Just wanted some thoughts and opinions on this program.Have heard the pitching coach is very good.
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Queeny is very good as is Coach Keyes
VCU is a D-1 mid-major that plays in the CAA. Like Redbird said, Coach McQueen & Coach Keyes are top notch no non-since type of guys.
They've won the CAA title 3 out of the last four years & have been to the NCAA Regionals 5 times in the last 9 years. The program had three pitchers drafted in 2004 & should have at least one, perhaps two drafted this year.
They've won the CAA title 3 out of the last four years & have been to the NCAA Regionals 5 times in the last 9 years. The program had three pitchers drafted in 2004 & should have at least one, perhaps two drafted this year.
you're dead on about mcqueen.He's a great human being.His problem is he has no sayso in his program if it conflicts with keyes.keyes rules through intimidation not respect.more of his players than not if the truth be told can't stand his coaching tactics.if keyes did the recruiting instead of mcqueen there wouldn't be that many quality players there.god help the next school he goes to (are you listening vt)? let's not forget coach morris either who was responsible for some good recruits there.coach keyes does nothing to help advance his players unless you're one of his hand picked favorites or he can take credit for you if you're an all-american.It is sad to see a good man like queeny not allowed to stand up for what he believes in for fear of his job.
Baseball Dad,
Where does your son play college ball? Just curious where you got/get your info about VCU?
Where does your son play college ball? Just curious where you got/get your info about VCU?
Wonder why we don't see more of VCU recruiting in Hampton Roads? They didn't recruit any of the early '06 signers and aren't pursuing any of the '07 class as of yet. None of the other Virginia CAA schools have recruited HR '06 or '07 class either.
Doc, Actually VCU does quite a bit of recruiting in the Hampton Roads area...including the Peninsula. As with any program I'm sure they have specific position needs which may alter some from year to year. I know for a fact that several players from this area have been recruited in the past couple of years...some chose to go to VCU and others chose other schools. This years tentative VCU roster hase several local players on it. Again I'm sure they point their efforts to specific year by year needs...including finding talented players who want what VCU offers academically. It has to be a two-way fit.
For those of you who have never visited VCU, or have not done so in the past 8 or 10 years, you should do so now. I/we almost let hearsay steer us away. But after visiting, our mindsets and attitudes were turned 180 degrees. Vcu is a great academic institution with a terrific athletics program. And the campus facilities are being broadened, upgraded, and improved every year. VCU became the perfect fit for us, and my son is very happy there and glad he made that choice.
For those of you who have never visited VCU, or have not done so in the past 8 or 10 years, you should do so now. I/we almost let hearsay steer us away. But after visiting, our mindsets and attitudes were turned 180 degrees. Vcu is a great academic institution with a terrific athletics program. And the campus facilities are being broadened, upgraded, and improved every year. VCU became the perfect fit for us, and my son is very happy there and glad he made that choice.
estimator i have seen this man in action first hand! I have witnessed some horrible actions displayed by keyes while queeny could only shake his head, on and off the field.some of keyes decisions were luck.Last years caa mvp sat the bench for the first 8-10 games while even his dad shook his head.have you ever heard of keyes dog house? the # 2 pitcher in the valley league this summer was chased away by keyes.if you polled 100 of his past and present players i promise you 80 would be negitive on him as a person and as a coach.
Heh...Sounds like the same stuff people said about PK's college coach...he turned out pretty well.
I cannot say enough about Coach Keyes. I have known him since he was in college.
I cannot say enough about Coach Keyes. I have known him since he was in college.
That's what's great about differences of opinion. It makes for a interesting topic.
I think that Coach Keyes & Coach McQueen work the good cop/bad cop thing to perfection. Coach Keyes has one job...to win baseball games. Its his job, it's how he puts food on his family's table. He doesn't coddle his players & he expects results when given they are given their opportunity. Those facts may be hard to swallow but they are true. My son currently plays for Coach Keyes & I'm sure they haven't agreed on everything but he enjoys his relationship with his coach & enjoys the intensity that Coach Keyes brings to the program. As far as helping players to the next level. He holds a open scrimmage every fall specifically for professional scouts to look at players. He places his players in summer leagues throughout the country. I don't know what more a player can ask for. If players have left the program you can bet it's based on their results or lack of... on the field. As far as a person... I've always found him approachable & friendly. I guess I'm one of the twenty.
