Zach Duke Again!

YIPPEE!!

We here in Pirate Country await Zach's arrival!!! The sooner the better!

Congrats to Zach and OPP!!

Yeah!! Not to mention the 34 K's with only 2 walks thus far!!! I thought lefty's didn't know where the ball was going.

I got a chance to see the young OPP, Jr. throw a small session at a facility in Waco in Jan. He was throwing to a rubber mat, only casue no one there wanted to have some serious bruising or breakage to their catching hand. Every ball that hit the mat sounded like a cannon!

On top of his ability, he is a well rounded down to earth individual. A good kid who will make a great big leaguer.

I still can't get over the pancakes for dinner though!

We've been following Jason Hirsh, a great young man who has helped out at a camp my son attends. He had the misfortune to be matched up against Zach a couple games back. Jason threw fairly well but got the loss. Doesn't sound like he'll have to worry about facing Zach too many more times this season as this type of performance could easily see Zach moving up a notch.

There is a great story written today about Zach on www.mlb.com Just click minors on the top bar and you will see his picture and the story. Maybe someone with more computer experience can post a direct link :-)

....no big deal 03!

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news.jsp?ymd=20040505&content_id=736391&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp

Whooopppeee!
WTG Zach

What a great article! And it's good to know that Zach is now drinking!

Congrats Zach and OPP; #15 on Baseball America Prospect Hot Sheet---Prospect Hot Sheet

Bob, I don't think the article said he WAS drinking ... just that he was old enough!

What a great article about OPP's son. I think I remember a couple years back, when OPP shared a story or two with us about Zach's decision process after the draft. It sounded like he was going to head off to college, when he just decided overnight to follow his heart and sign to play pro ball ... didn't he leave you a note to that effect, OPP? Anyway, whether I have the story right or have mixed it up, it sure looks like he made a good decision to sign, and we will be watching for more good news on Zach! Congrats!

Thanks to everyone for this thread.

MNMom, yes you have a very good memory.

Bob! When I saw you in Knocksville, I said I was "...driving his truck to him...." NOT"...I am driving him to drink...."(although I think some of the entire baseball process to this point may have caused ME to have the occasional extra glass of vino along the way ).

Extra thanks to PGStaff, takes a special person to begin a thread in the manner that he started this one.

Once again thanks to all, best of luck with your son's baseball endevors(I am following as many as I can get my computer to keep up with) and I am proud to have such great friends through hsbaseballweb.

OPP

I like that, "Your only as good as your next start."

Nice story..nice looking young man...a sucess story to say the least...good for him...

Pam

AWESOME!!!!! Way to go Zach!!


Congrats OPP!!!

I am glad I have gotten to watch Zach pitch in Lynchburg, a great addition to the rotation. Though I have never met him personally, by way of the stories and things said on this message board, it is good to know that there are guys in the minor leagues that are still very down to earth. That is not something you see very often, at least I haven't with the guys I know that have gone pro.

OPP, I wish your son the best of luck throughout the rest of his career. Lynchburg is just the beginning, can't wait to see him pitch in the other Burgh.

OPP...Great news about your son. I wish him continued success.

OPP,

He is kickin some serious butt.

Go ZACH Go!!!


You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball, and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. ~Jim Bouton, Ball Four, 1970

Opps,

I keep posted on Zach's performances from one of his biggest fans back in Bradenton. The boys back there are in "awe". Congrats! Take care.

Fantastic news, OPP! It's really Tom, isn't it? I had to think for a minute because with all of Zach's success, I usually think of you as Zach's dad, lol! I'm sure you don't mind being known as Zach's dad though. We'll be following his career with interest and wish for him continued good success on the road to the "show!"


Ann

Wonderful article. It is nice to watch as these boys are able to follow their hearts and have their dreams come true !!!