Top Pitcher in the Tidewater Area

Great topic. It'd be fun to see this topic applied to all positional players as well. Assuming Tidewater does not include the Peninsula, I'd go with Coby Cowgill, Eddie Butler, John Beasley, Erickson Keeton, Ryan Mattes, Jeff Difulgo, and Richie Salter. Obviously I'm more familiar with the Beach District.

One guy no one talks about is Indian River's Junior Dean Ali. He sits around 82-84mph, has that 6'2" projectible frame, and throws so loosely that the ball sneaks up on batters. As for his resume... he was one guy that the team could not do without and make states last year. For example:

* During Beach Blast, he pitched a CG 2-hitter, striking out 15, beating Beach District Tourney winner Ocean Lakes.
* Against a ranked Nansemond River at Harbor Park, threw CG, walking 1, striking out 11, allowing just 2 ER.
* Against a ranked Hickory squad, a CG 3-hitter, allowing 2 ER, striking out 7.
* Defeated top-ranked Western Branch in SED Tourney, tossing CG 3-hitter, allowing just 1 ER.
* Defeated 20-3 Hampton (Peninsula Reg. Season & Tourney Champ) in Eastern Regionals, allowing no hits through the first 4 innings.

He did all of this as a sophomore last year (any one else have a comparable resume from last year...defeating 3 district champs?)... Great kid too... smart, near top of class GPA, and very coachable.

Erickson Keeton, NR
Coby Cowgill, Maury
Nick Thompson, WB
Eddie Butler, GCA

Can't speak to several of the named pitchers but those who only think of Coby Cowgill when they think of Eastern District pitchers will be unpleasantly surprised when they face his Maury teammate, John Garrett. Garrett is a very heady guy on the mound - much like IR's Dean Ali and GCA's Butler.

quote:

Originally posted by bob Uecker:
Can't speak to several of the named pitchers but those who only think of Coby Cowgill when they think of Eastern District pitchers will be unpleasantly surprised when they face his Maury teammate, John Garrett. Garrett is a very heady guy on the mound - much like IR's Dean Ali and GCA's Butler.

I have to agree, he looks real good on the mound. Nice command with his pitches.

John Garrett is the best all around baseball player in the Eastern District. He is also the most composed, deliberate and focused pitcher on the Maury squad.

Garrett might be the best overall player in Hampton Roads this year. He swings a smooth stick and is certainly well poised on the mound. As a whole, I would say he is the best all-around player in the hampton roads area and should make a run at the Virginian Pilot's 2009 Player of the Year. But when it comes down to just pitching, Granby's Greg Abetz is as competitive as the above mentioned. A Big guy, who epitmozes "spotting up a fastball." Ali is a gifted athlete as well, but from a few things I have heard IR has recently been over-using many of their pitchers. Hopefully this doesnt lead to arm trouble. And dont forget the private school arm's in John Beasley at Norfolk Academy (a UPenn signee) and John Leidig (junior I believe at Bishop Sullivan). Both battle incredibly well when on the hill. Best of luck to everyone this season!

bird and va ball,you might be getting off topic?Bird,Coby is a young man that has earned his stripes.He has a powerful pressence on the mound,and has certainly,put up the numbers.You might be just a little to passionate with it?Va Ball,I know there is some heavy talent in Hampton Roads that is very stong,some of those kids are on this very team,we will see when the fields dry-out?Good luck,lets stick to the topic,he is looking for Pitchers.

Heard through the grapevine that Cowgill was very ill this winter. A few weeks in the hospital and a significant weight and strength loss. Let's hope he is back in top form!!!

Just wanted to comment on the use of the staff at IR. Our varsity team has played one 5 inning game. 3 pitchers were used.

I can assure anyone reading that the staff is carefully maintained and cared for. You will see the Braves start as many as 5 different pitchers as the season unfolds (Heath, Ali, Dickason, Howerin, Cartwright) and have as many as 7 see innings (Alley, Swindell).

Let it be known as well that the Braves' pitching staff got STRONGER as the 2008 season progressed, not broke down, as a testiment.

My intention is not to stoke a debate, just defend the program. I feel that it is MORE careless, however, to give false impressions of any program without any factual data.

And there is no doubt that Liberty has signed a solid player. Lets hope GCA's academics can prepare him for the workload at LU.

Josh Richardson has two VISAA STATE Championships 2007 and 2008, A 2008 WWBA 16U Championship, and a Blue/Grey Battle of the States Championship rings under his belt along with multiple AAU/USSSA State Championships since 2001. Josh was selected as the 2008 #3 top prospect in the Under Armor Team One South held in Atlanta, GA this summer. He was also selected as one of the 2008 Under Armor All-American's. Was selected as 1 of 26 Virginia players to earn a spot for the All-National Team by Baseball Clearinghouse. Heavily recruited thought out the state and around the East coast. He chose Liberty University over the many offers he had. He is a hard throwing right-handed pitcher with lower 90 speeds with awesome control and electric arm. His versatility and defensive skills at playing shortstop on the field are among the best in the state, which makes him a highly sought after player. Josh has the ability to be one of the most athletic player's in the state of Virginia.

Ace45- Are you also Viper45 on this site? If so, nice photos

JR

Thanks. Yes. In my bio, Josh is mine.