2004 Commitments and Signees

BNA,
Thanks for the news, I didn't have Michael down...I guess I missed too many players when I had to work that weekend we played the Athletics.

I did give him a Lion!

"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."

Thanks HV -- Michael is a special kid, with the ****dest breaking ball you ever did see. We call the pitch, Mr. Nasty. Lefty in the mid 80's. Hits his spots. Never gets rattled. Incredible W/L record. Has a fantastic attitude. Has great mound presence. From a great family. I've known all along that he would pitch at the next level. FHU is fortunate to have signed him. He will get better and better.

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

AdDad25 - The Yard's commitments to date: Iorg, Kirkland, Pryor, Snyder, and McGahey. I picked up McGahey as a Yard player since he was with the team in 2002.

McGahey did play with the Yard in Jupiter FL in October.

"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."

You are right, I didn't think about Matt playing with them in prior summers.

HV-I didn't count his playing for them in Jupiter. After all, Matt Spencer played for them there, and I certainly wouldn't count him as a Yard guy!

Coach Bubba Cates at UT Martin sent me two more of his early signees:

Bryce Carden signs with UT Martin
Congratulations to Bryce Carden of Centennial HS and family on his signing to UT Martin by Coach Bubba Cates during the early signing period.

Bryce's bio:
Summer Team: Franklin Flash - Statistics/Awards: 2003 All District; Batting Avg. = .468, Home Runs = 2, RBI's = 29, Stolen Bases = 12; 2003 All District Tourney: Batting Avg. .824 (14-17), HR = 1, RBI's = 7, Stolen Bases = 4 (Summer Team: 2002 Batting Avg. = 500, RBI's = 28, Stolen Bases = 14) Graduate of Doyle Baseball Academy - Speed: 40 yd dash = 4.40 sec., 60 yd dash = 6.65 sec. - Other Activities: Plays basketball at Centennial High; 2003 All-Regional - Avg. 16.5 pts./game, 8.5 rebounds/game, All District Tourney; 2002 All District Tourney, 2001 All District Tourney - ( "Bryce is blessed with a Ton of Athletic Ability, he is a Very Hard Worker and a pleasure to Coach and Watch play the great game of baseball" ........ Kevin Whittington-Head Coach Centennial High)

Blake Turner signs with UT Martin

Congratulations to Blake Turner from Brentwood HS and family on his signing to UT Martin by Coach Bubba Cates during the early signing period.

Blake's bio:
(Started at 2B as a freshman at FRA and hit .327, team was state-runner-up ) (Started at SS for FRA, hit .370 - transferred to Tullahoma and is the starting SS in 2003. Played summer for SATCO Padres in Mid-State League where he hit .395 and was in the top 2 or 3 in league in AVG, RBI, OB%, S%, SB) ( Plays football, tailback & linebacker 4.49 40) (2003 TBCA Showcase Team) (transferred to Brentwood HS for 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."

TBR is reporting that:
Tanner Hiles commits to Tennessee Wesleyan College

Congratulations to Tanner Hiles (Knoxville West HS) and family on his commitment to Tennessee Wesleyan College. The Bulldogs get a Bulldog on the mound in Tanner who will bring his 90+ arm to Athens.

Tanner's profile:
(2003 Yard Showcase, 88-89 with 90 top) (2003 Yard Dogs) (2003 Perfect Game National Showcase where he was timed at 91 MPH) {BA-PPlus #179/400} (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."

BIG congratulations to Tanner, Randy and Debbie.

Tanner entered this summer as a relatively unknown pitcher who developed into one of The Yard 17-U's top hurlers. He opened some eyes at several PG events.

Lance Wild has announced he will attend Tusculum College

Congratulations to Lance Wild (Morristown West HS) and family on his decision to attend Tusculum College.

Lance's bio:
(2003 Knoxville Yard Dogs) 12/2/03 - Lance Wild has announced he will attend Tusculum College and play baseball for the Pioneers according to TC head coach Doug Jones. Wild, a standout third baseman at Morristown West High School, recorded a .409 average last season, including eight doubles and four home runs. He also recorded 37 RBI, including six game-winning hits for former head coach Bobby Haun. "We are very excited about the addition of Lance into our program," said Jones. "Lance is my type of player. He loves to compete and he is a hard working young man with a lot of character and I expect him to make a big impact on our program." Wild also went 5-1 on the mound with a 2.72 earned run average for the Trojans. He is expected to star on the hill once again this spring for prep skipper Chuck Stansberry.



