I think you see kids decommit more because with the new transfer rule- kids are more aware that they have to get their school selection right the first time around. I think before, you saw kids commit to some schools with the knowledge that if it didn’t work out they could transfer. I also- think some of the decommits are because a kid commits so early- maybe as a sophomore in HS- but by the time he is a senior- either they realize, or the school he is committed to realizes, it is no longer the right fit. You see a lot of schools pushing kids away as well. 3-How it affects college baseball depends on why a kid decommits and if schools continue recruiting a kid, even after he has given a verbal commitment. I think baseball recruiting has the potential to get as cut-throat as College Football and Basketball- if many coaches view the verbal commitment as meaning nothing. If a kid decommits due to a coaching change or because a kid is just having second thoughts- that is one thing. But if a kid changes his mind due to another coach swaying his decision because they continued recruiting him- I believe it will affect most of us. I’ve always thought college baseball recruiting was more gentlemanly than football or basketball- but I see it becoming more like those sports. Think about how in football you read about kids taking visits even after they’ve committed. For the most part, it doesn’t happen in baseball- but it could start happening more often. 4-If a kid we are recruiting tells me that he has verbally committed elsewhere, I wish him the best of luck and tell him if anything should change prior to the signing period, let me know. I do not contact him anymore. One of the big things that I feel is happening now in the recruiting process is kid’s parents are really selling their kids at venues. I am often approached by parents asking me what I think of their kid, long after everyone knows this kid is committed to another school. I don’t know if it is ego on the parent’s side or what. To be honest it has become a big turnoff and those are the kind of parents we really have no interest in having in our program. A Division II Recruiting Coordinator said: 1-Once a kid tells you that he is coming to your school on his own. 2-I do not like the thought of it, but with kids making their decisions so early in the process now, I can understand it happening some. Especially when schools are starting to take their offers back after they have had a kid committed for a while. 3-I think it starts to hurt relationships. College baseball has been somewhat separated from basketball and football because of the camaraderie that the coaches have. It seems they do not get along and are a little different than us. If coaches start recruiting other’s commitments, it is going to hurt that. We have already seen it with some in our state. 4-Once a kid is committed to another school, he is completely off limits, regardless of level (JC, DI, DII, DIII, NAIA). A Southern Conference Assistant Coach said: 1-A verbal commitment is a player giving his word that he fully intends to sign with your institution. 2-There are generally two scenarios where a kid who has given a verbal commitment changes his mind. The first is when a player genuinely realizes that …

