Andy Partin--TBR Questions

Andy Partin never disappoints. I have as much respect for him as I do for anyone involved with baseball. It's interesting that every year there is a turnover of talented ballplayers to the colleges and Andy has to start all over with a new flock of players...and he has to field some of the same questions for the last 8 years. But this time there were a lot of good questions asked and there was a newness to the questions. For that I am thankful.

I appreciate Andy doing this because this is a busy time of the year for him, but I hope everyone enjoys his answers and comments. If more people would look at Andy as a tremendous resource for the players in our state and would understand his passion for doing this, we will all benefit.


Coach 27 Questions…

Q: When you are running a showcase “workout” what are the things that you are specifically looking for in a player?

A: I look for a lot of different things when evaluating players at a workout. It’s a little different for each position. I add up the tools and skills differently for different positions. At a “workout” players are not facing live pitchers or hitters, so you don’t get to see some of the “game actions” but you get a good gauge on the player’s tools and ability, and to a certain extent, you are able to learn a little about the player’s make-up.

I like guys with more than one above-average tool. Usually those are the guys who can help teams win games. But I look past tools a little when a guy is just out there going 100 miles per hour, always wanting to go first, and looks me in the eye and drops a couple of “Yes Sirs” on me (as I get older that stuff means more to me). I get excited about players who love to be on the baseball field. Those guys stick out like a sore thumb. Too many of these guys are just out there with the appearance that they would rather be somewhere else. I hate that… It’s baseball man! Get excited!

More specifically, I enjoy seeing guys who have some quick-twitch to them. I like guys who can run, throw and have bat-speed. I am also a big fan of the guys who never complain and adapt to the conditions their dealt. I love when it’s wet outside or cold and the “wimps” of the group constantly complain or make excuses about their performance on things out of their control. They get crossed off the list real quick. Coaches and scouts don’t want “soft” players in their program – nor do I.

It would take me a long time to put together everything I’m personally looking for in a workout, but hopefully this gives folks an idea.

Q: When you scout a high school game other than tools that a player shows what are some of the things that stand out to you in a player?

A: It’s becoming easier each year I go out and watch games or players to figure out – he’s a “guy” coaches and/or scouts will like. When I walk up to the park, I guess the first thing you notice about a player is body type and appearance. What’s he look like? How’s he dressed? I’m a big fan of players who take pride in what they look like. Body and appearance most of the time let you know about a player’s commitment level.

I like to watch them warm-up. Is he serious about his stretching and agilities? How does he play catch? Does he screw-around or is he trying to get better every catch and throw? A guy that comes to mind concerning this is Drew Martin (2005 Ashbrook HS, NCSU). Nobody has impressed me more to this day as far as “getting after it” in warm-ups.

Once the game begins, I want to see guys who love to be on the field. I’m a fan of high-energy players (but not guys who go overboard and rah-rah all day). I want to see a bounce in his step. If you don’t get on and off the field like you’re on a mission or you don’t run balls out with effort, you are going to make a bad impression with me.

I want to see how a guy reacts to failure and success. When he hits a homerun does he act like that’s the first one he’s ever hit and jump up and celebrate? Or does he get around the bases in a hurry like he’s done it before? When he strikes out with the bases loaded with 1 out does he appear pissed off that he let his team down or does he launch his helmet and bat across foul territory like he’s never struck out before?

I want to see how a player interacts with his peers and his coaches. Does he look his coach in the eye? Is he a “yes sir – no sir” guy? Or does he act like he could care less what the coach says to him.

That’s a few examples of things I look for other than tools and ability.

Q: What would you say from watching so many high school games each year is the least coached aspect of the game or most poorly coached aspect of the game?

A: This is a great question. I don’t know if there is a right answer here, but I’d say it’s more based on who the coach is. The better coached teams stand out just like the teams that are poorly coached. It’s easy to pick out which teams have a well schooled guy leading the way. We are very lucky to have so many great baseball coaches in North Carolina. We’ve got guys like Dean Dease at Orange, Pete Hardee at Watauga, Hal Bagwell at Ardrey Kell, Bruce Proctor at Princeton, Bill Hillier Jr. at Asheville and the list goes on and on… Unfortunately, we have just as many guys who coach high school baseball that just don’t seem to have the same desire and passion as the guys mentioned.

