Getting to know Josh Allman-LHP/1B

Josh Allman: Senior, Left handed pitcher/1st baseman for Swain County High School


What is your earliest memory of playing baseball: I didn't start
playing baseball until the age of 10, so my memories are pretty recent. My
little league coach drafted 9 players who were the age of 10 and we took
our beatings that first year, but when we turned 12 and were still all
together, we went undefeated in the league 14-0 and only had 1 game that
wasn't called for the mercy rule. Most of those same guys are now seniors
with me on the high school baseball team.

What was competitive tournament baseball like: I never really played
competitive tournament baseball to speak of, instead we started playing
fall wood bat baseball in Asheville and had to scrap to find enough to play
over there. That was 4 years ago, this past fall we had 16 players on our
fall wood bat team. My father actually had to turn players away this year
after we got to 16.

What do you do to prepare for a game: I don't really do anything
different than I would any other day. I try to get a good night's sleep
and eat a good meal at lunch. After I get to the field, I do my stretching
routine and then long toss a little bit to stretch out my arm. Then I head
to the bullpen and throw about 25 pitches.

Who has been your role model: I never really had a role model in terms
of baseball, but in life it has always been my father. He has always tried
to teach me things that will make me a better person. One of his main
things that he always preached was treat everybody the same, try to make
everybody your best friend. That is something that I have always thought
was great advice and I have always tried to do. My father is the greatest
person I know and he has given up a lot to allow me to do the thing I love.

What was it like playing on your showcase teams: I played for "The
Dirtbags" for 2 years and in terms of baseball, I played against and with
some of the greatest players in the US. Every time we took the field, we
saw the best the other team had on the mound and in the box, and we were
very successful. Playing with that organization gave me the confidence to
know that I could get great hitters out with my stuff. I am not a 90's
lefty, but AP took a chance on a light throwing lefty and I hope that
organization was proud of how I represented them. In terms of
relationships, in those 2 years I met and developed friendships that will
last a lifetime. Everyone knows that those players are great on the field,
but those are great families and people off the field. The most important
thing I will take away from showcase baseball is friendship. I enjoyed
every minute on the field and off that I spent with those guys and I look
forward to playing against them and following them throughout their
careers.

What game of yours is your most memorable: My junior year we were
playing Hayesville and battling for the conference lead, my coach told me
the night before that I would be on the mound. I got to the ballfield and
saw a college coach there to watch me pitch and it was a coach that I
really wanted to go play for. We won 1-0 and I threw a complete game 2
hitter and struck out 14 on 91 pitches. Even though that coach is at a
different school now, I still get to go play for him next year.

What are your ambitions: Like any other athlete, I want to play in the
pros. However, if I do or don't, I want to make a difference in people's
lives. I want people to be proud that they know me.

What is your favorite color and why: Tennessee Orange! I guess the
reason why is that if I show up at school next year and don't wear it, I
will stand out like a sore thumb.

9Are you dating: Not really. I have a young lady that I talk to and we
hang out and catch a movie every now and then, but with my schedule there
isn't alot of time to really "date."

Does your uniform number have a special meaning: My high school number
has always been 17 and it was just what was left over on the varsity when I
was a freshman.

What are your parents names and sisters/brothers: My dad's name is
Kevin Allman and my mom's name is Diana Allman and she is the best mom
ever. I have one sister, Blair Allman and she is 12. She is my biggest
fan, and a pretty good athlete herself. I am very fortunate to have the
support that I do from my entire family. My grandparents, and aunts and
uncles have always been there for me and helped me with whatever situation
came up.

Stretchy knows: In his first year of baseball Josh was a 1 bat and 6 out substitute and now he is going to play in the SEC by working hard to get better. Josh did not even start pitching until he was a freshman. Josh has a 4.37 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.

 

"attaboy" Josh!

Great young man, great family... 'nuff said!

 

Proud to know the Allmans

It is a tremendous honor for me to know the Allman family and have them as friends. Josh is a remarkable young man, loaded with talent and potential. He is eager to work his tail off and will do whatever it takes to be successful in baseball as well as life. He also has that rare ability to be humble and respect others always. I am very glad I have had the chance to know Josh.

 

Great Interview

Gotta love it when a kid acknowledges that his father is his role model!
Good luck this year and next year with the Volunteers! And thanks to Stretchy for spreading the wealth all over the state and interviewing these fine young men.

 

Fine young man

Pleasure to know this young man, if he would just stop breaking into hotel swimming pools and having the law called on his teammates! Seriously, outstanding and respectful guy. Only time I've ever been to Bryson City, NC was to spend a little time with the cordial, polite Allman clan. Best of luck Josh.

ncsu82 knows: Josh's grandfather was a long time caddy for Larry Loretti on the tour. That man's a hoot!

 

First class

young man and a first class family. I feel so lucky to have gotten the chance to get to know Josh and his dad. Josh is one of the most polite and respectful young men you will ever meet. Josh is very talented and will be successful not only at baseball but in life as well. Great interview. You can tell alot about him by the way he answered those questions. First class all the way!

 

True Friends

I too consider myself fortunate to have met Josh and his family. Josh demonstrates a true respect for his family, friends and the game of baseball. For those of you familiar with country music, every time Tracy Lawrence's song "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" comes on, it makes me think of Josh and his family. My family has been blessed by meeting them.

Congrats on a well deserved scholarship and good luck in orange!!!

RedSoxFan knows: Josh is a pretty good basketball player too and has a cute little sister he has to keep an eye on....

 

The Allmans are first and foremost great people in my book. You do not have to be around Josh, and his dad, Kevin to quickly understand that fact. If you ever get in a jam in the western part of the state, I'd bet my last dollar that this family would help you out at the drop of a hat. A true plaeasure and a joy to have met them.

 

Thank you on behalf of all of us!

Stretchy: Thank you for taking the time out to do this for young men across the state.

To each and everyone: Thank you for your kind comments directed toward my son and family. Knowing each one of you and what type of people and families are represented, it is an honor for Josh and ourselves to be held in such high regard. Like my son, showcase baseball gave me one thing that I will always have and that is alot of great friends, man I am going to miss those weekends.

NCSU82: They have a term for my father and I believe it goes "full of ----"

RedSox: He operates on the Iverson principle, if you throw it up enough times, it is bound to find the hole.

 

I have read this interview 10 times and still didn't realize I haven't posted in it.

Kevin, what an outstanding young man you are raising. You should be proud of Josh and the wonderful advice from Dianna (we all know who the real guidance comes from). There is no question that Josh will be successful in whatever direction his future may lead.

Kudos to the Allman family!!!!