DP Scout Day: Carolina Forest Panthers

By: Dominick Duggan – November 21, 2011 With Thanksgiving on the horizon and Carolina Forest High School wrapping up it’s fall season, Diamond Prospects was there to catch a glimpse of what the Panthers will have to offer when the spring season arrives in 2012. Despite a bit of soggy conditions, you could not ask for a better day from Mother Nature in mid-November with 75 degrees and clear skies. . Pitching will most definitely be the cornerstone for Head Coach Jack Jolly’s team this season, which is why he decided to shut down the majority of his staff on this particular afternoon. There is no doubt that he will make every effort to protect the Panthers most coveted asset; a pitching staff that is full of experience and headlined by seniors Erich Knab (left), Robert Gray (right) and Chris Orlando (top). With most of the pitching staff in a resting mode and a handful of upper-classmen absent from the workout, today really gave us an opportunity to see how deep the 2012 Panthers will be, also a snapshot of the program’s future. 60’s Name Grade Time Joshua Fryar 12 7.36 Robert Gray 12 7.51 Erich Knab 12 7.01 Tyler Kochan 12 7.44 Chris Orlando 12 7.00 Joshua Abercrombie 11 7.71 Dillon Blunier 11 7.30 Cullen Marcis 11 7.27 Justin Nunes 11 7.83 Tyler Wyeth 11 7.71 Ryan Flynn 10 7.24 Robert Jolly 10 7.65 Austin Kelly 10 8.60 Camren Schildt 10 7.40 Logan White 10 7.83 Joey Dwulet 9 8.31 Noah McKeaige 9 8.60 Cameron Cauble 9 7.38 Sloan Drummonds 9 7.25 Drew Dyar 9 9.90 Bryan Forbes 9 10.30 Andrew Brong 9 8.50 DP Note: 60’s were run on a soft/wet track. Catchers-Pop Times Name Grade Time Robert Jolly 10 2.01 Joey Dwulet 9 2.47 Drew Dyar 9 2.44 Outfield-Top Arms Rank Name Grade 1 Erich Knab 12 2 Robert Gray 12 3 Chris Orlando 12 4 Camren Schildt 10 5 Cullen Marcis 11 Infield-Top Arms Rank Name Grade 1 Tyler Wyeth 11 2 Joshua Fryar 12 3 Justin Nunes 11 4 Logan White 10 5 Cameron Cauble 9 Infield-Top Actions Rank Name Grade 1 Joshua Fryar 12 2 Justin Nunes 11 3 Tyler Wyeth 11 4 Logan White 10 5 Andrew Brong 9 Hitters-Top BP Rounds/Swings Rank Name Grade 1 Tyler Wyeth 11 2 Joshua Fryar 12 3 Chris Orlando 12 4 Erich Knab 12 5 Robert Gray 12 6 Robert Jolly 10 7 Cullen Marcis 11 8 Tyler Kochan 12 9 Justin Nunes 11 10 Joey Dwulet 9 Pitchers-Bullpens Name Grade R/L FB CB/SL CH Cullen Marcis 11 R 74-75 61-64 56-60 Tyler Wyeth 11 R 80-83 69-71 67-70 Sloan Drummonds 9 R 67-69 — 55-59 DP Note: All velocity readings were recorded with a Stalker radar gun. Top Prospects Rank Name Grade Position 1 Erich Knab 12 P/OF 2 Christopher Orlando 12 P/OF 3 Robert Gray 12 P/OF 4 Joshua Fryar 12 2B/SS 5 Robert Jolly 10 C 6 Tyler Wyeth 11 P/1B DP Note: Prospect Rankings are based on the player’s current ability level combined with how he projects at the next level.