Q: What is your opinion on players being eligible for the state games if they have already verballed to a college program?

A: We have sponsored the State Games of North Carolina baseball tournament for 5 years and I think it’s based on what the goal is of the State Games. My thoughts are the State Games is about honoring the best guys in each Region for the underclassman portion if they have committed to a college or not, same goes for the seniors in the East and West. To me the senior game is not a “showcase” type event for unsigned seniors. It’s about the best of the best competing to win.

Plate Dad Questions…

Q: Did Bonds do it?

A: He was in cahoots with Colonel Mustard and I think he did it in the study with the revolver or the candlestick.

Q: Does you plan to expand Impact beyond the Limits of NC, VA & SC?

A: We have no plans of expanding to other states at this time. I think we’re stretched about as thin as we can get right now.

Q: With Impact's high exposure in NC baseball and their offerings to college programs. Does you see Impact offering a college scholarship (athletic or academic) to baseball players in NC?

A: Now that is a great question. That’s something we’ve put some thought in and we may make that happen sooner than later. We would have to come up with a format to select the player/family to award this to.

coachevans26 Question…

Q: With the number of showcase teams growing, where does he see showcase teams heading in the next 5-10 years? Showcase baseball has changed from 1-2 teams 10 years ago barnstorming and playing at colleges to big time tournaments and 5-10 different types of tournaments in NC on any given summer weekend. Will showcase baseball become more tiered as the top tournaments only look for the most established teams to invite, those with good reputations, or will it go the route of USSSA or AAU (no offense intended)?

A: I’m a little confused to what a “showcase team” really is. When I started doing this stuff 7 or 8 years ago I thought a “showcase” is where a group of players throughout a state or region gather to display their abilities to a group of college coaches and professional scouts through a series of workouts and games with no cares of the “team.” Players go to a “baseball showcase” to benefit themselves, not the team.

We operate “baseball showcases” to aid individuals with a lot of college and professional baseball exposure, but the “team” I coach in the summer and fall is not out there to “showcase” guys. We are there to make our players better, teach teamwork and discipline, and above all teach them how to go about things the right way. We want to compete at the highest level possible, and win baseball games and championships. College coaches and professional scouts are going to come watch our team play because we’ve got good players. We’re not a “showcase team” we’re just The Dirtbags… We’re going to play the same way if there are coaches in the stands or not.

It’s just been recently that moms and dads are getting so wrapped up in the whole “who’s in the stands.” Who cares… I’d like to think we play baseball because of the enjoyment we get and the life lessons we can learn from it. May be I’m just old fashion…

But to answer the original question… I would imagine that more and more people will call themselves “showcase teams” and more people will host tournaments. Impact Baseball will just stay the same and try to fill our events with the best teams possible.

 

Dbacks20 Questions…

Q: What does he see in a player that makes him a potential "Dirtbag?"

A: Very good question… This may sound silly and don’t take this the wrong way, but I am looking for a guy who’s not afraid to punch somebody in the face. In my opinion, to punch somebody in the face I think you’ve got to have at least a little inner-arrogance, a fearless attitude and obviously guts. Now, I would never ask a kid to punch somebody, but that’s the type of toughness I think it takes to compete on our team and at the level we want to play. It’s a grind throughout the summer and fall. We compete against some of the top teams in the USA at certain events. When we go to Marietta in the summer for the 17U WWBA, we have the chance to play 10 games in 7 days. If we continue to advance in the tournament, we have to win 3 games on the sixth day and turn around and win 2 more on the seventh day. We’ve been in the WWBA National Championship game before, and by that point guys are beginning to wear down. It looks like they are swinging telephone poles up there. So, we’ve got to have guys who are tough mentally and physically. We want guys who love to compete in the toughest situations. We don’t want choir-boys, we want tough, in your face - competitors. The guys that play for us also develop that toughness we’re looking for with our style of play and the things we require from them.

