2004 Commitments and Signees

The News Sentinel has some news on Baseball commits from the Knoxville area today (In Football Season )

Link: Farragut's all-state first baseman picks Vandy

Way to go Mark Burgess!

"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Congratulations to Matt and his family. We look forward to him joining the Army team. This is another Tennessee player heading to the Point. I congratulate each player and student from Tennessee on making such a great committment.

We have one goal and one goal only....Beat Navy.

Congratulations to Scott Pettus (P/3B MBA) and family on his commitment to Vanderbilt University!

Scott's bio:
(All-Region 2001)(2002 All-Region, 7-2 with 72 K's in 55 Innings) (Twitty City) (Blue-Gray Classic VII at the University of Tennessee)


"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

It's getting to the point where this thread is getting too difficult to read!

Sincere congratulations to Scott and family!

Bob,
Head cook and bottle washer around this place

Bob,
Is that because of the length of the thread or no "Orange"?

"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Chris Rezabek (C/3B from Bolton HS) has committed to sign a letter of intent to play for Coach Bubba Cates at UT Martin. Congratulations to Chris and the Skyhawk baseball program!

Chris Rezabek bio:
Top catching prospect in the competitive Memphis Mid-South region. Good physical size with strong accurate arm and solid defensive skills. Can also play 3rd base, where his quick hands and arm strength are assets. 1.93-1.99 POP Time and 90%+ Caught Stealing ratio. 60 Time 7.2. 2002 Spring/Summer Stats: Batted .375 with 5 HR and 48 RBI. 2002 TBCA Showcase selection. Fall 2002: Dulin’s Dodgers Varsity Elite Travel Team – Batted .458 with 11 RBI in nine Fall games. 2003 Spring/Summer Stats: Batted .371 with 3 HR and 48 RBI. Named a “Top Junior Player” selection by the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper. Earned All-District, All-Metro and All-Region honors. 2003 TBCA Showcase repeat attendee. Fall 2003: Gameday Prospects Varsity Elite Travel Team (Dulin’s Dodgers).



"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Adam Snyder commits to Milligan College

A "BIG" congratulations to Adam Snyder (RHP/INF) Knoxville West HS and his family for his recent commitment to Milligan College. Milligan College gets a good one.

Adam'a bio:
(Knoxville Thunder 2002) (2003 Yard Showcase 82-84 MPH) (2003 Yard Dogs) (Blue-Gray Classic VII at the University of Tennessee) (11-15-03; Johnson City Press - Knox West pitcher Adam Snyder signed a national letter of intent to play for Milligan on Friday. “Adam is an impact player,” Milligan coach Danny Clark said of the 6-foot-4, 180-pound pitcher. “He’s a good fit for Milligan. He has an upside and has control.”)



"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

A big Congrats goes out from our clan to Adam and entire bizazz family.

I second Soup's sentiments. Congratulations to Adam and his family!

Way to go Adam! Good thing that Biz didn't have anything to do with this.
Whoooooo Hooooooooo!

Bob,
Head cook and bottle washer around this place

Thanks for the kind words guys. It will be nice to sit back and enjoy the senior year without worrying about the next step.

Michael Fisher (MBA) gave a verbal to Georgia Tech. Fisher choose Tech over Vanderbilt, Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina and Xavier.

Scott Pettus (MBA) gave a verbal to Coach Corbin and Vanderbilt. Pettus choose Vanderbilt over Belmont, Miami (Ohio), and Boston College.

Wow,
This thread has had 5,000 views in less than a month! Looks like more people than me are interested in what our Tennessee baseball players are doing.

"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Congratulations to Drew Reagan (OF/P Farragut HS) and family on his recent commitment to Samford University. Another of the fine players at Farragut HS.

Drew's bio:
(Knoxville Thunder) (2003 .369 BA, .461 OB%, .631 SLG%, 38 Hits, 38 RBI's, 8 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR)(2003 TBCA Showcase Team) (Blue-Gray Classic VII at the University of Tennessee)



"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Congratulations to Drew. He's one batter my son could never seem to get out.

Congrats Drew from the Soup Clan.....fellow Thunder and Admiralite. Congrats to Candy and Gary as well!!!! I know all are excited.

Congratulations to Drew and his family, We are very happy for you!! Mecoe will be glad to here the news. As you may know he is now wearing your number and is proud of it. Way to go and go Admirals!