***DP Scout Day Template

By: Name-Date, 2009 — 60 Times Name Class 60 Time . Catchers-Pop Times Name Grade Time Top Outfield Arms Rank Name Grade 1 2 3 4 5 Top Infield Arms Rank Name Grade 1 2 3 4 5 Top Infield Actions Rank Name Grade 1 2 3 4 5 Top BP Round/Swing Rank Name Grade 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Bullpens Name Grade R/L FB CB CH Notes DP Note: All velocity readings were recorded with a Stalker radar gun. Top Prospects Rank Name Grade Position 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Note: Prospect Rankings are based on the player’s current ability level combined with how he projects at the next level.

Hit, Run & Throw by the Numbers

January 25, 2009 at Brookland-Cayce High School Overall Champion Name High School Class Joey Pankake Easley Sophomore Overall Champion-By Class Class Name High School Senior Seth Neely Rock Hill Junior Forrest Koumas Lugoff-Elgin Sophomore *Joey Pankake Easley Freshman Brandon Spell Wando *Denotes repeat winner Overall Champion-By Event Event Name High School 60-Yard Dash Justin Brewer (6.59) Liberty Baserunning Justin Brewer (14.75) Liberty HR Derby Daniel Aldrich (35 pts) Wando Throwing Accuracy Brandon Beans (23 pts) Hartsville Arm Strength Joey Pankake (89 MPH) Easley 60-Yard Dash Class Name High School Senior Justin Brewer (6.59) Liberty Junior Brandon Beans (6.66) Hartsville Sophomore Shon Carson (6.75) Lake City Freshman Brandon Spell (7.66) Wando Baserunning Class Name High School Senior Justin Brewer (14.75) Liberty Junior Brandon Beans (14.83) Hartsville Sophomore Shon Carson (15.12) Lake City Freshman Brandon Spell (16.36) Wando HR Derby Class Name High School Senior Daniel Aldrich (35 pts) Wando Junior Zach Hagaman (25 pts) Waccamaw Sophomore Tyler Rowe (10 pts) South Aiken Freshman Brandon Spell Wando Throwing Accuracy Class Name High School Senior Todd Joyner (20 pts) White Knoll Junior Bandon Beans (23 pts) Hartsville Sophomore Shon Carson (16 pts) Lake City Freshman Brandon Spell (4 pts) Wando Arm Strength Class Name High School Senior Tripp Ross (85 MPH) Seneca Junior Zach Hagaman (84 MPH) Waccamaw Sophomore Joey Pankake (89 MPH) Easley Freshman Brandon Spell (72 MPH) Wando Team Event: Rocket Relay Name High School Brian Welch Timberland Cody Craig Timberland Josh Greene York Josh Tant Fort Dorchester Kenyatta Castleberry Brookland-Cayce Team Event: Hub Drill Name High School Brian Welch Timberland Cody Craig Timberland Josh Greene York Josh Tant Fort Dorchester Kenyatta Castleberry Brookland-Cayce 60 Times-All Seniors Name High School 60 MPH Kyle Ward Georgetown 7.72 – Anthony Smith Dillon 7.40 – Brooks Hall TL Hanna 7.16 – Seth Neely Rock Hill 7.25 80 Gray Stafford Cheraw 7.13 75 Will Bedenbaugh Mid Carolina 7.40 81 Alex Bedenbaugh Mid Carolina 7.25 73 Brody Greer Belton-Honea Path 7.31 – Todd Joyner White Knoll 7.38 81 Randall Long Wade Hampton 7.31 78 Tyler Jackson Robert E. Lee – 77 Joseph Taylor Liberty 7.66 78 Christian Powell Greenwood 7.65 – Tripp Ross Seneca 7.72 85 Justin Brewer Liberty 6.59 75 Jake Kirkland Dorman 6.93 78 Austin Bryson Boiling Springs – 79 Daniel Aldrich Wando 7.13 – Madison Younginer Mauldin 6.94 – Juniors Name High School 60 MPH Chris Brooks South Aiken 7.19 – Forrest Koumas Lugoff-Elgin 7.03 77 Michael Keels Manning 6.93 – Alex Kirby Chapin 7.25 74 Josh Tant Fort Dorchester 7.53 81 Cody Craig Timberland 7.44 71 Brian Welch Timberland 7.47 78 Tyler Wilson Gaffney 7.63 – Brandon Poole Homeschool 7.75 71 Zachary Hagaman Waccamaw 7.34 84 Zachary Lenns Hilton Head Christian 7.16 77 Hunter Rice Boiling Springs 7.84 73 Will Lucas Hartsville 7.63 65 Josh Greene York 6.83 81 Kieston Stevens Union 7.10 – Brandon Beans Hartsville 6.66 75 Kenyatta Castleberry Brookland-Cayce 7.35 76 Connor Lewis AC Flora 7.77 68 DJ Roberts Chapin 7.00 79 Daniel Palka Greer – – Sophomores Name High School 60 MPH Alex Roberts Myrtle Beach 7.16 85 Joey Pankake Easley 7.09 89 Ross Richardson Lexington 7.22 82 Shon Carson Lake City 6.75 80 Cord Love Irmo 7.57 81 Jake Wolff Walhalla 7.41 81 Michael Gilroy Brookland-Cayce 7.40 83 Brandon Landrie Spartanburg 7.82 88 Tyler Rowe South Aiken 7.44 79 Freshmen Name High School 60 MPH Brandon Spell Wando 7.66 72 DP Note: MPH recorded on a Stalker radar gun from 180 feet.