Now, you’ve obviously got to be talented to play for us. We’re not going to compete Nationally without high-level players. I like the philosophy that no matter how much effort the donkey gives you, he’s going to lose to the thoroughbreds in the race. So why not have the thoroughbreds play with great effort? Makes sense to me…

I also really like guys with personality and charisma. I figure if I’m going to be with these guys for a long time, I want to enjoy being around them. And one of the most important things I’ve learned as a coach is not everybody can play for you. Guys have to fit into your system.

Q: How do you deal with the parents?

A: I really enjoy my relationships with parents of players that play for me. Becoming a father two years ago, I am quickly figuring out how much your child means to you. It’s easier for me now to relate to parents now that I am one. A few years back, I didn’t understand.

I think it’s overlooked by most, but parents play a huge role on a team like the Dirtbags. The parents are a very important piece to the success equation. They sacrifice a lot for their kids. There is a lot of traveling, time away from home and expense involved. We’ve been lucky to have a lot of great parents in our program, and we’re thankful for their support.

Our parents have guidelines just like the players. They aren’t complicated or tough to follow either. They’re almost like a reminder of how to do things the right way. Our parent guidelines honestly protect their son as well. And we want our parents to be the most knowledgeable and educated baseball parents in the country.

Bottom line, parents just like players in our program are a very important part of our ability to succeed. If the parent or the player becomes a liability or a drain on the system, we have to remove the problem. I don’t think any program can be successful over the long haul with cancers in it.

throwtheheat questions…

Q: Why were the Dirtbags started?

A: I enjoy working with young people and coaching baseball so I decided to start a baseball team. Simple stuff…

Q: Do you fund the Dirtbags with proceeds from the Showcases?

A: Impact Baseball, Inc. is the company I own and it has really nothing to do with the Dirtbags’ baseball team except that I am fortunate enough to operate both. I am not paid by the Dirtbags, nor have I ever been. I know it’s hard to believe for some, but I’m a volunteer.

Q: Are the coaches and scouts that come to the Impact showcases instructed to stay for the length of the showcase and give everyone the same attention?

A: College coaches and professional scouts are not paid to attend IMPACT Baseball Showcase events. Part of their job is to get out and identify and recruit players. Usually the coaches who stay the longest at showcases and tournaments win more games in the spring. They are obviously invited to all our events, free to attend and come and go as they please. We always draw well over 100 different coaches and scouts throughout the showcase season, so we are obviously providing them a beneficial service.

Q: How many Dirtbags are signed versus the numbers of players coming thru the showcase events?

A: Unfortunately, we do not have a complete list of “all” the IMPACT Showcase or Tournament alumni, but it is well in to the thousands. You can find the over 200 Dirtbag alumni listed on www.TheDirtbags.com. I would say both organizations have been very successful in helping guys move on to the next level.

Warning track power Question…

Q: When will Andy start posting the "Top 2010" player's?

A: I’d say we have a good idea at who a lot of the “better” 2010 graduates are in North Carolina, but we need to see more of them. I would guess sometime this fall or winter we will post a rankings or list for 2010 graduates. There is a bit more focus on the 2008 and 2009 class right now since that is whom college coaches are recruiting. That’s why I feel it’s very important that the underclassman guys attend our I.D. Camps. This is how we identify so many of the upcoming guys and we can get a track record on them. We can’t run in to every guy who can play by watching games in the spring. The more players we see, the more people we can help.

 

Connie Mackeral Questions…

Q: Does Andy know they play baseball in the Raleigh?

A: “They” play baseball everywhere. Even in other countries. It’s really neat.

Q: Does Andy ever put a Carolina Cubs player on his "Prospect List?"

A: Not sure what this means… The answer is yes. We could care less if a player plays for the Benson Barracudas, if we feel like he’s got the ability we’ll rank him accordingly.

Q: Would Andy like to challenge the Carolina Cubs to a 3 game series?

A: This is tempting, but I just turned 30 and I haven’t seen live pitching in a while and my arm isn’t in great shape, so I think the Carolina Cubs team would probably overmatch me… But when I was younger I would have taken the challenge.

chicagocubs Question…

Q: how do you feel about legion baseball?