Bizazz,
Congrats to the entire family!

To all Tennesseans:
You folks keep havin' those fine baseball youngunz' and sending them on to Alabama schools. Samford, UAB, Birmingham Southern, USA, AU, UA, UAH, UWA, UNA, etc. all appreciate your contributions. Our school system needs the out of state tuition also..

Thank you, from an Alabama tax payer.

Bama, they don't call us the Volunteer State for nothing. We're glad we've been able to help stimulate Alabama's economy. I'm sure the Iorgs, Kirklands, and Reagans will drop plenty of "Vol Dollars" when they come down to watch their youngsters play.

While I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Vol, I've been guilty of "stimulatin" Bama's economy on numerous occasions. My family has a condo in Gulf Shores. It's a great place to visit....

Congratulations to James Adkins (LHP) Wilson Central HS and family on his commitment to The University of Tennessee.

James bio:
{(#9)BA-top 10} {National BA-PPlus #164/400} (2003 TBCA Showcase Team) (TeamOne 5/4 - Lefty has a very good pitcher's body and the potential to throw in the low-90s with consistency one day. Curveball also has major league ambitions.) (Team One Top-20: 2003 ECPBS - #5 Adkins’ delivery, height, and arm-action are remarkably similar to James Houser, the Devil Ray’s 2003 2nd-rounder who was at the ECPBS last year. Adkins is easy with his long levers and has big league arm-action. He showed 88-90 MPH consistently on his fastball with an occasional hard tilt on his curve. There’s a lot of upside and a lot to grow into. Adkins has to rate among the nation’s best lefties.) (2003 WWBA Jupiter, FL with Hoosier Bat where he was FB 86-87 with life and a 75-77 curve with bite) 11-11-03 UT bound: Wilson Central’s James Adkins will sign a baseball scholarship with Tennessee tomorrow, Wildcats Coach Anthony Ford said. Adkins, a senior lefthander who stands 6-7 and weighs 190 pounds, took official visits to Middle Tennessee State and Louisville before opting for UT. “He’s your prototypical left-handed pitcher,” Ford said. “He’s worked hard for us the past two years and we’re looking for big things from his this season.” Last year Adkins struck out 123 batters in 60-1/3 innings of work. The senior, whose fastball has been clocked in the high 80s, posted a 3.40 earned run average last season.


"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Scott Dean signs with LMU
Congratulations to Scott Dean (Catcher, Farragut High School) and family on his signing today with Lincoln Memorial University.

Scott's bio:
(Knoxville Thunder) (2003 Season ..361 BA, .538 OB%, .611 SLG%, 13 Hits, 13 RBI's, 9 2B on 3-AAA State Championship Team) (Blue-Gray Classic VII at the University of Tennessee) (Excellent defensive catcher, blocks ball extremely well and can handle any pitch that is thrown to him. 1.87 pop time) (2003 TBCA Showcase)



"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Justin Motte commits to the Univ. of San Francisco

Congratulstions to Justin Motte and family, senior shortstop for Science Hill High School, has committed to play baseball at the University of San Francisco. Justin is scheduled to sign on Monday, November 17, 2003. He is the younger brother of Jason Motte who was drafted in the 19th round of the 2003 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Justin's bio:
(2003 -Average: .350, Doubles: 9, Triples: 2, Homeruns: 5, RBI’s: 20, Hits: 43, Slg%: .560, Obs%: .575) 2003 – Johnson City Press Super 22 Team Member 2003 – All District & All Region Teams (Summer Team Knoxville Yard Dogs 2003-2004)


"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Wowwwwww! Now that's a "reversal"! A Tennessee high schooler going to college in California..

Bama,
It's really not all that unusual that many of the Top Tennessee players are getting recognized by colleges and universities in every state. I started noticing the increased activity from scouts and coaches after our state's players started attending "Bubba's Baseball Bashers Bonanza Southern Recruiting & Showcase Service".

You of all persons, should know!

"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Bubba Herbold commits to ETSU

Congratulations to Bubba Herbold, Catcher (Webb School of Knoxville) and family on his commitment to ETSU, Bubba will sign with the Bucs on 11-14-03.