Pro Day Roster

January 25, 2009 at Brookland-Cayce HS Pitchers-Green Name High School Committed +Stefan del Pino Dorman Coastal Carolina +Ryan Gunther Stratford – +Alex Wilson Landrum Wofford +Michael Hanzlik Blythewood Gardner-Webb +Brandon Henderson Chesnee – +=-Brooks Hall TL Hanna South Carolina +Cory Burgess USC Sumter – XXAustin PritcherXXarm not in shape James Island Citadel !=Dre Watts Laurens College of Charleston +-Christian Powell Greenwood College of Charleston +James Hall Brookland-Cayce South Carolina +=Greg Harrison Hilton Head South Carolina +Bobby Jackson Gaffney USC Upstate XXCameron Holmes-arm not in shapeXX Boiling Springs College of Charleston +Zack Godley Bamberg-Ehrhardt – +Chase Goude Battery Creek Presbyterian !Chris Cox Mauldin Spartanburg Methodist XXTucker Hawley South Aiken Alabama +Ben Carlson Mauldin Spartanburg Methodist +=Gaither Bumgardner Great Falls USC Upstate +Krishawn Holley Mid Carolina – !Tyler Smith Sumter – XXRyne SlackXXshoulder Ninety-Six – +=Daniel Palka Greer Clemson +Chris Hanna Stratford – +Taylor Guerrieri North Augusta – +Daniel Gossett Byrnes – !=Madison Younginer Mauldin Clemson +Colby Holmes Conway South Carolina +Bobby Watford Conway Coastal Carolina XXMatt PeglerXbronchitis Riverside College of Charleston +Tyler Broome Wilson Hall – XXJake Zokan-not in shape Spring Valley College of Charleston Kelly Wright St. James Presbyterian XXDrew Cisco…sick for 3 wks Wando Georgia +-Tyler Wilson Gaffney – +=-Hunter Rice Boiling Springs – Josh Knab Carolina Forest – Don Sandifer Bamberg-Ehrhardt – +Steven Bleile North Augusta – +Matt Mays Laurence Manning – =Jared Keels Spring Valley – !Brandon Landrie Spartanburg – XXZach Dotson – Georgia !=Joshua Elmore – – +=-Michael Gilroy Brookland-Cayce – XX=Emilio PaganXXbrothers choir JL Mann Gardner-Webb !-Forrest Koumas Lugoff-Elgin South Carolina !-Travis Murphy Dillon Spartanburg Methodist Catchers-White Name High School Committed +Ryan McPhail Dutch Fork – +Kirk Shelley Hillcrest – XX=Dylan ColeXX Dorman Furman XXPaul NittoXX JL Mann Furman XXBrison Celek Bishop England South Carolina +Grayson Greiner Blythewood South Carolina +Tyler Mongomery Greer – John Michaels Gaffney Limestone Landis Lane West Florence USC Sumter +Domineke Albert Richland Northeast – +Brett Austin Providence (NC) – XXBrett DeloachXX Georgia Infielders-Blue Name High School Committed +Chris Brooks South Aiken – +=Logan Thomas Pickens – +Connor Bright Wando – +=Kyle Ward Georgetown Charleston Southern +Christopher Owings Gilbert South Carolina Josh Pless Boiling Springs Citadel Dustin Morris Landrum – =Stephen Curtis Sumter – Luke Tollison Laurens Academy Spartanburg Methodist !=Justin Trapp Fairfield-Central College of Charleston +Joey Pankake Easley – +-Seth Neely Rocak Hill Clemson XXHunter ColeXX Dorman – +-Bruce Caldwell Sumter – XXChamp RowlandXout of town Wade Hampton – +Drake Thomason Eastside – +-Michael Keels Manning – Corey Holmes White Knoll – !Taylor Rozier North Augusta Wofford +-Jake Kirkland Dorman Erskine +Matthew Moore Belton-Honea Path Wofford +-Gray Stafford Cheraw Spartanburg Methodist +-Tyler Jackson Robert E. Lee Spartanburg Methodist XXChandler Smetana-shoulder West Florence USC Sumter +Chase Shelton Brookland-Cayce – +-Hiller Huggins Irmo – XXChance VeazeyXX – Georgia Outfielders-Black Name High School Committed Shane Miles Lake City Charleston Southern +-Justin Brewer Liberty – !=Travis Burnside Laurens Spartanburg Methodist Matt Brown Conway USC Sumter +Tripp Faulk N. Myrtle Beach Wingate +Daniel Aldrich Wando Wake Forest +-=Kieston Stevens Union – +-David Donald JL Mann College of Charleston +-Jacob Tavernier Belton-Honea Path – Tevins Walker Mid Carolina – !Josh Greene York – +-Shon Carson Lake City – +Jordan Scott Riverside – XXZach TaylorXX – Georgia !-Anthony Smith Dillon – !-Brandon Beans Hartsville – +confirmed !committed to attend =Will pitch and hit -Signed up for HRT

Diamond Spotlight: Ryan Connolly

Chanticleer Commitment-Ryan Connolly: Bishop England RHP Ryan Connolly has had his share of big moments on the mound at the prep level but is squarely focused on the future. Bound for Coastal Carolina next fall, Connolly is focused on a big spring but takes us back to some of his most vivid moments from the past. In his Diamond Spotlight, Connolly… 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

