Getting to know Jim Leggett-RHP

Jim Leggett: Senior, Right handed Pitcher for Rocky Mount Senior High


Early Years: I remember playing tee-ball when I was about 5 or 6. I played coach pitch and everthing after that, but the first time I played baseball with an actual pitcher I was about 10.

Career Start: The first time I played real competitive tournament ball was when I was 13, which is right when you move up to the bigger fields after little league. I played for the Stretchlon Stars, which is always the best AAU type team in the Rocky Mount area. We had a really good team, and I think it really helped me to become a better player to be around all of those guys. I go to school and still play baseball with some of them today.

Game day Routine: Well the first thing I always think about is going to bed at a decent hour the night before so I get plenty of rest. The next day I try to eat foods that will help me sustain energy. When it's time to go to the field, I do just like all of the other players and run a little, stretch, then throw with the team. After that I go sit in the dugout for a few minutes and think about what I need to do on the mound that day. By that time, theres about 20 minutes until game time, so I go to the bullpen and throw about 20 or 25 pitches. I'm sure my routine can vary at times too, but that's how it goes for the most part.

Role Model: I would have to say my Dad has been my role model. He tries to do everything like it is supposed to be done, and most of all tries to be a good person. He has helped me so much with everything I have done, whether it is baseball, schoolwork, or anything. He, and my Mom too, are supportive in everything that I do.

Showcase thoughts: It was a great experience to play for the Dirtbags. Everyone involved are top notch people and players. Coach Partin takes a serious interest in all of his players, and he is honest with you about your ability, which is the best part to me. The competition we played against was second to none, and being around so many good players, I had to really push myself to become a better pitcher to be able to stay competitive. I also made some great friends that I will definately keep up with over the years.

Memorable games: I actually have two games that really stick out in my mind. The first one was when I was 13 years old playing Prep Babe Ruth baseball, I pitched a complete game against the best, and only undefeated team in the league to win 3-2. That was the first complete game I had ever pitched. The team I beat was the Rocky Mount public school team, and I was playing for the private school team because I went to private school at the time. Of course, the guys from the public school team are a few of my best friends today now that I go to school with them. We still remind each other of those days when we played against each other instead of on the same team. The other one that sticks out to me is the first high school game I ever played in. I got the opening day start my 9th grade on varsity against Southern Nash. I had a pretty rough first inning, but bounced back to pitch a good game. We ended up winning in extra innings. I was pretty proud of myself.

Ambitions: Coaching is something I have thought about doing for a while now. I'm still not sure what I want to do, but coaching is one of the things I can see myself doing. If that's what I decide to do, then hopefully going to college and playing will help with some of that. It also doesn't hurt that I play for one of the best high school coaches in the state of North Carolina.

Color: My favorite color is blue. I have no idea why, but I always like to have blue shirts, and I have like three or four blue MLB hats. That's also one of our school colors, so maybe that has something to do with it.

Girls: No, I am not dating anyone right now. That's probably a good thing once baseball season comes around!

Uniform Number: I wear number 5 in high school ball, but it doesn't really have any special meaning. It's just the number I chose in the ninth grade, so I kept it. It really doesn't matter to me what number I have, as long as I am playing.

Family: Parents: Quentin and Janet....Sister: Anne

Stretchy knows: Jim got his first chance to play travel ball with my good friends Brian Stilley, Mike Williams and Aubrey McDaniel with the Coca Cola Rockfish and actually pitched a game against the Stars!! Jim knows more about other players around the state than his dad does. Jim has a high school record of 20-4 and with a normal season he should set the school record for wins this year which is held by Carter Harrell. Jim came to Rocky Mount from Hobgood Academy.

 

Mike Edwards ?? C-mon Stretchy---Jim has been one of my favorites through the years simply because he is who and what he is. One of his strongest points is his competitveness and the fact that he does not let it overwhelm him. He has always had the maturity in that never tries to exceed his limits or overachieve but rather to recognize and fine tune the talents he has been blessed with.
Attitude=wise you have to go far and wide to find a more likeable young man.

I still remember the first day I laid eyes on him--playing for Oak City in a little league tournament at Enfield Academy. He had a baseball look to him even back then. Also remember his first state games homer against the Outer Banks Ospreys in Roanoke Rapids.

SoutherNo1 --You are indeed fortunate to be to be able to call him Son as he is just as fortunate to able to call you Dad

 

Mike Edwards was Marc's t-ball coach

LOL...brain freeze....how can I forget a coach that has his own monogramed Bucket at the games!!

 

LOL And believe it or not that bucket is still in our trophy room as of this minute. Brings back memories of one Rocky Mounts finest little league playoffs ever.

 

Jim

is one of the finest young men that I have ever had the pleasure to get to know. If I had a daughter I would want her to find someone like Jim. He is the most respectful and thoughtful person I know. I could go on all night about his baseball ability. But the fact is, he is even a better person.

 

Jim Leggett

As Coach said this is one fine young man and a great pitcher to boot. I had the pleasure of watching him pitch over the summer and fall and he is a great one. His pops isn't a bad guy either..........

 

It is my pleasure and privilege to know this young man. I have all the respect in the world for him and will enjoy seeing him succeed. All the best to you, Jim!

 

I had the wonderful opportunity to finally meet Jim. Everything I heard about this young man was not only true, but was exceeded as we had a chance to sit together in private.

There are a few young men that are leaders and Jim is one of those people. It was my pleasure to see that his talents are not only on the ballfield. Jim will be successful in whatever endeavor he chooses for two reasons:

- He is extremely bright
- He has learned to diplomatically ignore Stretchy

 

Having coached against this young man on several occassions, I have nothing but respect for the way he handles himself as a ballplayer and as a young man. I wish him nothing but the best of luck this coming season (except when he plays us..haha) and in the future.