State Champion Coach Hal Bagwell

Coach Bagwell is a great interview. You know you’re not going to get a one-sentence answer and that he’s going to speak from his heart. He always has a lot of things to say and he is always thoughtful and professional when answering. After winning his 1st State Championship, I knew it would be a great time to interview him again…and he didn’t let me down. He discusses his team’s championship run; Showcase baseball, American Legion, USA tryouts, the economy, his dad, RV, Bill Capps, etc, and a preview to the SW4A conference next year. There’s a reason he has tremendous respect from the coaching fraternity and is the standard bearer for coaches in Charlotte and you’ll read and get an idea why. What makes him unique is he never believes he can’t get better. Just like his expectations from all his players, he continues to work hard, attend coaching conferences and listens when other people speak; because he knows he may learn something new.

 

Congratulations Coach on winning the 4A State Championship! Was it as much fun as you thought?

It was incredible! My entire body went numb just after the last out. I couldn’t speak, walk, or hear anything for about 10 seconds. It was very emotional for me. We had accomplished our ultimate goal. Memories of my previous teams that got to the finals quickly came to mind. Our kids truly bought in to everything we asked them to do from day #1 back in September of 2008. We got real close the year before and learned a tremendous amount from that experience. We talked about the process the entire year….not the result. We never mentioned the loss in the 2008 Finals against Rose. We truly understood the prize and our kids were on a mission. There was never a time throughout the season where we played in fear or with doubt. Our senior leadership deserves all the credit for that! By the way…I had a reporter ask me about AK becoming a dynasty… 2 state finals in 2 years, etc. I had to stop him real quick and give him Ronald Vincent’s phone #. He is a close friend of mine and I have as much respect for him as any coach in this state. I told the reporter we wanted to model our program after Greenville Rose and that we would have to win many more to put us in that category. They are the dynasty in NC, period! I have learned a lot from Coach Vincent. It was very humbling for me to get a congratulatory call from him after the series! The outpouring of support has been amazing with colleagues, friends, former players, the student body, the faculty, the community, former teammates, etc. congratulating us. I never knew so many people cared about us….and it is very humbling indeed!

Can there be a better atmosphere to have a road playoff game than at South Caldwell? Was that a special game for you?

The atmosphere was electric for sure. They have an unbelievable following and are some of the best fans in our state! We certainly weren’t in awe but we had a tremendous amount of respect for them! We were battle tested by simply playing in the SW4A. The atmosphere against South Caldwell was really no different to us than the playoff atmosphere we experienced against Providence the last 2 years or in the 2008 State Championship against Rose. It was special for me because of the way we beat them. It was like a roller coaster…early lead for us, late lead for them. We had several unbelievable individual performances that allowed us to win late in the game. We understood the prize and the process it takes to get the prize. There was never a time during that game where our kids didn’t believe we would win. To beat a team of that caliber, in their house, with a regional appearance on the line….sure it was special and I will always remember it!

 

What made this team special?

Our core group of players won 55 games in 2008 and 2009. The reason I say this is because they were not the most talented group of players I have ever coached. That’s a pretty good 2-year win total. Don’t get me wrong…we were talented but it took much more than that. We had tremendous senior leadership that believed in our system. That filtered down to the other players and the seniors enforced it. The atmosphere was loose when it needed to be loose and intense when it needed to be intense. In my opinion, it simply cannot be intense all the time and they totally understood the fine line. There was no way that Zico Pasut, or Alex Wood, or Taylor Patterson, or Ryan Stetson was going to be denied. Because of this….the entire team followed our blueprint for success. We practiced extremely hard and with purpose. We met our practice goals nearly every practice. Those daily goals were as follows:

• Promptness is an absolute
• Get 1% better individually every day.
• Get 1% better as a team every day.
• Read the practice plan thoroughly and understand the expectations.
• Read the thought of the day
• We must be organized and prepared – everyone will be on the same page
• Lay out or go home – practice to WIN
• We must be crisp and enthusiastic
• Beat the grind
• Compete, compete, compete – who wants the job?
• Practice at a pace that makes the games easier
• Master the small details – everyone pays attention to the large details
• Make the coaching staff’s job easier – listen, learn, apply
• Accept constructive criticism.
  We also concentrated on the things that I believe it takes to have a successful program.. They are:
• Learn to hate to lose
• Be responsible for your actions on and off the field
• Be on time everywhere
• Be prepared- master the small details
• Stay in shape- physically and mentally
• Take care of injuries immediately
• Practice skills at full speed
• Have a complete understanding of our offensive, defensive, and pitching philosophies
• Be receptive to coaching and constructive criticism
• Strive for perfection all the time
• Identify your weaknesses and work on improving them
• Be team oriented- pull for each other, not against each other
• Take initiative, do things willingly
• Always anticipate the unexpected
• Be dedicated to gaining out TEAM’S goals
• Set realistic individual goals; these will never be more important than our team’s goals
• Develop positive cohesion with teammates and coaches
• Develop a mental toughness and a killer instinct
• Develop self discipline in all aspects of your game and life
• Believe in and abide by all team rules
• Play every second of the game as if it’s your last
• Avoid highs and lows- strive for consistency
• Relax in stressful situations, want the ball
• Think we not me
• Be enthusiastic about whatever we’re doing
• Never be satisfied
• Never be intimidated
• Never quit
• Admit it when you are wrong and move on, make no excuses, the answer is “YES SIR”
• Maintain high academic standards
• Be willing to go 0 for 4 and win than 4 for 4 and lose
• Be fundamentally sound in all aspects of the game
• Compete, compete, compete

Each player, as I do every season, was given a specific role at the beginning of the season that was evaluated mid year and post season. This is a time where I meet individually with each player and we have frank, sincere discussions regarding their role. The communication was incredible. Each player truly put their personal goals to the side for the team’s greater needs. Along with several breaks along the way…this is the main reason we won a state title! This was a total team effort. Without the selfless attitude from each player giving their heart and soul we would have had no chance at winning the state championship.

 

Will it be different for you and your team after winning your first state championship? How will you keep them hungry?

I had three teams lose in the state finals (1999, 2005, and 2008). Each team was very different in its own unique way. Each time we lost it seemed to make me even hungrier. You know….getting oh so close only to lose. It is difficult to explain until you actually experience it. I remember after each state finals loss actually planning for the next season on the way home from Raleigh. It was extremely motivating for me….evaluating myself as a coach….you know, the what ifs, what would I do differently, etc. Boy did I screw up a lot!!!! But taking those experiences and relating them to this year’s team really helped. We were very loose….I truly believe it was because I was. Teams typically take on the coach’s emotions and personality….and I was more relaxed for this one than ever. I made the comment to my staff that I had a good feeling about our guys from that standpoint. It was genuinely business as usual. We expected to win! I have found that as motivating as it is to lose a state championship it is much more motivating when you win one. The feeling of accomplishment is real yet humbling because you know how hard it is to get one. But once you feel it…..trust me your goal is to get one every single year. I am absolutely more motivated than ever before! Next years team has several returning players with big game experience. They know what it takes now. I expect them to be more motivated than ever before because they have actually tasted it…not just smelled it!

You were one of the inaugural coaches introducing the On Deck O’s teams; what are your thoughts about Showcase baseball? It has changed quite a bit since you were involved.