I think that Coach Keyes & Coach McQueen work the good cop/bad cop thing to perfection. Coach Keyes has one job...to win baseball games. Its his job, it's how he puts food on his family's table. He doesn't coddle his players & he expects results when given they are given their opportunity. Those facts may be hard to swallow but they are true. My son currently plays for Coach Keyes & I'm sure they haven't agreed on everything but he enjoys his relationship with his coach & enjoys the intensity that Coach Keyes brings to the program. As far as helping players to the next level. He holds a open scrimmage every fall specifically for professional scouts to look at players. He places his players in summer leagues throughout the country. I don't know what more a player can ask for. If players have left the program you can bet it's based on their results or lack of... on the field. As far as a person... I've always found him approachable & friendly. I guess I'm one of the twenty.
Valefty44, Ditto here. I guess I'm also one of the twenty. I wonder who the other eighteen are? 
Baseballdad, No offense intended...but it sounds like your son had an unpleasant experience at VCU for whatever reason. I'm not sure I know who you are so I can only conjecture. Keyes is a strong minded and strong willed individual who obviously knows something about the game based on the success of the program over the past dozen or so years. Does he make mistakes? Show me a coach...at ANY level that doesn't. You can second guess all day long...but hey...hind sight is better than no sight. And Baseballdad, whoever your son is and wherever he's going to school and playing baseball now, I wish him the best of luck and hope that he also can continue his carreer successfully.
Baseballdad, No offense intended...but it sounds like your son had an unpleasant experience at VCU for whatever reason. I'm not sure I know who you are so I can only conjecture. Keyes is a strong minded and strong willed individual who obviously knows something about the game based on the success of the program over the past dozen or so years. Does he make mistakes? Show me a coach...at ANY level that doesn't. You can second guess all day long...but hey...hind sight is better than no sight. And Baseballdad, whoever your son is and wherever he's going to school and playing baseball now, I wish him the best of luck and hope that he also can continue his carreer successfully.
The program signed a big prospect. Matt Bryant a RHP from Stafford HS and should be a big help for their program.Throws low 90's. Good pickup for the program.
I think every opinion about Coach Keyes expressed here is more than accurate. He is a smart baseball man. He gets kids to play his way or they leave. He is hard on kids which isn't a bad thing but I think he also uses kids then when he has no use for them anymore he forgets them. He doesn't care about academics one bit. He wants to win and that is his bottom line and if you can't help him do it he will find someone to take your place. He is very hard on coaches. He wants the acclaim when VCU wins and he blames players AND coaches when they don't. He is often mentioned when the Va. Tech job is discussed but Tech would be wise to go the route UVa did when they hired O'Conner.
So bottom line Keyes is a good baseball man but doesn't really care about his players as people, doesn't care about players and their academics and doesn't really respect his assistants the way he should especially considering the quality assistants he has and has had.
So bottom line Keyes is a good baseball man but doesn't really care about his players as people, doesn't care about players and their academics and doesn't really respect his assistants the way he should especially considering the quality assistants he has and has had.
estimator, Keyes hadn't recruited any of the top '06 players from South Hampton Roads and none of the top '07 prospects have heard from VCU. Some of the local top '06's have signed with Auburn, Clemson & Georgia Tech and the top 07's are hearing from top 40 schools but none of them are hearing anything from VCU. We have 4 Baseball America top 200 '07 prospects in South Hampton Roads.
Doc, Have you spoken directly to each and every '06 and '07 prospect and or his parents? Before you start making statements like that you should do your due diligence and get the facts. I know for a fact through personal conversation that both the Auburn AND Georgia Tech signees were approached by and/or recruited by and/or made an an offer by VCU.
Local8SS, Did you play or coach for Keyes? I respect anybody's opinion that has first hand experience and knowledge. But those who comment based on hearsay or secondhand info? Hmmm!
Local8SS, Did you play or coach for Keyes? I respect anybody's opinion that has first hand experience and knowledge. But those who comment based on hearsay or secondhand info? Hmmm!
Local8SS and others...Paul Keyes is from the same mold as Mark Newman. Many on the outside said the same things about him. Some coaches have a coddling style while others are screamers.
Baseball in college is nothing like baseball in HS. Get over it.
I would send my kid to Coach Keyes any day of the week.
Baseball in college is nothing like baseball in HS. Get over it.
