Maryland '08s - Commitments?

Hugh Adams (BT 2006-2008) Commits to FAU


St. John's College High School senior Hugh Adams (BT 2006-8) has committed to Florida Atlantic University. The right-handed hurler has compiled an 11-1 record in two seasons at St. John's and has pitched ten scoreless innings for the Big Train over the last two summers. This Fall, he is pitching for Dean Albany's Oriolelanders. FAU, located in Boca Raton, Florida, plays in the Sun Belt Conference. In June, eight FAU players signed professional contracts, including Justin Martin (BT 2004).

Coach Kevin Cooney (718-453) has sent many top players to the Big Train, including his son Jim Cooney who pitched for the Big Train in 1999 and 2000 before playing professionally in the Baltimore Orioles organization. Hugh was the Big Train bat boy during Jim's two seasons in Bethesda.

According to Big Train Manager Sal Colangelo, "Standing 6'5", Hugh Adams has the makings of a future big leaguer -- power, movement, and, most importantly, he's not afraid to throw inside. Nothing bothers him when on the pitching mound. With a little maturing, Hugh will help FAU get back to the regionals. The coaching staff at FAU is outstanding. Over the years, they have developed more ball players for the professional ranks than most teams on the east coast."

Daniel Marrs, James River, Wake Forest
Austin Stadler, James River, Wake Forest
Chad O'Connor, Western Branch, UVA
Will Roberts, Maggie Walker, UVA
John Austin Hicks, Goochland, UVA
Danny Hultzen, St. Alban's, UVA
Justin Thompson, Tunstall, UVA
LJ Hoes Saint Johns, NC
Scott Silverstein, UVA
Carl Travers, Riverdale Radford
Matt Mac, Saint Johns, Radford
Shane Halley, Lake Braddock, UVA
Peter Verdin, Pope Paul VI, U. Georgia
Levi Hyams, Colonial Forge, U. Georgia
Brett Bowers, Pope Paul VI, East Carolina
Phillip Clark, Collegiate, East Carolina
Taylor Buran, Benedictine, Maryland
Zack Hegelson, Hidden Valley, Maryland
Cole Shain, Broad Run, William & Mary
Tadd Bower, Cosby, William & Mary
Matthew Snyder, Westfield, Ole Miss
Michael Snyder, Westfield, Ole Miss
Daniel Bowman, Turner Ashby, Coastal Carolina
Dustin Galbraith, Douglas Freeman, West Virginia
Ronnie Shaban, Cosby, VA Tech
Jonathan Watson, LC Bird, Longwood
Will Lamb, Seaford, Clemson
Gary Ward, Hickory, Miami
Andrew Deal, LC Bird, VMI
Jackie Bradley, Prince George, South Carolina
Kyle Long, St. Anne's-Belfield, Florida State

quote:

Daniel Marrs, James River, Wake Forest
Austin Stadler, James River, Wake Forest
Chad O'Connor, Western Branch, UVA
Will Roberts, Maggie Walker, UVA
John Austin Hicks, Goochland, UVA
Danny Hultzen, St. Alban's, UVA
Justin Thompson, Tunstall, UVA
LJ Hoes Saint Johns, NC
Scott Silverstein, UVA
Carl Travers, Riverdale Radford
Matt Mac, Saint Johns, Radford
Shane Halley, Lake Braddock, UVA
Peter Verdin, Pope Paul VI, U. Georgia
Levi Hyams, Colonial Forge, U. Georgia
Brett Bowers, Pope Paul VI, East Carolina
Phillip Clark, Collegiate, East Carolina
Taylor Buran, Benedictine, Maryland
Zack Hegelson, Hidden Valley, Maryland
Cole Shain, Broad Run, William & Mary
Tadd Bower, Cosby, William & Mary
Matthew Snyder, Westfield, Ole Miss
Michael Snyder, Westfield, Ole Miss
Daniel Bowman, Turner Ashby, Coastal Carolina
Dustin Galbraith, Douglas Freeman, West Virginia
Ronnie Shaban, Cosby, VA Tech
Jonathan Watson, LC Bird, Longwood
Will Lamb, Seaford, Clemson
Gary Ward, Hickory, Miami
Andrew Deal, LC Bird, VMI
Jackie Bradley, Prince George, South Carolina
Kyle Long, St. Anne's-Belfield, Florida State

Tyler Hibbs, Arundel, Florida State

Keeping it Md 08's - I don't think I saw these players listed yet:

Tommy Winegardner, Riverdale Baptist, Coastal Carolina
Jeff Kemp, Archbishop Spalding, Radford University
Matt Hilsinger, Archbishop Spalding, Radford University

Can't think of any more at the moment.

