TBR Interview- Jason Hill On Deck

The Hill family in Charlotte are like royalty. Headed by the Matriarch of the family, Garry Hill, they have played a major role in Charlotte's baseball landscape since the '60's and it has brought them to the present with the ownership of On Deck Baseball Academy.

For those that don't know Mr. Hill, he pitched at UNC Chapel Hill and still holds the ACC single season record with the lowest ERA- 0.71. He became the 3rd overall selection in the 1st round draft for the Atlanta Braves. The stories of Garry's accomplishments at every level of baseball are amazing. Simply the most dominating pitcher of his time up until an arm injury derailed his professional career. He took his American Legion team to two World Series at a time when AL was HUGE in it's stature and when it was not uncommon for a pitcher to throw 15 innings in a game then come back with two days rest.

His son, Jason, is the Director of baseball operations at On Deck. Jason had a stellar career at UNC-Charlotte where he achieved many honors and was selected team MVP. He finished his career in the top five in every offensive category at UNC- Charlotte. But what makes Jason unique is his commitment to education. Armed with his Masters Degree in English Education, Jason became a teacher in Cabarrus County, and was awarded the Cabarrus County Schools First Year High School Teacher of the Year Award.

On Deck is a unique experience and I hope from reading this interview you will see what I mean.

Jason, tell us your background in baseball and how you got started with On Deck


I grew up in a baseball family. My father, Garry Hill, was part of the 1963 Colt League World Championship team, the 1964 Post 9 Legion Baseball World Championship runner up team, and the 1965 Post 9 Legion Baseball World Champions. He also played for the 1965 State Champion Garinger High School baseball team. He was drafted in 1965 by the Washington Senators, but decided to accept a full scholarship to UNC Chapel Hill. After two years at UNC, he signed as a first round draft pick with the Atlanta Braves in 1967. My uncles, Eddie Hill and Billy Prophet, also grew up playing baseball in Charlotte. They also played for Garinger and Post 9. Eddie went to UNC Chapel Hill and was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, while Billy played at Clemson University where he also coached after graduation.

My two brothers, Kevin and Travis, and I were very fortunate to grow up in Charlotte as well, listening to stories about my father’s playing days with Garinger High School, Post 9, and the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals. Despite his success, my dad never pushed us to play. He believed the motivation to play and work hard had to come from within, so he introduced us to the game of baseball through stories. Needless to say, his approach worked and to this day those stories never get old! At this point, I have to mention that it was my mother, Sandra, who would take the three of us to Newell Elementary School for extra practice. She would put us in position and hit fly balls and ground balls to us until the playground equipment simply became too enticing.

I remember my dad coming to our Little League games at Northeast Athletic Association, now University City, and watching from a distance, but never saying a word. There was nothing better than hitting a homerun, having a tough at bat against a kid that was older, or striking someone out in a key situation, and watching him smile with pride. However, some of the best talks and life changing moments I have experienced came after I failed on the field. My dad was, and still is a fierce competitor, but he was also really good at keeping the game in perspective and putting it in its proper place in life.

I played at West Charlotte High School and for Post 287 in the summer. I originally signed to play at Campbell University, but transferred to UNC Charlotte. While at Campbell, I was lucky to become teammates and roommates with a childhood friend, Scott Jackson (East Meck HS ’93), who always impressed me with his passion for the game. Scott is now an assistant coach at UNC Chapel Hill. I also became friends with Kent Cox, who is one of the most genuine people you can meet, and other than Bo Robinson, one of the best college hitters I ever saw in person. Kent is now the recruiting coordinator at Gardner-Webb University. However, it was at UNC Charlotte that I really came into my own as a player. I learned a lot about the game, the importance of being realistic and hard work from Head Coach Loren Hibbs. He had an enormously positive influence on me as a player and a person. While at Charlotte, my love for playing the game grew tremendously, but I also developed a desire to teach the game. In addition to my father and my uncle Billy, who happened to be two of the best coaches I ever played for, UNC Charlotte assistant coaches Jay Matthews (currently a scout with the Colorado Rockies) and Mike Shildt (currently with the St. Louis Cardinals) contributed to my desire to coach and work with young people.