I would send my kid to Coach Keyes any day of the week.
redbird5,
I have been following this thread and find it interesting. Would love to hear your thoughts about about why college coaching is different than high school.
It is starting to seem clear to me that many college coaching staffs have at least one coach on staff that is unpleasable and designed to be in your face - no matter how good you are. I think it is purposfully designed to seperate the wheat from the chaffe since in many cases, the physical talent is similar. Thus, these coaches are looking for mentally-tough players they can count on when the going gets really tough. jmo and curious what your take is.
I have been following this thread and find it interesting. Would love to hear your thoughts about about why college coaching is different than high school.
It is starting to seem clear to me that many college coaching staffs have at least one coach on staff that is unpleasable and designed to be in your face - no matter how good you are. I think it is purposfully designed to seperate the wheat from the chaffe since in many cases, the physical talent is similar. Thus, these coaches are looking for mentally-tough players they can count on when the going gets really tough. jmo and curious what your take is.
JOHNNY
Be sure about your posts about players. At one time Matt Bryant had verbally committed to NC State? That doesn't mean he didn't later sign with VCU. Then again you might have your facts wrong.
One of us does!
Be sure about your posts about players. At one time Matt Bryant had verbally committed to NC State? That doesn't mean he didn't later sign with VCU. Then again you might have your facts wrong.
One of us does!
I've been following this thread too. CD, you bring up a great question. I think that many of the most successful college coaches are very intense on the field and have a bit of an intimidation factor. I know my son and teammates have tremendous respect for their coach who tells them pretty much like it is.
A former UK basketball player says that Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith were thought of in very similar terms by kids that played for them both. Both coaches were hard nosed, competitive, want to win guys. He said the difference though was that as a player, you could knock on Tubby's door. I think that's the important difference to look for. Whenever I hear of these kinds of accusations towards a coach, what I want to know about is that X factor. One can drive my son as hard as he wants during baseball, but I want to know what he would do if my son has a problem, question, or concern off the field.
A former UK basketball player says that Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith were thought of in very similar terms by kids that played for them both. Both coaches were hard nosed, competitive, want to win guys. He said the difference though was that as a player, you could knock on Tubby's door. I think that's the important difference to look for. Whenever I hear of these kinds of accusations towards a coach, what I want to know about is that X factor. One can drive my son as hard as he wants during baseball, but I want to know what he would do if my son has a problem, question, or concern off the field.
estimator, I KNOW for a fact that none of the three O6 top signees weren't offered one cent to play for VCU. That includes the kid who signed with AUBURN, CLEMSON and GEORGIA TECH. As for the 07's, yes I do know most all the top prospects in Hampton Roads and non are being courted by VCU. I think you should be the one doing your due diligence. Because your son plays for a school that doesn't make you an expert on the topic.
I to have followed this thread with interest. I had to look up the web site and this coach has an outstanding history over 11 years.
He maybe a hard nosed coach and exact the most he can get out of his players and if he dosen't get it he benches them. That is no less than what you wouuld expect. His reputation (Job) is on the line.
If he benched a top pitcher for 8-10 games for a reason I have greater respect for him.
As a parent I take a pill and stay out of the coaches way. The only reason a player should be bench is non performance if we have done our jobs well.
He maybe a hard nosed coach and exact the most he can get out of his players and if he dosen't get it he benches them. That is no less than what you wouuld expect. His reputation (Job) is on the line.
If he benched a top pitcher for 8-10 games for a reason I have greater respect for him.
As a parent I take a pill and stay out of the coaches way. The only reason a player should be bench is non performance if we have done our jobs well.
well mrmom matter of fact im a really good friends with the head coach and he said that hes commitment fell through because he didnt take spanish in high school.So yes my facts are true and he has signed his NLI to attend VCU.
They're getting a good one; Matt Bryant was very impressive in Commonwealth Games. Looked like a kid that might get serious looks come draft time too.
Local8SS, Did you play or coach for Keyes? I respect anybody's opinion that has first hand experience and knowledge. But those who comment based on hearsay or secondhand info? Hmmm![/QUOTE]
If the qualification for posting opinions is you must have played or coached for the person your commenting on then the whole board would be pretty empty. Your son may be at VCU but you are not and I have very good information about the VCU program and Coach Keyes having known many players and coaches who have been a part of the program over the past 10 years.
