Christopher Newport Star Moreland Moves Up

Location, location, location.

This is really great news!

Congratulations to Kenny. My son is headed to CNU and is very happy to see a CNU alum (and former Patriot district player) enjoying success at the next level.

I too, can't believe that every other MLB team couldn't find the best D3 pitcher in the country. Kudo's to the O's for at least not missing one in their own back yard.

I hope Kenny makes all the MLB teams that passed on him realize that good ball is played at all 3 NCAA levels.

Talent can always be found regardless of the level of play. The O's found Nick Markakis at Young-Harris CC is Northern GA. Frankly some of the best (and hardest working) talent is found in D III or JC. The coaches also tend to be better at promoting their players to the scouting community and many of them coach in summer, wood bat leagues at all levels up to the CCBL. I saw this kid throw at CNU quite a bit and he's the real deal. He consistently throws strikes, keeps the ball down and away from the middle of the plate. He also has good mound presence and (most importantly) does not show his frustration when the guys behind him boot one.

Birddog,

Thank You, you know Virginia is kinda unique with no real D-II or Juco baseball. There is a lot of talent in Virginia's D-III baseball.

CV

Over the past 4-5 years, the talent level at DIII has simply gone through the roof. Whereas in tbe 90's, you might have seen 5 guys drafted from the entire nation of DIII teams, that is now happening for some TEAMS. Look to Chapman in California.

That said, the trend only seems to be heading more that way. With the 35 player limit at DI, players are getting smart. Rather than going for a couple of years to sit (or walk-on), they opt for really good DIII programs and play right out the gate.

For those who saw Moreland, I am sure they saw a kid that could beat most DI teams on a regular basis. I'd bet you see more of that type player at a CNU, Salisbury, JHopkins, etc. now and in the future.

I understand thar Rep. Paula Miller has expressed interest in supporting legislation to promote and fund athletics in VA's JCs. That would be a huge step in getting more talented kids into post secondary school sports. JC is a great way for kids to tune up their academics in a less distracting environment than the large four year programs.

D III programs are typically smaller as well and offer a four year degree to the student/athlete that is academically ready to pursue a bachelor's degree. However, the down side is the cost of the D III (typically private) education. BUT, it's better to be in the lineup at JC or D III than riding the pine in DI.

Oh by the way I am sure Moreland would have shut down most DI teams in VA that I've seen!

Hokie One,

Good thread, I noticed how well he was doing last month and was glad he signed. DOing better than I would have imagined though.

Throwing strikes, they love that.

I remember him from little league days.

But to answer your question. A DI senior with no options may get drafted... a DIII senior with no options will sign at best unless he's can't miss.

You know, they want to entice the kids from HS, JC and signable (over 21)D-Is away from each other. I'm sure he had more than one team wanting to sign him...so the reality is much better for him to sign after the draft and have some teams potentially after him than be a 47th round pick with one team only and no option.