In 2003, I was in my fourth year as an assistant coach at UNC Charlotte, while teaching English at Northwest Cabarrus High School, when Mike Shildt (On Deck’s founder) contacted me about coaching an On Deck O’s team during the summer and fall. I accepted the offer and recruited my recently retired father to be the pitching coach. We had an amazing experience. We had the pleasure of coaching the 2004 On Deck O’s, who finished 3rd at the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Championships in Jupiter, Florida. It was on the plane ride back from Florida that we decided to discuss buying On Deck Baseball/Softball Skill Development Academy from Mike, who we knew had an opportunity to join the St. Louis Cardinals Organization. On Deck is now entering its 10th year of existence and service to the greater-Charlotte area.

 

What makes On Deck unique?

On Deck is a family-owned business that promotes a family atmosphere. On Deck BSDA and the On Deck O’s Program operate with the vision of developing young people into the best baseball and softball players they can be, but more importantly, the best students and people they can be.

On Deck BSDA is truly about development! The core of the staff at On Deck grew up together and has been playing, coaching, and teaching the game together for many years. We believe in getting to know the player or student and assessing his or her strengths and weaknesses, keeping instruction simple, and promoting proper fundamentals. I am proud of the fact that the coaches and/or instructors at On Deck are first and foremost teachers of the game. They possess an ability to customize instruction to the individual, while at the same time respectfully requiring the player to adjust to certain expectations.

Development comes first, but we also believe in being competitive and teaching players how to win. A “win at all cost” attitude can be detrimental to a player’s individual development, but learning and striving to win is healthy and part of the overall developmental process.

You have been involved in Showcase baseball for many years, what changes have you seen over the years?

The most obvious changes I have noticed in showcase baseball are the increase in the number of travel teams and the early age at which they are starting to form. On one hand, I love the fact that kids in our community have so many options to play the game of baseball. On the other hand, I worry about whether or not the large number of teams in our area, are beginning to divide and water down the talent pool too much. We now have teams at On Deck Baseball Academy for ages 8-13, and of course, the On Deck O’s from ages 14-17. We also support the local recreational leagues and support the tremendous value they offer to this community.

Unfortunately, the college recruiting process is speeding up each year, and in turn, is requiring many student-athletes to focus on a sport to refine and polish their skills earlier. I think it is important for kids to participate in multiple sports throughout their adolescent years if possible. Generally speaking, I will admit that I see the need for kids that have a goal and dream of playing a collegiate sport to focus on that sport once they enter their sophomore or junior year of high school. The athletic and academic successes of many of our area colleges have enabled them to recruit from a much larger area, which means our players are trying to separate themselves from players regionally and nationally, not just locally. However, kids can focus on one sport too early, and play it too much during the year, and become burned out very easily.

On Deck’s team program is year-round, and very intense, but it is for the above mentioned reason that we play games during 4 to five months out of the year and we strategically build in less intense and off time into our schedule. Kids need physical and mental breaks; they need to have time to be kids!

What changes would you make?

I would like to change the perception some people have of “showcase” baseball. I understand the benefit some kids get from attending individual showcases. Evaluators can assess a player’s skills and actions during such an event, but an individual showcase does not always show a coach everything he needs to see. Unfortunately, these events can promote an individualistic approach to the game. Unfortunately, some players, parents, coaches, and organizers approach showcase team tournaments as if they are individual showcase events. We try to avoid those events with our teams when at all possible. It has been my experience that players perform much better and showcase their abilities on a higher level when they are focused on helping their team be successful. Evaluators not only get to see skills and actions, they get to watch how well a player interacts with his coaches and teammates, and how well he executes the game in competitive situations. I feel that it is important for showcase baseball to stay true to the fact that baseball is a team sport!

Do you have particular memories in your experience with On Deck that standout?

This is a tough question, because there have been so many each year. I have to begin with the 2004 On Deck O’s finishing 3rd in Jupiter as an unforgettable memory. It was one of those experiences where everything came together at the right time and time after time every player stepped up in key situations to exceed all expectations. It was amazing! Honestly, the point at which every player and his family have decided to commit to a college program or sign a professional contract rank among the best memories I have as well.

