I didn't know what to name the title of this topic.
Yesterday Clemson won the ACC Championship, the game took about 8 (give or take) hours to complete. Clemson entered as a 6th seed and made it to the championship game against FSU, by defeating UVA, Louisville, NC State in round robin format. Clemsons head coach, Monte Lee and staff, except for the recruiting coach Brad LeCroy, were all new hires in 2016.
Clemson won the ACC Championhip exactly 10 years ago. My son was a player that year, and this year student assistant coach working with the pitching coach, Andrew See. But this isn't about him.
I am one of those who love the stories that come out this time of year when championship games are played. You all know about Clate Schmidt, who battled cancer, and pitched the game of his life against Louisville last week. After struggling a bit mid season on, he put in 8.2 innings against a team that swept the Tigers a while back.
Anyway, this is about the tournament MVP, Mike Triller,
Mike is a 5th year senior walk on, who never got much playing time while with the Tigers and entered the tourney 4 for 25 this season in 4 years he was in 83 games and 110 at bats. This week he went 6 for 13, 3 doubles and2 HRs to earn MVP award.
I have always said go play where you will get playing time, be aware of the pitfalls of walking on.I guess sometimes a person can be wrong. So often we hear about players leaving because playing time is more important than a degree (something I dont believe in). I guess he felt that being a Tiger and his education were more important, I get that.
Mike worked really hard at being the best player he could be. Son said he never gave up and worked his a$$ off in the gym, and never once did you hear anything negative about him, team player willing to do whatever is asked of him. This is the best example about what we post about here when parents or players come here being upset from lack of playing time, BE PATIENT AND MAKE THE MOST OF THE OPPORTUNITY GIVEN TO YOU. This player will forever carry with him memories that will last a lifetime.
And, you do not have to be a top draft prospect to be successful in college baseball.
Here's to all the players like Mike Triller who never gave up!