Bubba's bio:
(2002 .458 BA, 14 2B's, 4 3B's) ("South" TeamOne Showcase 2002) (TBCA 2002) (All-Region 2002) (Knoxville Thunder) (2003 Season .390 BA, 27 Runs, 9 2B, 2 3B, 17 RBI's, 3 SB) (2003 State Tournament led off all 5 games with a hit, caught every inning 5 games in 4 days, 10 for 19, .529 BA) (TeamOne, TBCA Showcase Team, Blue-Gray) Excellent defensive catcher and lead off hitter. (Golden Glove Award -2001 & 2003) (2003 -400 AVG, 27 Runs, 10 2B, 2 3B, 17 RBI's ) (2003 State tournament 11 for 19, .579 AVG) (All-Region 2003) (2003 All-KIL) (TSWA All-State 2003) (Blue-Gray Classic VII at the University of Tennessee) (11/21/03 - East Tennessee State head baseball coach Tony Skole announced Friday that switch-hitting catcher Bubba Herbold (Knoxville, Tenn.) has signed to play for the Bucs beginning in the 2005 season. Playing for coach Clark Wormsley at Webb High School in Knoxville, Herbold batted .417 during his junior season with 58 hits and 15 doubles. Following the year, he was named All-State, all-region, All-KIL and All-TBCA. Last season, Herbold led the Division II state tournament in hitting, leading the Spartans to a runner-up finish. He also earned all-region honors following his sophomore season.“We are very honored and excited that Bubba Herbold has committed to play baseball at East Tennessee State University,” said Skole. “Bubba is exactly the kind of young man we want in our baseball program and on campus here at ETSU. He is a tremendous young man who has an extremely bright future. Bubba has a great passion for baseball and he will be very successful here at ETSU. With his ability to hit from both sides of the plate, we anticipate Bubba making an immediate impact in our program.”



"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Way to go Bubba!! I know this was a difficult decision and I think you made a good choice. Good luck this spring and keep working hard.

Congratulations to four new Knoxville area players on their commitment to LMU.



Friday, November 14
Dustin Plumlee to LMU
Congratulations to Dustin Plumlee RHP, Powell High School and his family on his commitment to LMU.

Dustin's bio:
(2001 Knoxville Stars, 2002 & 2003 Knoxville Thunder)

Friday, November 14
David Parker to LMU
Congratulations to David Parker RHP, Maryville High School and family on his commitment to LMU.

David's bio:
(10-1, 76 K's with an ERA around 2 as of 5-10/03) (2003 4-AAA All-District) (Knoxville Thunder) (2003 TBCA Showcase Team)

Friday, November 14
Jared Mullins to LMU
Congratulations to Jared Mullins LHP, Oak Ridge High School and family on his commitment to LMU.

Jared's bio:
(2002 #1 Wildcat pitcher, .282 BA, 6 HR's) (Knoxville Thunder) (2003 3-AAA All-District) (2003 TBCA Showcase) (Blue-Gray Classic VII at the University of Tennessee)

Friday, November 14
Kevin Cummings to LMU
Congratulations to Kevin Cummings, RHP Powell High School and family on his commitment to LMU.

Kevin's bio:
(2002 & 2003 Knoxville Thunder) (Blue-Gray Classic VII at the University of Tennessee) (2003 HS stats: Pitching W-5 L-2 - ERA 3.2)

"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Looks like a lot of "thunder" rumbling in Harrogate.

Seriously, congratulations to these players and their families.

When you talk about "thunder" rumbling in college baseball ranks next year, I think it is worth pointing out how many members of this year's Knoxville Thunder 17 year old team have inked college scholarships. I know there are several good Knoxville travel programs, but I doubt there are any with a primarily E. Tennessee roster that sent 11 on to college rosters. Consider: Waldrop to Vanderbilt, Spencer to North Carolina, Eldridge to East Carolina, Hall to Western Carolina, Reagan to Samford, Herbold to ETSU, and Dean, Parker, Mullins, Plumlee, & Cummings all to LMU. Each of these programs has plenty to brag about. LMU is coming off a disaster of a season, but with two new coaches and these five players you can see that "help is on the way." Congrats to all and to the work of the Thunder staff.

In terms of "local" players, Thunder probably will take the prize. The number of players already committed or signed is indicative of the quality program.