"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 Lance, David, and family. Lance will be an asset to Tusculum on and off the field.

Danny Pulley Jr. has signed with USC-Aiken

Congratulations to Danny Pulley Jr. (Nashville Goodpasture) and family on his signing with the University of South Carolina - Aiken.

Danny's bio:
(MPR) (MWP Vanderbilt Showcase, FB 83-84 Good location, keeps ball down in the zone. Good angle. Off-speed pitches need development. A prospect that needs to be watched as he develops) (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."

Zane Stone commits to Walters State CC



Congratulations to Zane Stone RHP/INF (Baylor) on his commitment to Walters State CC. Zane choose the Senators over Carson Newman, Alabama Huntsville and Southern Poly in Atlanta.

Zane's bio:
(2002 TSSAA Division II State Baseball All Tournament Team) (2003 11-2 1.30 ERA 56innings with no walks threw 75 2/3 inn. 67 strikeouts. Has been selected to play in PBLA on East Team at MTSU June 20&21. Summer team Chattanooga Colonels. Command of 3 pitches.) (2003 2nd Team All-City) (2003 TBCA Showcase) (TSWA All-State 2003)

"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."

And the beat goes on...and the beat goes on...an on...an on......Just a matter of time.

Bob,
I thanke hez gonna implode/explode...

Brian Cronk commits to Trinity University

Congratulations to Brian Cronk and family (Webb School of Knoxville) has committed to play baseball at Division III power Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

Brian's bio:
(2002 Varsity 22 R, 4 2B, 1 HR, 20 RBI, 8 SB as leadoff hitter) (2002 Summer, .411 BA, 5 2B, 5 SB for Knoxville Thunder) (2003 Season .374 BA, 18 Runs, 8 2B, 22 RBI's, 8 SB) (2003 State Tournament 8 for 18 .445 BA, 2 2B, 3 RBI's, 4 SB) (2003 All-Region) (Knoxville Thunder Gold 17's) (At the 2003 Doyle Showcase at MTSU Brian ran a 6.8 60 and was invited to the Doyle National Showcase in Florida)



"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 Brian and his family! He get's to "go home" to Texas. The Bizazz family is happy for him.

Andrew Hogin commits to SCAD

Congratulations to Andrew Hogin (Brentwood Academy) on his recent commitment to play for Savannah College of Art and Design. The "Bees" will play in the Florida Sun Conference, beginning with the 2004-05 academic year.

Andrew's bio:
(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."

Congrats to the Cronkster and the clan!!!

Congrats to Dan, Kathy and of Hoss Cronkrite

Drew Clothier commits to Army

Congratulations to LHP Drew Clothier (Christian Brothers HS) and his family on his commitment to Army.

Drew's bio:
(2002 NABF All-Star Team) (2003 All-Metro) (Blue-Gray Classic VII at the University of Tennessee) (Perfect Game Sunshine East - PG Rating 7.5 - Drew is left hander pitcher with a good body. He is athletic and is extremely projectable. He threw 82-84 in Ft Myers with good movement. We think he's thrown better than that. He has a quick arm and it works free and easy. His curveball was good with a hard sharp bite at 76 mph. We think he has more in him and will end up throwing in the upper 80's and if he does he could be a huge surprise for the 2004 class. Definite follow. We like this LHP, he has a bright future.){BA-PPlus}



"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."

Zac Bowman commits to Walters State CC

Congratulations to Zac Bowman (Central HS) and family on his commitment to Walters State CC.

Zac's bio:
(All-District 2002) (Knoxville Stars) (2002 TBCA Worth Showcase) (2002 Pro Concept Showcase, Georgia Top Dawg Select Camp (6.9 60), Simply the Best Showcase and was a Blue-Gray invitee) (Fastball 87-88 and Ninty-Plus Club "91") (.395 BA) (2003 Yard Showcase, uppers 80's with 91 MPH top) (2003 3-AAA All-District , Player of the year) (2003 6-2, 1.02 ERA, 90 K's in 55 Innings, .416 BA, 8 HR, 5 2B, 31 RBI's) (2003 All-KIL) (2003 TBCA Showcase Team) (Blue-Gray Classic VII at the University of Tennessee) {BA-PPlus}



"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 Zac and family. I haven't had the pleasure to watch him pitch, but I've witnessed his awesome bat strength in person. I look forward to following his progress in college.

Dustin Millaway commits to Chattanooga State

Congratulations to Dustin Millaway (P/OF) from McMinn County on his recent commitment to new head coach Greg Dennis and Chattanooga State.