Wow…it seems like just yesterday when Mike Shildt approached me with a new concept. I dove into it with him and became a believer in it. Mike was truly a pioneer….and I appreciate him giving me the opportunity at On Deck. It was pretty easy coaching the Daniel Bards and Robert Woodards….just stay the heck out of the way and don’t screw them up! On Deck continues to do an outstanding job because the Hill family understands the process. They have an outstanding staff of baseball people! We have an open line of communication regarding my players that also play there. It is always in the best interest of the kid….that is why it works so well. The only other team that I knew of at that time was Bill Capps’ Carolina Sox. Bill should also be commended for what he has done for baseball in NC! Showcase baseball is bigger than ever. It allows players to be seen, period! As a coach that is very active in the recruiting process it is very important for my players to continue to receive proper training and exposure during the critical recruiting times throughout the year. As involved as I am with my players during the recruiting process, which is a lot, it would be much more difficult without the showcase teams and events. The scouts can evaluate more efficiently and manage their time better. The Charlotte area is loaded with outstanding organizations (SC Panthers – Don Hutchins is 1st class, CBC Diamond Rats – Jeff and Jake are the real deal, On Deck as mentioned before, and the Megastars with Jeff McNeely) that all do a great job. There is a reason why baseball in NC is at an all-time high! The only negative I see with showcase ball, and I’m not speaking for all organizations, is the concept of team play is dying. You know, doing the small things…bunting, getting the runner over, getting the runner in, etc. To me this is the way the game should be played. I’d be willing to bet that many scouts would like to see it too!

 

Where do you see American Legion baseball playing its role with HS baseball players?

I played for Pineville Post 337 back in my day and was fortunate enough to play for 3 years. We had tryouts and the talent level was big time. It was the only place we could play during the summer. If we didn’t make it…it was sandlot, period! Because of this it was very competitive back then. I think American Legion baseball is great but I don’t believe it will ever be what it was because of the other options players have today. I believe the other options are viable too. Don’t get me wrong….the players that play legion baseball are talented and they compete. I’m speaking for the Charlotte area…I know of the traditions that remain strong throughout the state. There is no more tradition or fan base in Charlotte like it used to be and I hate that. When I played for Pineville our goal was to win a state championship. That meant, just like school ball, we had to put our individual differences aside and do what was best for the team. From a pure team standpoint, legion baseball provides that. They have strict boundaries to adhere to…they can’t hold open tryouts or get a kid from another county or state. Showcase baseball teams typically select their players. Because of this, I believe it is very difficult to provide a true team concept. I am certainly not speaking for all showcase teams, but I know several in this category.

You have become involved with the USA teams; tell us about that?

I was fortunate enough to be invited as a trials coach for the 2007 Youth National Team tryouts. We had the top 36 sixteen and under players from around the country competing for 18 spots. You talk about talent…WOW! Several of those players were recently chosen in this years draft in the early rounds. We went through a 7 day period where baseball was my life. A typical day included started at 5:30 am and concluding around 1:00 am with a coaches meeting. I was in charge of the catchers and really enjoyed that. I also assisted in managing during the trials games. The team we chose went on to win the World Championship! USA Baseball has a strict set of standards for players and coaches to abide by…promptness, professionalism, manners, respect for the game, etc. I take great pride in knowing that I contributed to that championship! I also learned a great deal about the game from the other coaches on staff. These were coaches from all over the country…Washington State, Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, California, etc. I didn’t say too much….only when they asked for my opinion(s). But boy did I listen. It was like attending a baseball coach’s convention for 7 straight days. The USA Baseball organization has outstanding leadership and direction. They are extremely organized, first class, and are committed to the players and the game of baseball. I was also chosen this summer to attend trial team selections as member of their scouting task force. That job would have allowed me to be in Florida for 8 days. Unfortunately I had an injury that wouldn’t allow me to attend. Fortunately, they have given me another opportunity this September to be actively involved with their program at the training complex.

 

`The economy has affected everyone, including HS sports. Do you have an opinion about what you are seeing? Booster support? Administration support? Coach’s job security? Middle School programs being dropped? Etc.

This is the worst I have ever seen. I never thought I would see the day where so many teachers would be terminated. I see the booster support prioritizing more now than ever. In other words…put the wish list to the side and figure out what the necessities are. No one seems to know when the bleeding will stop…therefore the conservative approach to spending. As far as job security I believe the tenured teachers who coach we are safe. I know we had several young coaches who got caught up in the numbers game. One in particular, John Spencer at Myers Park, actually got reinstated. That was a great move by the Myers Park people. Coach Spencer does an outstanding job and his team was always well prepared. He is one of the brightest young coaches I’ve been around. As for the middle school sports it would have been a sad day to see those eliminated. Thank goodness it seems we dodged that bullet.