In no particular order, some of my fondest memories or highlights include, Jared Bard’s (2006 O’s) pitching performance against the Ohio Warhawks to move us to 3-0 in Jupiter; Andrew Smith’s (2007 O’s) winning pitching performance at Furman against the East Cobb Astros; winning the Catamount Classic at Western Carolina University three years in a row; Mike Gragilla (2009 O’s) hitting a grand slam in his final at bat in an O’s uniform, the pitching efforts of T.J. Worrell, Ben Buchanan, Alex Martin, Tom Porter, A.J. Mason, Morgan Tyson, and Tommy Baldridge (2004 O’s) in Jupiter; Mike Cavasinni (2005 O’s) and Kyle Shelton (2004 O’s) coming through in clutch against the East Cobb Braves in Jupiter, the dugout during rain delays, especially with Max and Kurt Fulginiti (2006 O’s) and Andy Holcomb (2006 O’s); watching Matt Andress (2006 O’s) develop as a pitcher; watching Drew Martin (2005 O’s) and Greg Miclat (2005 O’s) compete against one another at every practice, the effect Mike Cavasini’s passion for playing had on everyone around him; and the maturity displayed by Jack Reinheimer (2010 O’s) during an intense recruiting process, Jake Buchanan (2007 O’s) making the Cape Cod League All-star team; Steven Hummel’s (2009 O’s) commitment to Davidson College; Ben Boykin (2010 O’s) and Jordan Griffin (2010 O’s) at practice and in the dugout; and the conversations we have as a staff.

It is impossible to share all of the memories I have during my time at On Deck, but it is the relationships that are forged with each player and his or her parents that provide the most important and lasting memories of all. I am always amazed at how the On Deck O’s families rally together to support everyone’s child and make it possible to operate the program the way we do.

 

This is a family venture, tell us what that experience is like and how it has helped?

I can’t tell you how many times we were cautioned about going into business with family, and while their have been some tough times, ultimately it has been a great experience. As a result of working with my dad and brothers, I feel closer to them than I ever have, and that is saying a lot because we were close before. It is great to be able to lean on people you trust more than anyone else in the world for important decision-making and constructive criticism.

My brothers are my best friends, and I am fortunate to also work with some friends that are like brothers to me. The core of the On Deck staff has known one another for many years. I have known Bo Robinson since Little League. We played against each other when Bo was at Park Sharon and I was at Northeast. Bo played for Pineville Legion and I played for the rival Post 287. Bo was a standout at South Meck HS, while I was at West Charlotte. We were teammates for the first time when we played for Region 6 during State Games, and again at UNC Charlotte. My family has known Linjun Javelona since he was in elementary school and he and my brother, Kevin, have been close friends ever since. Eric Shanks has been a very close friend and teammate since high school and during college. Paul Lover has been a friend and colleague for eight years and I had the pleasure of coaching his son, Ashton, this past summer and fall. Mike Shildt coached Kevin, Linjun, and Eric while they were in high school at West Charlotte, and Bo and I while he served as hitting coach at UNC Charlotte. Kevin, Linjun, Eric, and Bo have been at On Deck since Mike opened the doors in 2000. On Deck has been extremely fortunate to be able to add key people who share our vision and philosophy and bring a great deal of knowledge and expertise to our operation. These include Valerie Cress, Ken Vining, Rafael Mendez, Joey Cress, John Spencer, Brian Ennis, Joe Davenport, C.R. Braniff, Rob Henson, Jon Tuscan, Joe Colandro, Trey Putman, Jared Barwick; and former O’s players David DeSilva, Tommy Baldridge, and Jason Haynes.

In addition, my wife, Janine, gives fastpitch softball lessons and my mother, Sandra, offers tutoring services at On Deck. It is truly a family venture and I think the family atmosphere makes our customers and members feel as if they are at their second home and they are truly surrounded by people who care about their children.

What have you found to be the most rewarding for you with On Deck?


In my opinion there are five main objectives that have to be at the forefront of any good travel/showcase baseball program, the pursuit of education, character development, skill development, exposure, and relationship/friendship building. We, at On Deck, want to work along side the parents, high school and middle school coaches, and community leaders to help young people achieve their goals and become successful professionals that value faith and family. It has been very rewarding to watch over 140 players in the past ten years graduate from the On Deck O’s program and not only achieve their goals of going to college, but have success once they get there and beyond.

