Signing Day

Dietrich hasn't signed but he is going to Pheiffer

 

Congratulations to Dietrich! Coach Pollard is a nice guy and has done a heck of a job with that program.

 

Congrats to Kevin. Another On-Deck kid going with a quality program!

Budman, not only are they bringing in some good arms, but Louisburg is bringing in a kid ranked as the #20 middle infielder in the nation by TeamOneBaseball.com. They are committed to getting that program back to the top where it belongs!

44, for the record, On-Deck scrimmaged Surry CC last year at Surry (split with them), so it is possible that Dietrich had already seen them. I agree that kids need to look at all options but ultimately, they need to sign with the place they feel most comfortable with and not second guess themselves. That is why I took offense at the intent of bbfan's post (as I saw it at least which maybe I read too much into it). The kid is making a hard enough decision so there is no reason to try to make them doubt their decision when bbfan has no idea if Dietrich had already looked at either Surry or Blue Ridge and just decided those were not the places for him. He is a smart kid with a good family and I have no doubt that wherever he decides to go, it will be the right decision for him regardless of what bbfan thinks!

 

I agree with you on that Dietrich should pick what is best for him. I am happy for him and like I said Coach Pollard does a tremendous job. Who is the middle infielder you are referring to that's ranked the #20 MI in the country? I would be interested in knowing who that is. Also, about On-Deck splitting in the fall with Surry. First of all, what was the score on the score board following those two games? Secondly, how many players from Surry played in both games? I happen to know for a fact that Surry doesn't even keep score in the fall, so how did they split? Also, Coach Tucker splits the team in two halves and each half team plays each game so each player gets to play one whole game. That combined with pitchers throwing limited numbers of pitches to help save their arms doesn't quite mean that On Deck would have split with them under regular circumstances. I do know that the On Deck O's have a good (if not one of the best) high school AAU program, but to say, and honestly believe, that they would split with a college team of Surry's caliber is hard for me to believe. I'm not saying it isn't possible though. I think we can all agree though that each kid looks for different things in schools, and it appears that Dietrich has made the choice that he is comfortable with and I am extremely happy for him. Congratulations to him.
As for Louisburg, they have signed a number of talented pitchers. I am not aware of the middle infielder you are referring to though. If I were a high school senior or a high school senior's parent, I would be very weery of the offer that Louisburg puts on the table. Lets just say they have a way of coming up short with money to some players. Ask around to players that have been there and played and you may find out what I am talking about.

 

I agree that a kid should go where he is most comfortable, and the best fit for him. I just think a lot of kids go to schools like Spartanburg-Meth. and Louisburg based on reputation. Programs like Blue Ridge and Surry haven't been in existence for 60 years. Also, when Louisburg went to 8 of their World Series there were only about 3 or 4 programs in their conference. Now I think there are 8 or 10. I also listed several factors that are important, not just picking a school because of their field. That is ridiculious. But I would think that a baseball player would like to play on a nice field and not a bad field. All these schools play the same schedule, have the same academic classes, etc. The major differences are cost of school, facilities, location, etc. The point about a showcase team beating a junior college is absurd. Although I won't argue that some could beat junior college teams. Surry, along with all the others (Spartanburg-Methodist, Blue Ridge, Louisburg, etc.) all use the fall to evaluate their players. They pitch guys 2-3 innings each regardless of how good or bad they pitch. They split up their players and sometimes hit 10-12 players per lineup. The point is, they dont keep score, they work on situations, moving guys into different positions, etc. My point is, The University of Miami beat the Florida Marlins in spring training. Now do you really think that Miami is better than a major league team (especially the defending World Champions). If so, EVERY player that Miami has should be drafted in the first round. Again, Congrats to Dietrich. Pfeiffer has a solid program and Coach Pollard is a class guy.

 

I feel your pain.....

The JUCO route is a great place to play ball and get better while adjusting to the college life! Players who have a unpractical view of how their college playing career is going to unfold wellll GET READY! On the other hand "IF" you are good enough playing time is easier to come by! Course levels can be lowered to the minimum to concentrate "more" on those particular courses as well as baseball. All while preparing to transfer ALL your courses and getting ready to play ball at the "next" level! The only drawback to the JUCO route is you have to be very very good if NOT greaaaaat in order to find yourself somewhere at the DI level and continuing to contributre immediately at THEIR level, whereas the transition would be easier at a smaller school! Coaches want to make their plans and have a potential player around 4 years granted that the ALMIGHTY draft doesn t pick them up! Things have changed quite a bit since my playing days yet this is the way I see it and I am sure thier are exceptions to the rule! Again, be prepared to NOT be the STAR as you were on your HS team, and learn to pick splinters becasuse this is MORE the norm! :xyzthumbs

 

Mitch Harris, 3B/RHP, South Point HS, has narrowed his choices to the Naval Academy or Gardner-Webb. Right now is leaning toward Navy.

Steve Klenovic, C, Ashbrook, has agreed to sign with Limestone College in Gaffney, SC, just waiting on the NLI to arrive.

Best wishes to both of these fine young men and players!!

 

Charlotte Christian's shortstop Zach Watson has signed to play with Lipscomb University next year. Congradulations Zach.

 

I hear Southeastern CC is bringing in some good recruits.... Anyone heard?


Also, any mentions of JUCO signings, or guys looking hard at JUCO?

 

Word is, several out of state players going to Whiteville. Also, some in state kids (LHP from N.Brunswick - Rabon).