As of last night:

Paul DeVito, Spalding, Radford University

Matt Mack, Radford as well
Radford, has a great class coming in

Can anyone explain why there are so relatively few kids from Maryland that move on to D1 baseball?

I am pretty sure even Connecticut had more kids go to D!. Granted, all I know is from the perusal of this site.

We are even thinking of traveling all the way to Richmond just to play the competition level that we cannot get on a regulat basis up here in MD.

Bill

Bill L,

I cannot quantify it, but there is a ton of MD kids playing D1 baseball. The problem, in my opinion, is that there isn't much promotion/exposure being given from the papers (at least the Baltimore Sun, which unfortunately is my local paper). The Sun will highlight the top player's signing for that particular year (i.e., Hibbs to Fla. State a few weeks ago), but for the most part, these kids are mired in obscurity outside of the local baseball circles.

All mentioned are great players and deserve it. From what I have seen they have put in the time and hard work. Some great 08"s still not signed. Let's look ahead at the 09"s I have seen several 09"s that will be getting all the attention they want next summer. anyone know 09's worth mentioning?

What age group are you looking for Bill? I watch alot of baseball in the fall and summer. There are teams that will give you all the competition you need. Some that come to mind are the Frederick Hustlers, Baltimore Buzz and Maryland Hillcats.

quote:

Originally posted by tarheelfaninmd:
All mentioned are great players and deserve it. From what I have seen they have put in the time and hard work. Some great 08"s still not signed. Let's look ahead at the 09"s I have seen several 09"s that will be getting all the attention they want next summer. anyone know 09's worth mentioning?

tarheelfaninmd-
Frederick High has a couple nice 09's...
Brady Wilson
Jimmy Lanning

It was just a general comment. My son is playing U12 and 90'bases are just around the corner.

You look at signings and there are some kids from Maryland but very few that go to top college programs. Pitchers mostly, a few catchers and almost no position players unless they pitch too.

We are even considering commuting back and forth to Richmond just to have more at bats against top notch pitching and to have to play defense against teams that can really hit through their entire lineup. Not to mention pitch against teams that can really hit.

The Hustlers had a couple of really nice teams via the Maine kids but their U11 was okay and carried by a couple of kids and the Buzz program is certainly at or near the top in MD. It just seems that the talent is really watered down with too many teams so the kids in Maryland are really fighting an uphill battle versus the competition from Virginia on down. Our kids are lucky to have 4-6 at bats a week against top pitching in almost any league here in MD, including Baltimore Metro. The boys do not even play baseball in public middle school here in MD.

I just find it interesting to follow as my son gets older and starts talking about playing baseball in the ACC. Little does he know the long odds of playing for one of those type programs and the incredible amount of work and God given ability required to even have a chance.



Bill

quote:

Originally posted by Bill L.:
It was just a general comment. My son is playing U12 and 90'bases are just around the corner.

You look at signings and there are some kids from Maryland but very few that go to top college programs. Pitchers mostly, a few catchers and almost no position players unless they pitch too.

We are even considering commuting back and forth to Richmond just to have more at bats against top notch pitching and to have to play defense against teams that can really hit through their entire lineup. Not to mention pitch against teams that can really hit.

The Hustlers had a couple of really nice teams via the Maine kids but their U11 was okay and carried by a couple of kids and the Buzz program is certainly at or near the top in MD. It just seems that the talent is really watered down with too many teams so the kids in Maryland are really fighting an uphill battle versus the competition from Virginia on down. Our kids are lucky to have 4-6 at bats a week against top pitching in almost any league here in MD, including Baltimore Metro. The boys do not even play baseball in public middle school here in MD.

I just find it interesting to follow as my son gets older and starts talking about playing baseball in the ACC. Little does he know the long odds of playing for one of those type programs and the incredible amount of work and God given ability required to even have a chance.