Of course, on a grand scale it has been very rewarding and exciting to watch former On Deck O’s players such as Shaun Wixted (2007 O’s) accepting a nomination to play baseball at West Point; Adam Hill (2008 O’s) accepting a Presidential Nomination to continuing playing at the U. S. Air Force Academy, Daniel Bard (2003 O’s) making his MLB debut for the Boston Red Sox; Robert Woodard (’03 O’s) becoming the career wins leader at UNC Chapel Hill; Greg Miclat (2005 O’s) being named ACC Freshman of the Year while at Virginia; Chase Austin being drafted by the Marlins in the 5th round; Tommy Baldridge (2004 O’s) being named to the ABCA All-Region First Team for Coastal Carolina University; Devin Harris (2006 O’s) leading ECU during the Super Regionals in 2009; and watching six On Deck O’s alumni participate in the NCAA College World Series.

Daily, it is so rewarding to see the expression on a kid’s face when they put it together for the first time and hit a ball hard to the back of the cage, or get a call or email from a player you have been working with informing you that he made the team. You can’t help but wonder how those simple successes might lead to academic and/or social successes.

 

What advice would you give to all families entering Showcase baseball?


First, it is really important to look into all the options available and figure out which one is the best for their son’s overall development. There are a lot of good organizations to pick from in North Carolina. There are a lot of organizations that focus on exposure, there are a lot of teams that focus on winning, but in my opinion there are very few that focus on development. Find an organization that strives to accomplish all three and has a proven track record in developing players. As a family, it is important to make sure everyone is ready to make the full commitment, because that is exactly what it is in a good organization, a family commitment. Finally, parents must work hard to remain positive and support their kids through the ups and downs that a season is sure to induce. Be realistic about your kid’s ability level and keep in mind that development is a process that takes time and consistent work habits.

What are the future plans with On Deck?


We are going to continue serving the general public through private lessons, classes, and camps. We will continue to operate the On Deck O’s and the On Deck BSDA teams, which are growing and improving every year. I am excited about hosting more On Deck tournaments in the area as well. We are currently hosting eight On Deck events this coming summer and fall.

Last year the On Deck O’s organization teamed up with the South Charlotte Panthers (Don Hutchins), NC Baseball Academy Golden Spikes (Scott Bankhead), Heat Showcase Baseball (Jason Harris), and Canes Showcase Baseball (Jeff Petty) to form Atlantic Coast Prep Baseball (ACPB). ACPB is an organization committed to promoting players and their accomplishments, as well as organizing team showcase events that provide high levels of competition, and equal exposure to evaluators and quality playing sites. On Deck is very excited about growing the ACPB in the future.

Is there anything you would like to say to the TBR members?


I think it is great that there is a place online for people to post useful information, positive comments about the area’s youth and teams, and interact about the accomplishments of young people from this community. As I mentioned before On Deck BSDA is currently entering its 10th year of service to this community, and I would like to thank you all for your support and kind words. Let’s keep working together through baseball to create great opportunities for the youth growing up in our community.

 

I want to thank Jason for doing this interview. For an organization that has been around for a decade, I thought it would be good to get an inside look to this popular program. They are special and I attribute it to being a family owned business. They do an outstanding job coupling athletic talents with academics led by their mother, Sandra, the Director of the new On Deck Academic Academy, which is designed to aid student-athletes with test-taking strategies, test performance, and developing effective studying techniques and habits.

 

On Deck provides the greatest teaching environment I have ever seen.

 

Hill Family

I grew up playing with and against all of these guys and worked with them for over two years. The whole family is a class act with a great knowledge of the game. They have been a huge asset to Charlotte baseball. The time and effort they spend helping these kids grow as players and people is remarkable. Thanks On Deck for all that you do.

 

On Deck

Great Organization, What these guys have written says it all for me;


"I just wanted to thank you and let you know how much I appreciate all that you did for me in my development as a player. I believe that the solid fundamentals that I learned from Lindo, Eric, Bo, Kevin and everyone else helped me realize my dream of playing in college and I want you to know that all you guys had a big part in whatever success I've had" - Jake Watson, Charlotte Christian High School, South Carolina Commit .