A Farewell to the Professor

By: Austin Alexander-December 8, 2008 On Monday, one of the game’s all-time greats made his retirement official and will now ride off into the sunset with little fanfare and fireworks. Sadly, when he blew the whistle on returning for 2009, ESPN barely made mention of it. But, man-o-man did dazzle us for 23 years! In 1987, Greg Maddux made his Major League debut as a pinch-runner for the Chicago Cubs, this October his final appearance was out of the bullpen in a blowout NLDS game at Wrigley Field as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. But it was what he did in between those appearances that will send him into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot and enlist him among baseball’s immortals. In the day and age of "bigger, faster, stronger", he once appeared in a commercial stating that "chicks dig the longball." And that was certainly true in the mid-90’s. But it was Maddux that made the two-seamer, command, stabbing line drives up the middle and a change-up sexy for 2+ decades. Slight-of-build and ‘armed’ with a mid-80’s fastball, he became as well-known for his unassuming appearance as his brilliance on the mound. Nicknamed "The Professor", this pitching surgeon often appeared as though he had just emerged from a chemical lab rather than from another complete game shutout. He was, indeed, the mad scientist of the rubber and in complete charge of the 60"6" airways between he and the catcher’s mitt. Here’s a quick snapshot of his resume: Facts 355 wins: 8th All-Time, most in Live Ball Era (1920’s to present) Only player with 300 wins, 3000 K’s & less than 1000 walks 4 Cy Young Awards (1992-1995) 18 Gold Gloves: Most at any position 1 World Series Championship A copy of Maddux’s scouting report in high school is now posted on a wall at Turner Field, perhaps his magnificence is best summed up in those words: Not overpowering but has the heart of a lion. Maddux, also dubbed "Mad Dog", gave hope to young players that weren’t tall enough, didn’t throw hard enough or sport enough "stuff" to win. While a power arm with filthy breaking stuff may draw mysterious injuries in the other dugout or prompt a day off among opposing superstars, for 23 years professional hitters kept taking their whacks at Maddux…then took their "comfortable oh-fers" back to the bat rack, shaking their heads in disbelief. The way scouting has evolved since Maddux was a high school pitcher, it is doubtful we’ll ever again see the likes of his kind again, especially without going the college route first. Well noted as a Hall of Fame prankster as well as moundsman, Maddux was a genius on off-days too, tutoring countless of young pitchers who credit much of their successes to him. He has been called by some of the greatest managers and coaches in the game as having the best baseball mind of anyone they’d ever been around. He toyed with hitters while we watched and loved every single outing since many of us can remember. A true professional in every sense of the word, Maddux will be sorely missed. Not just for his greatness, but for the way his humble nature and simple approach evolved into an art form that we will never forget.

Recruiting 101: Winter Calendar

Are you finding the recruiting process tiring, confusing or intimidating? Most players and parents do. You owe it to your son and his future to educate yourself from start to finish on the recruiting game. Recruiting 101 will hit the road this winter and come to a location near you! We have secured 9 different locations statewide to cover the recruiting process for you from A-to-Z. A veteran of 20+ years at the collegiate level, Tim Medlin will be conducting in-depth meetings with families on various topics… Have you considered the following: -How can I best promote my son? -What are college coaches actually looking for in a prospect? –How does scholarship money get distributed throughout a team? -What kinds of financial aid may be available? -How do I know if a school is sincerely interested? -What should a student-athlete look for in a school, baseball program and coach? -What is the difference between a junior college versus a four-year school? -How do I handle my options as the MLB draft approaches? -What kinds of questions should I ask on a college visit? -What are the rules that players and coaches must abide by? -What does a verbal commitment really mean? -What are the advantages/disadvantages to my son signing a letter of intent during the early signing period? If you are interested, the dates and sites are listed below: Location Day/Date Site Time Status Columbia Thurs, January 8 White Knoll HS 7:00-9:30 Open Spartanburg Tues, January 20 Spartanburg HS 7:00-9:30 Open Augusta TBA N. Augusta HS TBA Open Pee Dee TBA W. Florence HS TBA Open Columbia Wed, January 28 Blythewood HS 7:00-9:30 Open Grand Strand Sun, February 8 Conway at Tiger Grand 3:00-5:30 Open Charleston Sun, February 22 Collins Park 3:00-5:30 Open Rock Hill TBA TBA TBA Open Anderson TBA Anderson Rec Dept. TBA Open For sign up information, click here.

Diamond Spotlight: Shane Miles

Buccaneer Signee-Shane Miles: Lake City High School outfielder Shane Miles is one of the top runners and athletes in the senior class. In his Diamond Spotlight, Miles tells us what made Charleston Southern the right fit for him and shares some thoughts about his deep love for baseball. He also reveals an interesting trio at his fantasy dinner! … The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.

