Top 09' Prospects/Fantasy Team

Levi Michael. Best to come out of North Davidson in my memory. Slick fielder & Switch hits for power too.

Levi's only shortfall is his good-for-nothin' Dad. Be sure to quote me on that if you see him.

 

I Coached Them All

I think over the last few years I have coached what some would consider the Dream Team. I started the Carolina Mariners when these boys were 8 years old and coached them until they were 11 years old and at 13 started up the Angels after taking a year off, this past year completing my last year with some of them. I see some of them mentioned here on other teams. I am not listing them to brag or take any credit for their successes but to understand myself just how much talent I have had the chance to coach over the years. I am absolutely positive I left somebody out and I humbly apologize but there have been so many. From the time they were 8 years old, we played in every single championship game, AAU, USSSA, whatever the venue, spring, summer and fall. We won some and finished second in some but nevertheless we were there. For that I thank the following ex Mariners and Angels players I have coached:

09's
Levi Michael
Chaz Frank
Nick McBride
Mat Batts
Zach Burkhart
Brad Wrege
Tanner Beck
Tyler Coyle
Dairio Little

08's who were young enough to play with us:
Trey McCraw
Ethan Wilmoth
Ryan Glover

Give me all these boys back and we win the WORLD!!!!!
Now that was only kids I coached. There were many others I think are super players. Some that come to mind are Wiggy, Bass, Rothlin, Himler, Rhoney and Lyerly to name a few. The old Heat team and Catawba Valley teams were loaded. Probably the best TEAM we ever played was the Richmond Braves at age 10. They were unbelievable. So there is my history and some of the best players in the state. Anybody disagree?

 

Davie County Player

The Carter kid from Davie County has been pretty impressive the times I have seen him. The kid can play outfield, 3rd, and pitch. Pitched well against North Davidsonand East Rowan during the High School season. Played on the Davie Legion team as a 15 yr old. Pitched a lot of innings. Walked several but also struck out a lot. Hit the ball well when the the HS seniors went to the beach. Played 3rd pretty well also. He may be one to keep an eye on.

 

Didnt you have a set of twins that were pretty good?

 

Stanly County player

Wes Hatley (RHP) from South Stanly is listed on the top prospect team from the PG Atlantic Coast underclass showcase. Kid pitched against us in the state playoffs and has got some nasty stuff.

 

Richie Shaffer

I am STUNNED that you have not mentioned Richie Shaffer from Providence High School in Charlotte. Guys, you gotta get out more!

36 players were selected to tryout for the USA Youth National Team from over 2500 who participated in 3 "real" showcases (2 in the West and 1 in Florida).

After the tryout, 18 made the USA Youth National Team. Shaffer was one of the 18 who were selected to represent the United States of America. The roster included players from Florida, California and Texas. Other than those 3 States only 1 player was named from Georgia and Shaffer was the ONLY PLAYER named to the team from North Carolina. As a matter of fact he is in Venenzuela right now.

Our boys went 6-0 playing against Japan, Columbia, Mexico, Venenzuela and even Cuba, winning the Championship last night 8-2 over Columbia. Shaffer played a majority of the innings batting 5th/6th in the lineup while playing both 3B and 1B. He also pitched.

Believe me when I tell you that he is absolutely on every college recruiter and professional scouts list.

Just an oversight or too busy (shamelessly) promoting the local kids?

 

Above was Southerno1 jr's picks. Southerno1 Sr. would add Sean Pope from North Meck. A big righty with high 80's fastball. I would also add Mike williams from Northern Nash. Powerful 3b.

 

Dawgswood

Yes, there were a set of twins that played for the Mariners. They came on to the team as I was leaving the team. The next year, the team was combined with players from GBC and they played together for a year or two. If I remember correctly the Mariners finally folded after 13U.

 

private school

are there any private school guy's that you have come across to watch out for?

 

Richie is quickly becoming the next Madison Bumgarner in the sense that his name is a given when Top Players are brought up.

I like the Zupcic (sp) kid. I believe he has transferred to Providence, also.

and somebody asked about the private schools; Luke Bard is continuing the baseball royalty tradition of the Bard's baseball family at Charlotte Christian. The young man is a player.

Then, you have Alex Wood at AK. He will be one of the best pitchers in Charlotte next year. Couple him with Jordan Darnell of the Purple Knights and that is a dynamic duo.

There are so many outstanding players from all over the state, but Richie Shaffer certainly can lead whatever All Star team one can come up with.