At no time have I said Keyes wasn't a good coach. I somewhat agree with Red Bird in that my kid could play for Keyes any day....if all I wanted for my son was a baseball career...if I wanted my son to be coached by a coach who cares about him before, during and after his college career I am not sure Keyes would be the guy I'd want my son to play for.
If the qualification for posting opinions is you must have played or coached for the person your commenting on then the whole board would be pretty empty. Your son may be at VCU but you are not and I have very good information about the VCU program and Coach Keyes having known many players and coaches who have been a part of the program over the past 10 years.
At no time have I said Keyes wasn't a good coach. I somewhat agree with Red Bird in that my kid could play for Keyes any day....if all I wanted for my son was a baseball career...if I wanted my son to be coached by a coach who cares about him before, during and after his college career I am not sure Keyes would be the guy I'd want my son to play for.
Hey Doc, No need to get hot under the collar. No...I'm not an expert this topic or any other for that matter. Why do you get so defensive when people disagree with you? I will say again...GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT. I know the Hirsch's and Ray's personally and have had numerous conversations with both. BOTH were approached by VCU. I don't know who you consider the top prospects from this area, but I'd have to rate those two right near the top. As for any '07 players I wouldn't know because I haven't spoken personally to any of them. Have you? I doubt it. So...now that you and I agree to disagree on this topic, let's move on.
Local8SS,
No...I'm not at VCU...and neither are you. There are no qualifications for expressing an "opinion". But in my book expressed statements of fact require qualification i.e. first hand experience, not biased and exaggerated hearsay. If you had first hand experience with VCU and/or any of the coaching staff there then I totally respect your feelings and attitude. If you didn't...You might want to be a little more careful about what you state in writing in public about anyone. Just a friendly cautionary note. Now...let's move on to positive and constructive info which is what this site is intended for. Have a good day.
No...I'm not at VCU...and neither are you. There are no qualifications for expressing an "opinion". But in my book expressed statements of fact require qualification i.e. first hand experience, not biased and exaggerated hearsay. If you had first hand experience with VCU and/or any of the coaching staff there then I totally respect your feelings and attitude. If you didn't...You might want to be a little more careful about what you state in writing in public about anyone. Just a friendly cautionary note. Now...let's move on to positive and constructive info which is what this site is intended for. Have a good day.
there is no way that keyes measures up to mark newman in coaching.I have no problem with a coach with intensity but that's not the case with keyes. one person posted that he doesn't respect his players or his assistants that is so true.keyes tries to run a baseball factory but doesn't care about the humanistic side of baseball.it's pretty well known when you mention keyes to a scout,advisor,or another coach you get the same negative eye roll or comment.vcu would be better off to turn the program over to coach mcqueen.coach morris gave his heart and soul for keyes and the program but when he left keyes had negative things to say about that.is a man's success based on his win/loss record? for the guy whose son goes there ask him how he feels about one all american being asked to the coaches house for dinner and the rest not.when you sit in the stands listen a little harder or get into a conversation with some of his teamates.
quote:Originally posted by baseball dad:
there is no way that keyes measures up to mark newman in coaching.
Very few do. I still say that Mark Newman is one of the smartest men I have ever met - in baseball or outside of it.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by estimator:
Local8SS,
If you had first hand experience with VCU and/or any of the coaching staff there then I totally respect your feelings and attitude.
I have and I do.
Local8SS,
If you had first hand experience with VCU and/or any of the coaching staff there then I totally respect your feelings and attitude.
I have and I do.
baseball dad,
Just a couple of issues with your last post. I think most folks would agree (probably even Keyes) that Mark Newman is a special baseball man & there aren't too many comparisons. Why turn the program over the Coach McQueen? Don't get me wrong, Coach McQueen is a fine coach & would do an outstanding job in a head coaching position, but Coach Keyes has been successful, continues to be successful & seems to have the administration's support. No doubt that Coach Morris gave his heart & soul for the program & when he left for Old Dominion he was/is greatly missed. But he left VCU for a better coaching opportunity (1st assistant/recruiting coordinator) versus the 2nd asst. post he occupied @ VCU. No one can blame Coach Morris for that he deserved it. I can't comment on any negative things Keyes may have said about that because I didn't hear any. I will agree that Keyes is hard on his assistants but they probably are aware of that when they come into the program. (afterall Coach McQueen did come over from crosstown rival U of R) As far as the "all-american" being invited to the coaches house for dinner & the rest not. I could give a "rat's backside" about that issue. It's the coaches house, he can invite or uninvite any players he wants for dinner. I'm sure my son wouldn't be or wasn't crushed. When I go to a game I WATCH THE GAME & try to avoid the backbiting fans & petty issues that tend to be associated with those groups.