Before it's all said and done, there will also be a good representation of players from The Yard and Knox Stars. To date: The Yard has Iorg, Kirkland, Pryor, and Snyder to date, with others to follow. There are outstanding players on the Knox Stars who will be playing at the next level as well.

Congratulations to Bubba Herbold and the entire family! I know it was a difficult decision, but it's great to have options.

Now that the decision has been made, we wish you the best of luck next year at ETSU. I know you will be successful.

Same from our house Hubba......

Josh Moffitt to Belmont University

Congratulations to Martin Luther King pitcher, Josh Moffitt on his recent signing with Belmont University.

Josh's bio:
(All District 8-AA 2001, 2002) (Good fastball and curve, hits for average and power, good glove, arm and mental game, very good student) (11-12-03 Josh Moffitt, a pitcher for Martin Luther King, signed with Belmont. It marked the first time a Martin Luther King player has signed to play collegiate baseball, the school said. Moffitt went 7-4 and struck out 82 in 47 innings last year.)



"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Word is out that two youngmen from Houston will sign this week: Rawley Bishop-3rd baseman will sign with MTSU and Will Hogue-OF- will sign with Austin Peay. Congrats to these two and their families.

Thanks Coach Clark!

I'll update Rawley's and Will's information tonight. Congratulations to both players and their families. MTSU and Austin Peay get two very good players.

William Hogue to Austin Peay
Congratulations to Houston HS outfielder, William Hogue and family on his recent commitment to Austin Peay University.

William's bio:
(2003 WWBA Jupiter, FL) (Dulin's Dodgers)


Rawley Bishop to play for MTSU

Congratulations to Houston HS third baseman, Rawley Bishop and family on his commitment to MTSU.

Rawley's bio:
(All-Metro) (World Wood Bat Tournament in Jupiter, FL 2002) (Dulin's Dodgers) {BA-PPlus} {National BA-PPlus #278/400} (2003 Junior Sun Belt Team) (2003 All-Metro) (2003 TBCA Showcase Team) (2003 WWBA Jupiter, FL)



"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Derek Treece to play for LMU

Torry Zerilla continues to look for Thunder in East Tennessee as he signs Derek Treece to play for the Railsplitters. Derek is a infielder at Powell HS and a hitting machine for the panthers. Congratulations to Derek and family on his signing.

Derek's bio:
(Knoxville Stars 2001) (All-District, All Region 2002) (Knoxville Thunder 2002) (2003 3-AAA All-District) (2003 was Powell's leader in nearly every offensive category, .515 BA, 5 HR, 12 2B, 19 RBI's, one of the best pure hitters in Tennessee) (2003 All-KIL)



"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

By my count that makes 6 Thunder players signed to the Railsplitters, including 3 Powell Panthers.

Assuming you like your teammates, I would think that the opportunity to continue playing with people you know would ease the transition from high school to college.

The Knoxville area summer team count currently stands at:

Thunder - 12**
Yard - 5**

**I know of at least one "Dog" who'll be playing for Thunder this summer, so you could count him for either team.

There are a couple of Yard players from out of the area that may opt to play D-1 football and basketball. I've also seen reports that another out of area Yard player is signing with Georgia. There are also several players from The Yard, Stars, Impact, etc. have not yet made their college decisions. In addition Thunder has fielded a couple of other teams who should be contributing players to college.

The final tally may not be available until next summer. However, the 2003 Thunder 17U team has made a lot of noise in the early signing period. Since the Yard has so many players from out of the area, I think it's safe to say that Thunder will be able to boast that they helped place more local players onto college rosters than any other summer team.

Bizazz,

Who is the 5th Yard player to sign? You listed 4 in an earlier post and I am not aware of any others who have announced their college choice.

I want to congratulate all the Thunder guys who have signed with LMU!

Torry knows these players-both on and off the field. I believe these are the type of young men who will rebuild that program into a winner. Best of luck to each one!

Michael McGee '04 LHP of Goodpasture High School and the Tennessee Athletics has committed to pitch for Freed Hardeman University. Signing ceremony at GHS library Wed. at 1 PM. Michael was named to this years Tennessee Sports Writers Association Div. 1 Class A, All State Team. Congratulations to a great left handed pitcher and a really fine young man. FHU has landed themselves a real game winner in Michael McGee.



- Whoever said a walk was as good as a hit, couldn't hit.