Coaches Corner: Tim Perry

Diamond Spotlight-Tim Perry: UNC Asheville Recruiting Coordinator Tim Perry has deep ties in South Carolina, though he now calls the Tar Heel state home. He recently spent some time doing a Q & A with Diamond Prospects and provides us a series of responses on topics ranging from NCAA Regionals, cooking and family life to where he attributes his success. DP-How many years have you been in coaching? What got you into the business? TP-10 years. My dad worked at USC-Spartanburg while I was growing up so I hung around Coach John Daurity and his team as much as I could dragging bats and shagging for BP. By the time I was in High School, I knew I wanted to coach! DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a baseball coach? TP-The lives you touch and the relationships you build. There is no greater feeling in the world than receiving a call or a text from a former player after a great game in Pro Ball and feeling like you helped them get there. DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession? TP-The time and energy that goes into recruiting, practice, games, preparing scouting reports for games, scheduling, fund raising, travel arrangements and summer ball placement. DP-We all know there is very little money in getting started in coaching at the college level yet the time involved is mind-boggling, why did you do it? TP-A good friend of mine, Bubba Dorman, once said, "I did not get into coaching to make a living, I do it to make a difference". I feel the same way. I knew what the salary was when I signed the contract. DP-How do you balance the time demands of coaching and your family? TP-I have a very supportive and understanding wife. She played tennis at Wofford and her dad coached football and brother is a football coach. She loves baseball and our program as much as I do and involves herself and our daughter in it as much as possible. It is always difficult being away from them but it makes you appreciate your time at home with them so much more. You learn to cherish it during the busy times of the year. DP-Though you coach in North Carolina now, most of your ties are to the Palmetto State. Tell us about your route to Asheville and how closely you keep up with baseball in South Carolina: TP-I grew up an hour from Asheville in Greenville, SC but never imagined coaching and living here. The Mountains have definitely grown on me though and we still live very close to our family, which helps. I still keep up with HS Baseball in SC as much as I can on www.Thedimondprospects.com, but we stay pretty busy in NC so I don’t get down to as many games in SC as I once did. DP-How is your golf game these days? TP-Not very good. I play a lot of Army Golf these days. Right, Left, Right, Left, Right, Left. It is still an enjoyable 4 hours away from the office. DP-When you hear the expression "old school baseball", what does that phrase mean to you? TP-Playing as hard as you can every pitch of every out of every inning of every game that you play. DP-A couple of years ago, your Bulldogs pulled off an improbable run through the Big South Tournament to earn a bid into the NCAA Regionals. Describe that week and what you think allowed your kids to accomplish the feat: TP-We were playing well down the stretch going 8-4 in our last 12 regular season games. But it was not until Allen DeRatt pitched a 2-hit shutout against the #1 seed Birmingham Southern in Game 1 that our guys started believing they could win the whole thing. Everybody fed off that and we pitched really well the rest of the week going 4-1, 2.66 ERA, 36 K to 18 BB, and Opp BA was only .219. We remained confident throughout the championship game despite falling down 10-0 early. We just kept telling them that if we could get into their bullpen we had a chance. They never gave up, just kept pecking away and when we gave the ball to Deratt down 10-5 in the 6th you could see on their faces that they believed they could win it all. DP-What is your most memorable experience as a baseball coach? TP-Rob Vernon’s Grand Slam in the Big South Championship game that put us ahead of Liberty 11-10 after trailing 10-0 and Allen Deratt striking out PK Keller to win that Championship Game and the DOG PILE in the middle of Coastal Carolina’s infield that ensued. DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball coach and why? TP-I cannot pick one single person. I have been very fortunate to surround myself with a lot of very good mentors like John Daurity, Tim Medlin, Bubba Dorman, Joe Hudak and Mike McGuire and have taken bits and pieces from each and every one of them. DP-Who are the best three players you have coached against? TP-Buster Posey– Florida State, Matt LaPorta– Florida and Kevin Slowey– Winthrop DP-What do you see as the biggest difference in high school-aged players today versus when you played? TP-The concept of TEAM and WINNING seemed more important when I played. There were no showcases and FALL BALL had just begun. DP-Now switching gears, think back to your days as a baseball player, please list any notable accolades: TP-I would have to go all the way back to Little League All-Stars where I started behind the Plate in front of Matthew LeCroy. He went on to star at Clemson, play in the Olympics and spent 8 years in the Big Leagues. I guess we know who motivated him, huh. DP-What is your greatest thrill, or two, beyond high school? TP-Graduating from Newberry College, marrying Virginia Grace Shaw, and experiencing the birth of our daughter Ava Grace Perry. DP-Who were …