Just a couple of issues with your last post. I think most folks would agree (probably even Keyes) that Mark Newman is a special baseball man & there aren't too many comparisons. Why turn the program over the Coach McQueen? Don't get me wrong, Coach McQueen is a fine coach & would do an outstanding job in a head coaching position, but Coach Keyes has been successful, continues to be successful & seems to have the administration's support. No doubt that Coach Morris gave his heart & soul for the program & when he left for Old Dominion he was/is greatly missed. But he left VCU for a better coaching opportunity (1st assistant/recruiting coordinator) versus the 2nd asst. post he occupied @ VCU. No one can blame Coach Morris for that he deserved it. I can't comment on any negative things Keyes may have said about that because I didn't hear any. I will agree that Keyes is hard on his assistants but they probably are aware of that when they come into the program. (afterall Coach McQueen did come over from crosstown rival U of R) As far as the "all-american" being invited to the coaches house for dinner & the rest not. I could give a "rat's backside" about that issue. It's the coaches house, he can invite or uninvite any players he wants for dinner. I'm sure my son wouldn't be or wasn't crushed. When I go to a game I WATCH THE GAME & try to avoid the backbiting fans & petty issues that tend to be associated with those groups.
Hey baseball dad,
Just out of curiosity...who was the #2 pitcher in the valley league this summer?
And local8SS,
Care to share your first hand experience(s) with VCU and/or the coaching staff? A PM will be fine.
Just out of curiosity...who was the #2 pitcher in the valley league this summer?
And local8SS,
Care to share your first hand experience(s) with VCU and/or the coaching staff? A PM will be fine.
Ok...so we are talking about things like whether a coach invites kids to his house for dinner? And also about some disgruntled parents? C'mon...you gotta be kidding me. Coach Keyes coaches as played (and was coached), like most coaches do.
What is the humanistic side of baseball? I am not sure humanistic is even a word.
I have spoken with many scouts and coaches about Coach Keyes and never has anyone *ever* rolled their eyes. Let's face it, a head coach's job is to develop his players *and* coaches. How many of his assistants have moved up to better jobs?
This debate has turned humorous.
There are 2 dads in this thread that have kids at VCU. I've know Coach Keyes since he was a player. So...you have 3 people who know him pretty well. Removing me from the equation, I would take the word of 2 active dads over 2 guys who claim to have inside knowledge.
Again, I would send my son to play for Coach Keyes. I know he will look out for him and develop him as a player and person. The reality of college baseball is that only a very select few will move on to pro baseball.
What is the humanistic side of baseball? I am not sure humanistic is even a word.
I have spoken with many scouts and coaches about Coach Keyes and never has anyone *ever* rolled their eyes. Let's face it, a head coach's job is to develop his players *and* coaches. How many of his assistants have moved up to better jobs?
This debate has turned humorous.
There are 2 dads in this thread that have kids at VCU. I've know Coach Keyes since he was a player. So...you have 3 people who know him pretty well. Removing me from the equation, I would take the word of 2 active dads over 2 guys who claim to have inside knowledge.
Again, I would send my son to play for Coach Keyes. I know he will look out for him and develop him as a player and person. The reality of college baseball is that only a very select few will move on to pro baseball.
quote:Originally posted by mrmom:
JOHNNY
Be sure about your posts about players. At one time Matt Bryant had verbally committed to NC State? That doesn't mean he didn't later sign with VCU. Then again you might have your facts wrong.
One of us does!
the scouting bureau has him going to VCU, for whatever that's worth.
It's VCU, for sure. Lack of a foreign language screwed up the first deal.
CV
CV
Congratulations to Scott Sizemore, Jr. 2b,Hickory grad, for being selected pre-season second team All American. A nice honor for an outstanding young man with loads of talent and great work ethic. He should go far with his baseball future.
quote:Originally posted by estimator:
Congratulations to Scott Sizemore, Jr. 2b,Hickory grad, for being selected pre-season second team All American. A nice honor for an outstanding young man with loads of talent and great work ethic. He should go far with his baseball future.
Can you share a link? Thanks! Congrats to him
quote:Originally posted by Bobby Cherry:
Can you share a link? Thanks! Congrats to him
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