Bill

Bill,

you're boy is 12 years old.....focus on teaching him the fundamentals of the game and being the best ball player and student he can be. Keep making things fun and develop a strong work ethic in him and things will work out. There is a place to play for everybody if they want to. I agree with your last statement but anything is possible if you work hard enough w/ a little god given ability. Best of luck to your kid !

quote:

Originally posted by Bill L.:
....Our kids are lucky to have 4-6 at bats a week against top pitching in almost any league here in MD, including Baltimore Metro. The boys do not even play baseball in public middle school here in MD.

I just find it interesting to follow as my son gets older and starts talking about playing baseball in the ACC. Little does he know the long odds of playing for one of those type programs and the incredible amount of work and God given ability required to even have a chance.

Bill, I might find it interesting to exchange emails with you. Let's name the subject: Minor Leagues Major Dreams, as I also find it interesting to have watched these 'lucky' younger Maryland pre-teens learn the craft of baseball:

- from the field, to the classroom,
- from the local leagues thru the travel leagues,
- from Fox Hill thru Colonial Heights thru DC thru Maryland and Delaware
- from the Middle Schools thru the High School
- From the Summer Ball thru Legion.
- From the Fall Ball thru the Wood Bat Leagues
- from the ACC thru the Collegiate Summer Leagues
- and now from the Minor Leagues with Major League dreams.

I think I can discuss those very few "Maryland" pre-teens that I have watched over the last 40+ years who maintained or seeked Minor League and Big League experience, either as a position player or a pitcher.

And each one that I crossed paths with cared very little nor knew of the long odds of playing at the highest of levels and yielded not to the incredible amount of work taken while improving the God given talent, while overtaking the many adversities before them, while seeking the opportunities they created when presented.

cheers

Is there some connection between Spalding and Radford? One of the Radford coaches have a connection with the school?

I know that Radford has a new staff, new direction and new commitment from the administration, it just seems a bit unusual that so many players from 1 HS would be commiting to one university, particularly out of state.

Josh Futter, Wilde Lake '08 - James Madison

Sander Beck, Severn School, U of Maryland

For class of 2009:

Patrick Blair, SS, Calvert Hall
Jack Carey, 3B, St. Pauls

Those two have be close to if not at the top of the list for Maryland 09.

It is interesting to me that Radford has been able to attract some real blue chip players in light of having a brand new coaching staff. It certainly bodes well for their future.

Alex Frederick, SS from Dulaney High School, has committed to UNC-Greensboro.

Congratulations Alex. Very proud of your hard work. Keep it up!

Al McCormick

Hey Bill...if you are still out there?

Bear, Al, and a number of others have been fortunate enough to be around and coach lots of terrific players here in MD over the years. Bear and Al's boys (will keep their names out of this for privacy reasons) were very good players who reached their potential thanks to a number of factors. Way down on that list (although important to some respect) was the need to play top level competition (all the time) as 12 year olds.

MD has a lot to offer. Back when I was involved with the Baltimore Metro League, we considered taking the very top flight teams in each division from year to year to make mini-super leagues. The logistics made this **** near impossible, in that that talent pool was being spread out because of the emergence of more and more summer programs. When the league commissioner tried to keep "suspected weak" programs out, he would be blistered with threats of law suits and stuff like that. He could have stood up and said bring it on...but to what end? Fighting legal battles takes $$$.

You have the power to help your son reach his potential. Make sure he is coached by qualified people, with his best interest at heart. Make sure he has the love for the game and his own development. If this is something you want for him, and you want it more than he does, he will burn out on you by age 15 or 16.

As the manager of the Columbia Reds 17-18 team for 15 years, I can't tell you the number of kids that came to me over the years and asked me advice on how to break it to their folks that they were done with competitive baseball. While it is really fun at your son's age (travel tournaments, pool parties with teammates), it becomes a real drag as a 17 year old. Work all day, play ball almost every night...no time for friends or girls.

If you son wants to play for an elite conference like the ACC at his age, take him to some ball games next spring. Explain to him that so many things factor into him realizing his dream, and if his desire to attain that dream ever wanes, then it is OK to let you know. Talent is important, but grades, being a good person, understanding the mental aspects of baseball, all go into him getting to his goal. Let him know you are there for him, and how proud you are of him, whether he plays baseball or not.