Dustin's bio:
(2002 .390 BA, 6 HR's, 32 RBI's All-District)



"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."

Science Hill's Frye signs with King College

Congratulations to Brandon Frye (RHP) and his parents on his signing with King College.

Brandon's Bio:
(2003 HS stats: Bat Avg. .486 - RBI 17 - SB 6 - Pitching W-7 L-4 - ERA 1.96 Summer stats: Bat Avg. .273 - RBI 4 - SB 3 - Pitching W-3 L-0 - ERA 0.00) 11/24/03 -Science Hill High School standout Brandon Frye recently signed a national letter of intent to play baseball a King College. Frye is a 6'1" pitcher/outfielder for the hilltoppers, and when he is not on the baseball diamond he is an outstanding player for the Science Hill Basketball team. "We want versitile players in our program, and Brandon is an all-around athlete who will bring tremendous talent and work-ethic to our team." said head coach Craig Kleinmann. Frye put up some impressive stats this summer and during the fall season. He help lead the Knoxville stars to a fifth place finish in the AAU National Championships at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. He also threw two no-hitters and two 1-hitters during the 2003 fall season. Frye is slated to be in the starting rotation for the hilltoppers this season, and when not on the mound he will shift his focus to the outfield.



"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."

Brandon Wallace signs with King College

Congratulations to Brandon Wallace on his recent signing with King College.

Brandon's bio:
1/16/2004 - Tennessee High School standout Brandon Wallace recently signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at King College. Wallace excelled both on the mound and in the field during his 2003 season for the Vikings. As a junior he was 7-3 on the hill with 58 strikeouts in 53 innings. In the 53 innings he only allowed 8 walks and posted a 1.58 ERA. While not on the mound he played several positions in the infield and at the plate he hit .330 for the year. Wallace was selected to the 2003 All-conference, All-region, and All-Northeast Tennessee teams. “It is great to get a player of Brandon’s caliber here at King. He comes from a great program at Tennessee High, and has been coached well throughout his high school career. He plays the game extremely hard, and he knows how to win. We are excited to see what Brandon can do during his career at King” said head coach Craig Kleinmann.




"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."

Heath Puryear signs with Volunteer State

Congratulations to Heath and family on his recent signing with Volunteer State.

Heath's bio:
OF, Franklin County HS, (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."

Dustin Crabtree signs with Volunteer State

Congratulations to Dustin and family on his recent signing with Volunteer State.

Dustin's bio:
IF, Frankilin County HS, (2003 TBCA Showcase Team)

"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."

Cole Patrick will sign with Campbellsville (KY) University

Congratulations to Cole Patrick (Powell HS) and family on his commitment to the tigers of Campbellsville University.

Cole's bio:
(1/25/2004 -Cole will play football and baseball for for the tigers at the NAIA Campbellsville, KY University. The tigers are the 2004 pre-season #1 pick in the Mid-South Conference over Lambuth University)

"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."

Zach Ross to sign with Milligan College

Congratulations to Zach Ross (South-Doyle HS) and family on his recent commitment to Milligan College.

Zach's bio:
(Knoxville Yard Dogs) (2003 4-AAA All-District) (2003 .357 BA, 5 HR, 10 2B, 27 RBI's) (2003 All-KIL) (2003 Perfect Game East Showcase) (Perfect Game Sunshine East - PG Rating 6.5 - Zach is a big left handed 1B with some power potential. He has quick hands through the zone and explodes on the ball. He attacks the ball and runs much better on the bases than his 60 time would dictate. He moves well around the bag for his size and he is solid defensively. He also pitches, but the bat is his best tool. He shows good instincts and a good feel for the game. It's fun to watch him hit. Good student!) {BA-PPlus}



"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."

Contratulations to Zach. It's good to see another Knoxville lad heading to the Buffs.

Derrick Purtle signs with Kaskaskia CC

One I missed from the 2003 class...

Congratulations to Derrick Purtle (Hendersonville HS) on his signing with the Kaskaskia (IL) Devils.

Derrick's bio:
(All-District 2002) (MPR) (2001 and 2002 All County) MWP Vanderbilt Showcase,60 Time 6.6 Velocity from OF 80-83 Has arm speed, good range. Speed qualifies him for OF. Swings with shoulders rather than hands. Definitely a prospect to follow next 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."

Tyler Francisco signs with Centre College

Congratulations to Tyler Francisco and family (Cumberland Gap HS) on his signing with the Centre College Colonels to play baseball and football.