A: I played American Legion baseball when I was in high school as well as playing on a travel team. I am a fan of both. I am a believer that guys should play the highest level of baseball presented to them. I’d like to help American Legion baseball if there was a role I could play.

JTbaseball Questions…

Q: Do you feel you are the same person today that you were when "Partin's Picks" began?

A: “Partin’s Picks” – wow, you must be someone I know… That’s old school! But to answer your question –no, I’m not the same guy. I’m a little smarter/wiser now than I was back when I was 22 years old starting “Partin’s Picks.” A lot of things have changed with me over the last 8 years but overall I’m still the same small town dude from the mean streets of Durham, North Carolina (home of Coach K and the Blue Devils).

I have learned a lot since “Partin’s Picks” though. I’ve learned there are a lot of scumbags in the baseball community. Too many people with hidden agendas… Too many folks feel like you owe them something.

I’ve learned there are way too many “know-it-all” baseball dorks and “big-timers” out there too. People seem to be too quick to try impressing others and me with their knowledge or who they know. Dropping names and your knowledge of run downs and relays doesn’t do much for me guys…

Lets see… what else… I have learned to have thicker skin when it comes to envious folks and competitors. I’ve learned to laugh at “he’s only in it for the money.” That’s a tired act… I can assure you we/I would be doing things a lot differently if that were true… Next time you see my wife at an IMPACT event, ask her that question. But, be prepared to brace yourself.

I’ve learned there are too many players and parents that are only about themselves. “How can somebody help me” type people. I was taught growing up that if you help others it pays you back ten-fold. I guess that’s just how I was raised. It’s a little different with today’s generation.

Sorry, I had to air that out… Hopefully that caught the attention of some of you…

In closing… I just feel compelled to say I love baseball. I love what I do for a living and I love to help those I can. I’m very thankful for the support that I receive from many of you. It’s been a great ride so far and it’s only going to get better.

To the players… Remember it’s the greatest game on Earth – Baseball. Drink it in every time you’re on the field. Love every minute of it. Work hard and prepare yourself to be the best baseball player and person you can be. Enjoy the ride – I promise, it won’t last forever.

To the parents… Stay positive and support your son. Don’t be the high maintenance parent. Your current team’s coach does not want to deal with that type of parent and I can assure you that a college coach does not want to either. Let go of his hand. Let him make some decisions and develop some responsibility for his actions. I know it’s tough – but he’s growing up.

I’d like to thank BRAVES for allowing me to answer these questions. I enjoyed it and I’m open to do this again anytime.

Also, I hope people understand and appreciate the role that BRAVES plays in our baseball community. Through the leadership and persistence of Tom, TBR has become an excellent avenue for everyone to share and learn things concerning recruiting, players and other baseball related things. I can assure you that there is a lot of valuable information that is passed along through TBR. I encourage you guys to keep things light and loose and try to stay positive and don’t be afraid to inform the viewers about a player or an accomplishment. You don’t have to go overboard, but a lot of us will never know unless you tell us.

 

Thanks Andy... I appreciate the candor in the response. Some programs go to tournaments to showcase their players and some to win every tournament. Impact and the Dirtbags have been successful at doing both by identifying good players and winning excellent tournaments. My Hat's off to Andy and what he has accomplished. Based on my experience with him, he is a man of his word.

 

Good answers

will have to disagree with one. It was with a rope because from everything I see and hear. He is all but hung.

 

Andy,

Thanks for your responses....We appreciate what you do for baseball in NC.

 

Hey Andy,

Did Lee Harvery Oswald act alone?

Ok, serious question now..

1. What do you tell your athletes about entering into college and what to expect?

2. What are some big issues facing student-athletes right now? Meaning, knowing that you have been in the business for so long, what have you seen hold kids back and how they can avoid them?

 

Got to wait till next year. He has a handle on the Bond's thing. Now, he has Roger to worry about.

 

I just wanted to say thank you to both of you. Andy for "enlightening" us with your knowlege.

Braves I would like to say thank you to you also sir, you've also enlightened us with your knowledge, and letting people like Andy come on TBR under your name and share their experiences and knowledge.