I played for On Deck back in '03 and '04 and I loved it. The Hill family is first class and they run a great program that Mike Shildt built from the ground up. The teams are built pushing the "team" concept. They will push you mentally and physically to get better but they only do that to prepare you for the next level. They have a great supporting staff there at On Deck to help you with any phase of the game you want to get better at. The tournaments we played in were well scouted and every coach at On Deck did there best to get you to the next level. Everyone on our team except for one guy went on to play college baseball. The one guy had a lot of places to go play college baseball but went to school for an education only and the school he went to was a great place to go. So as far as exposure is concerned they will get your name out there, you just have to perform when they put you on the field. I recommend if you have the chance to play for them it's one you won't regret but be prepared to work your butt off and you may get the occasional butt chewing, if needed (parents, if your son can't handle it, then he won't make it in college baseball I promise you that )." - Morgan Tyson, 2004 On Deck O's student-athlete at Tusculum College,

"On Deck provided me with the right preparation to make it to the next level. I played with them for close to 5 years and each year was another step towards my goals. It is more than just another travel team because everyone cares about you, the individual. Much thanks and appreciation for everything y'all have helped me accomplish." - Jason Coker, 2008 On Deck O's/Charlotte Country Day/student-athlete at UNC Pembroke

"To me, On Deck was like a second family. Not only did they teach me how to play the game the right way but also how to compose myself off the field. I learned from them that the only way to succeed at this game is to succeed in handling failure. On Deck isn't just a training facility but a baseball family." - Kyle Mastroianni, 2008 On Deck O's/North Mecklenburg High School standout and future student-athlete at UNC Pembroke

“I have played for many teams in the past, but I have never encountered such an outstanding staff, and group of guys. I have gained many friends and learned new things here at On Deck.”– Christian Dickson, 2008 On Deck O’s/Buford High School standout

“...we are now on the other side of what IS the On Deck O's. It wasn't easy but it has been mind blowingly fun. These coaches have made our boys from JUST THIS AREA into teams who are bringing down the giant machines...Thank you from the bottom of my heart to On Deck for helping my son develop into the young man he is today”. - Emily Andress, mother of Matt Andress, 2006 On Deck O's and Appalachian State University standout

“I feel like On Deck greatly prepared me for the next level.” - Shaun Wixted, 2007 On Deck

“At On Deck, I had the chance to pitch in front of a lot of scouts and play with a great group of guys.” – Jordan Darnell, 2008 On Deck O’s/Ardrey Kell High standout/future Elon University student-athlete

“The coaches at On Deck worked hard with me on my swing and helped me to make better contact.” – Cameron Foster, Charlotte Latin standout/formerly a member of the 2009 On Deck O's

“Being on the On Deck O’s taught me to become professional, to be on time, and to become a better person. I played there since I was 14 years old and they helped me earn the scholarship to UNC Charlotte.” – Andrew Smith, 2007 On Deck O’s/Butler High standout/UNC Charlotte

“Four years at On Deck accelerated my baseball career.” – Kevin Shackelford, 2007 On Deck O’s/Providence High standout/Marshall University freshman baseball player.


“I wanted to make you aware of a specific incident that occurred during a game in a local USSSA tournament involving your 15U On Deck O’s team. The opposing team was utilizing a pitcher who had exceeded the maximum number of innings allowed yesterday after pitching a similar number of innings the previous day. Upon notifying the tournament site director who verified the facts, the director informed the On Deck Coaches that if they chose to officially protest, the opposing team would be required to forfeit the game, awarding a win to the O’s. Both coaches declined to accept the offer, indicating they were more concerned with the potential harm to the young man pitching than any desire to “win the game under those circumstances”. The tournament director required the opposing team to change pitchers and the game proceeded.

I spoke with both coaches following the game and thanked them for their actions. Both men are to be commended for their professional conduct and their obvious concern for the well being of an individual player on an opposing team. They are setting a fine example for both young people and adults alike in a very competitive athletic environment where appropriate decision making, good sportsmanship and desirable leadership are not always exemplified. I am certain you will agree with my sentiments.

Kudos to your staff and good luck in the future at On Deck!

Sincerely, Parent on the other team

 

ACPB

The ACPB looks like an awesome group! Great idea. Get a lot of the best teams together and play. Good folks, in it for the right reasons!