Tyler's bio:
(Blue-Grey Classic Pre-Select Wake Forest Univ. - 2002) (2002 All District Team, All Regional, All Tournament Team, Tri-state Baseball All Tournament Team 2002) (HS stats: Bat Avg. .438 - RBI 19 - HR 0 - SB 20) (2003 TBCA Showcase Team) (Blue-Gray Classic VII at the University of Tennessee) (2003 All District, 2003 District Tournament MVP) (SUMMER/FALL TEAM: Pro Concepts) (2003 all region & 2003 district player of the 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."

Dane Archer signs with Volunteer State

Congratulations to Dane Archer (Henry County HS) and family on his recent signing with Vol State.

Dane's bio:
(2002 & 2003 Paris Thunder) (2003 TBCA Showcase Team) (2003 Henry County "Best Pitcher Award") (2003 batted (314) 5(2b) and 21 rbi's . Dane 6-3 on the mound 55 (KO) 3.42 era.......batters hit 1.53 against him. Played a key roll on the pitching staff getting the 1st game of every district contest.) (2003 Paris Thunder) (2003 TBR 2-Way Team) {BA-PPlus} (Invited Perfect Game Showcase 6/03) (Invited Blue-Gray Showcase and Gameday Prospects)

"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."

E.T. McCreary signs with Faulkner University

Congratulations to E.T McCreary (Rockwood HS) and family on his recent signing with Faulkner University in Montgomery, AL.

E.T.'s bio:
(All-District 2002) (2002 - Attended Young Guns Showcase at Furman, Baseball Prospects of America Showcase, Pro Concepts Workout and Showcase) (2003 PG World Underclassmen Showcase - 04 catcher with a strong body. Switch hitter! Shows some power potential and bat speed. Fairly quick behind the plate, threw some 1.9 pops.) (#10)BA-top 10} {BA-PPlus} (2003 All-County, All-District, All-Region) (3.95 GPA - 29 ACT) (Rated #38 on TeamOne Top 50 2004 Catchers and rates 2/2) (2003 - TSSAA State Tournament (.429 Batting Average, 1.000 Fielding %, 1.071 OPS), attended TeamOne South, attended Pro Concepts Workout and 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."

Kyle Brewer signs with Walters State CC

Congratulations to Kyle Brewer (Grundy County HS) on his recent signing with Walters State CC.

Kyle's bio:
(2003 TBCA Showcase Team) (2003 All-District) (2003 - (.333 AVG, 20 SB, threw out 50% of runners attempting to steal) is one of the top catching prospects in the state. Kyle is one of the state's top recievers. Colleges have done nothing but rave over the way he recieves the ball and is a wall behind the plate. As a junior, Kyle hit over .340 for Grundy County High. (Murfreesboro Diamondbacks



"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."

Trent Ashcraft signs with Young Harris CC

Congratulations to Trent Ashcraft (Brentwood HS) on his recent signing with Young Harris CC in Georgia.

Trent's bio:
(2003 .393 BA, 15/16 SB, .520 OB%, 22 RBI's) ( 2003 All-District 11-AAA, All-Region 6-AAA) (Trent led the Bruins in hitting and received the 2003 Most Valuable Hitter Award, 2003 All-District Tournament Team 11-AAA, Honorable mention All-Midstate, Brentwood High Top 5 All-Time, 2nd place all-time single season - Hits 47, 3rd place all-time single season - stolen bases 15, 4th place single season all-time - Runs 35, 5th place all-time single season - total bases 194) (6.72 60) 2003 TBCA Invitiee ,1st team All-Williamson County) (2003 WWBA Jupiter, FL with PG East Columbia Blue)

"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 E.T.

Earl, looks like you'll be wearing out I-59 next year.

Matt McKee signs with Tennessee Wesleyan

Congratulations to Matt McKee (Greenback HS) on his recent signing with Tennessee Wesleyan College.

Matt's bio:
( 2002- Attended Young Guns Showcase at Furman, Pro Concepts- 04 middle infielder, great speed, holds the state record for most stolen bases in 1 game with 8, .415 bating avg. last year, hits the ball well to all fields and is working on putting on wieght) ( 2003 All County All District, District Tournament Co-MVP, All KIL, All Region) (3.5 GPA)




"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."

HV and Bizazz - Thanks! - Earl

Practice does not make perfect; practice makes permanent. Perfect practice makes perfect.

Earl & E.T.,
Congratulations, excellent choice.
Mark & Bradley

Jay Hollenbeck RHP/1B, Cordova HS, has signed with Millsaps College in Jackson, MS.