Fike's Mitchell Wheeler and Hopewell's Kyle Himler

Two guys I want to mention that haven't received the attention they deserve.

Mitchell Wheeler: I started following this young man last year after his dad helped me out so much on the board. I noticed he had an outstanding HS season last year, but he followed that up with an even better summer and fall campaign. After every game I noticed him going 3-4 or 4-4 nearly every time. I started talking to people I trust that know Mitchell and they were telling me what a great kid he is. I've heard from coaches, umpires and savvy parents all say the same thing. If he chose to wait in his decision on schools he could have had many options. But he knew where he wanted to go and made the best decision for him. For those that have never seen Mitchell play, he is a must! He plays baseball the right way with a determined attitude to win...and that is what makes him special. He is a leader among his peers and they expect for him to find a way to win.

Kyle Himler: This is an unique story. Himler has always been very talented. He may be small in stature, but he carries a strong bat with a ++ arm. Although Kyle was recovering from tj surgery, he still was one of the leaders on his team. It was up to him to decide how he was going to lead them; Either in a positive or destructive way. See, whether they were true or not, Kyle developed a reputation among the college coaches as not willing to work hard. That he wasn't serious about the game...and having a new coach at his school would challenge those remarks about his game. But here's where the story turns.

His new coach had recognized immediately the leadership skills that Kyle has. He recognized his teammates listened to him and wanted to take advantage of those skills...and Kyle was willing to accept that role. All year long this young man has taken his role seriously--one of the first on the field and one of the last to leave. He embraced the idea of being a leader and understood how it can affect the team. Hopewell historically has been a dysfunctional team. Always had talent, but were not on the same page. This year was the best TEAM I've seen at Hopewell. There were no finger pointing, no excuses, no temper tantrums...it was just a bunch of talented guys that played for a common goal--to win their conference and go as far as they can in the playoffs.

Certainly there were many players responsible for the Hopewell season, but in my opinion what made them a team was the attitude, hustle, leadership and performance of Kyle Himler. He proved to anyone that mattered that he is a special player on anyone's team.

These are two seniors that are moving on to the next level. They play the game hard and they play to win. I don't think they get the accolades they deserve, so I thought it would be good to mention them as their season ended.

Please feel free to mention any player you would like to acknowledge for a job well done.

 

Kyle Himler

Braves,

I do not know the Mitchell Wheeler but I do know Kyle Himler. I will never understand coaches and coaches perceptions. Anyone that knows this young man knows what a hard worker he is. He has worked year round on his game since he was, I know, a 9 year-old. He is blessed with a tremendous arm but has worked tirelessly in the weight room to get stronger and on the field to get better.
Not only was he able to overcome the TJ surgery, but 2 years ago was diagnosed with advanced MERSA that nearly killed him. He had to work hard to return physically from that ailment. There were also some external issues that I am sure complicated things and could have distracted him and could have derailed his focus. Despite these challenges, Kyle remained determined to improve and continue this playing career.
Kyle is from a fine family and his Dad is as dedicated to his son and his development as a player and young man as any I have met in my years in baseball.
Congratulations Kyle. Best of luck at CVCC and I am sure your best baseball days are ahead of you. We are looking forward to following your college career.

 

Great post and right on target. I do not know the Wheler kid but do know Himler. I can echo your comments above. Kyle was a leader on the HW squad this year and someone the players looked up to. Himler will be a valuable asset to the CVCC squad the next couple of years. I've known hif folks for for several years and they too are great people!!!

 

I think Mitchell Wheeler is simply one of the most underrated players in the 2010 class. He is special and Barton's program took a big step up with his commitment.

Since Braves invited comments on other players who have not received as much notice as their counterparts, I'll mention two guys that fit that category for me. First, Phillip Cotton a 2010 infielder/outfielder/pitcher from Fuquay Varina. Phillip is also going to Barton in the fall. Kid has a bag full of tools and a burning desire to succeed. Not sure where he will play in college, but the fact is he could play almost anywhere and help his team.

The other guy that comes to mind is Joe Pistacchio, a 2010 pitcher from Green Hope High in Cary. Joe is certainly not unnoticed as he will be headed to App. St. in the fall to play ball. There are more publicized pitchers in the Triangle area, but for my money, I'd take him on the mound in a big game any time. He has that bulldog mentality to go along with a big arm.

 

I have known Kyle Himler for many years. Kyle has always been a leader on the baseball field. This kid nearly had his high school career taken away from him by the injuries. Kyle made the varsity team at Hopoewell as a freshman and got playing time. If i remember correctly he hit a HR in his first ever High school game. Klye has a MLB arm and a very powerful bat. A good year at CVCC and this kid could be off to the BIGS. Happy for him that Hopewell got a coach that recognized his talent. Now lets talk about the dad. This guy can draw(inside joke).

 

Good catch...another two deserving players.

 

Himler hit a 3 run walk off HR last night in a legion game vs Denver. His second for the legion season already.

 

Also Kyle is representing the West in the Senior State games.