Think of all the 12 year olds right now in the mid-atlantic area who think they want to wear a Clemson jersey one day. Of all those kids, about 200 will end up playing in the ACC when your son becomes 18. Don't discourage him...do just the opposite. Encourage him to dream big.

One other factor to consider in this whole business of why not as many MD players seem to be playing "big time" baseball. So many of the power teams in the country have great feeder systems in their own states.

LT,

I know you are toooooo far to the right side of the political spectrum but my friend...you should have sought political office somewhere!

You still have time to be the Mayor of Mt. Airy and George Richardson can be your Deputy!

OUTSTANDING POST!

Can you be the Dear Abby of baseball forums?

Good ole George...

The man's a living legend!

We can't forget about the Eastern Shore, can we?
For you Western Shore baseball fans, we have two 08 Seniors that I am aware of who have committed

Jason Allinder 08 Catcher/Pitcher Snow Hill Niagara University
Derik Gibson 08 Middle Infielder Seaford (DE) UNC - Chapel Hill

There's more to come, as the information is received. Derek is mentioned because of his Eastern Shore affliation and association with Diamond Dreams Youth Baseball & Softball Association -
http://www.diamonddreamsyouth.com/

Note: Both of these early commits are products of Diamond Dreams, based out of Delmanr, MD.

Josh winter- Johns Hopkins University
Austin Knight- Palm Beach CC

I'm really glad to hear about Jason Allinder. I was almost fortunate enough to have him on my fall squad a year or two ago. The distance was just too great. My loss for sure.

My best wishes to him at Niagra!

quote:

Originally posted by soxfan:
Matt Mack, Radford as well
Radford, has a great class coming in

No doubt about it. Considering the pitching staff already assembled (Adam Hoyt-Northern HS, Kyle Starr-Patuxent, Timmy Hull-Northern HS) this team will be a contender very soon.

Saint Johns College High School has NINE (9) Division 1 signees for 2008 ----

St. John’s Signing Day Commitments
Player School
Hugh Adams Florida Atlantic University
Cory Beahm University of Hartford
Jeff Flax LaSalle University
LJ Hoes University of North Carolina
Michael Loeb Davidson College
Matt Mack Radford University
Craig Miller LaSalle University
Nick Routt Mississippi State University
Scott Silverstein University of Virginia

Any others to report?

DeMatha Catholic

Brendan Lozupone- University Tennessee- Martin.
Jaime Jiron - Frederick Community College

Mount St. Mary's University signs 8.

http://www.mountathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=47...10900&ATCLID=1355314

quote:

Originally posted by diamondpros:
Can you be the Dear Abby of baseball forums?

Say RK,

How is the boy's deuce working out?

cheers
Bear

This has been an interesting thread. For starters, there have been lots of D1 players from Maryland mentioned in this thread. I think what some may not realize is that most states do not produce many D1 players to begin with. My state, Ohio, which is many times bigger than Maryland, produces 100 or so D1 players each year which is not many from a population base of over 20 million. Football recruits from Ohio is another matter but that is for another thread.

To the comment about kids having a dream to play big time D1 baseball, I think there are several ways to skin that cat. There are only so many spots at Clemson, UNC, Florida State, etc.... If your son happens to get one of those FEW spots then that is great.

There are many schools that play those schools however and play them routinely. Thus, an important factor to consider is who someone plays. If your son goes to a school that routinely plays the big schools, there is little difference in my mind from actually attending one of those schools. There will still be many opportunites for exposure and a chance to compete against the nation's best. Many D1's are from smaller conferences and routinely make regionals by dominating within their conference and making noise outside of it. When you make regionals, you are guaranteed to play somebody big. Food for thought...

DeMatha Catholic

Nick Rivers has committed to play baseball at the University of Delaware.

Congrats Nick.

quote:

Originally posted by Redstags:
DeMatha Catholic

Nick Rivers has committed to play baseball at the University of Delaware.

Congrats Nick.

Ditto...

Nick may be Maryland's best two-sport athlete. Blue Hens football would be lucky to get him on the field.

Congrats to Nick on making his commitment to play baseball at the U of Del. He'll have some company up there from the WCAC.

I've seen Nick play...Dealware has a good one there. Congrats to the Rivers family!