What are your thoughts about the SW4A next year?

The SW4A should be as good as ever. I think the league will actually be a little stronger from top to bottom than in recent years. Think about that…could it possibly be better after all 8 teams made the state playoffs last year? I believe so. I also believe we will have at least 3 teams that have the ability win a state championship. Each team has its fair share of talent and returning players. There are so many outstanding players throughout the league that it would be an injustice for me to attempt to name them all. There will be more quality depth on the mound for most teams as well. It will be typical….one team beats another and everyone calls it an upset. In reality there are no real upsets in the SW4A. Believe me as a coach and a player in our league for more than 20 years I’ve seen it too many times. Any team has the ability to beat any other team on any given night. Another thing about our league that makes it so competitive is the outstanding coaching. Each team we battle will have tremendous coaching and will be well prepared. You better have your team prepared or you will get out coached. It has certainly happened to me my fair share of times!

Just a quick note about something very important to me.
My dad, Kerry Bagwell, is not doing very well with his health. He is a very strong man and is the toughest man I’ve ever known. He has come across some tough times but is fighting like the dickens! I just want to say that he is the reason that I am doing what I do today. He is my mentor and my greatest influence. He has always supported me from my playing days and into my coaching career. He taught me how treat people the right way and to always be honest. He also taught me the work ethic I possess. Without him I don’t know what I would have become!

Is there anything going on in amateur or HS baseball that you would like to address?

Yes, just a quick note. The game of baseball in NC is in good shape. Thanks to the many people in our state that go above and beyond allow this to happen. This includes the recreation coaches, the showcase coaches, the travel team coaches, the AAU coaches, and the college coaches. This also includes TBR. You guys do a great job! There was a time when baseball in NC was not very good. That is far from the truth now. We need to continue to give all of our players the vehicle for success, regardless of their ability level. I am proud to say that I coach baseball in this state! I would also like to see more attendance at our annual NCBCA annual convention. You DO NOT have to be HS coach to attend or to become a member. This year we will be in Chapel Hill. Coach Fox and his staff will do a fantastic job and they are very excited about hosting us. Trust me….you don’t want to miss it! You can e-mail me if you have any questions at: [email protected]

Hal Bagwell- 4A State Championship Coach! It has a nice "ring" to it.

I want to thank Coach Vincent for allowing us to borrow his trophy in Charlotte...it's been a long time!

 

Nice....

interview Bravo & Bags!

 

This excellent interview reminds me that, as a parent who was ill-equipped to coach his son in the game he loved, I always felt that one of my biggest responsibilities was to do what I could to see that he received the best coaching possible as he developed. My definition of "best coaching" applied to the quality of both the on-field instruction and the positive guidance he received as a person off the field.

Today, my son would tell you that the overall quality of his numerous coaches has had a great deal to do with any measure of success he might have achieved as a player. He'd also tell you that Hal Bagwell's direction during his On Deck days was as influential as that of any coach he has had at any level.

Congratulations to Coach Bagwell; one of those men who coaches winners on and off the field!

 

Great Interview!

 

My two cents

Great interview! Let me go even further. My son plays baseball under Coach Bagwell. As a rising senior, he helped us tremendously throughout the recruiting process. I can only imagine the behind-the-scenes efforts he put forth that I am certain I am not even fully aware of. In heeding his assurances to "be patient," which came from a true knowledge that any parent having a son playing baseball anywhere else would be lucky to have, really paid off for my son. Through his guidance and seemingly tireless efforts, my son is getting the opportunity to play D-1 baseball at a school beyond my expectations. My son completely buys into everything Coach is about - both on and off the field. It speaks volumes to me when a 17 year old kid is quoting his coach to me with words he lives by every single day. Thanks Coach for believing in him and truly giving him the drive to succeed.