Tag Archives: Saint Leo University
Alum, former pro Richardson now in charge of West Noble Chargers
November 30, 2022 stvkrh905 Leave a comment
Waylon Richardson, who was named this week as head baseball at West Noble High School in Ligonier, Ind., has had most of his baseball experiences as a player.
Born in Goshen, Richardson grew up around Ligonier, moved near Cromwell in high school (parents Franklin Jr., and Kimberly Richardson own about 220 acres of farmland) and got acquainted with the game early at Wawaka.
At West Noble, he competed four years each in baseball and basketball and two of football.
As a 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher he appeared in 11 games as a senior in 2015 and went 6-1 with one save, a 1.61 earned run average, 85 strikeouts and 30 walks in 56 2/3 innings. As a junior, he pitched in eight games and went 1-3 with a 2.18 ERA, 48 strikeouts and 20 walks in 35 1/3 innings.
Richardson scored 445 career points on the basketball court.
In his senior football season of 2014, he passed for 1,236 yards and eight touchdowns.
His head coaches were Doug Brown (baseball), Jim Best (basketball) and Monte Mawhorter (football). The trio always seemed to get their older players to take leadership roles.
"They were hard-nosed coaches and role models," says Richardson. "They got the most out of their group of players each and every year. I still reach out to each of them. I couldn't have asked for three better high school coaches."
Richardson went to Kankakee (Ill.) Community College. In 2016, he made one start and experienced a shoulder separation and sat out the rest of the season.
As a redshirt freshman in 2017, he was the Cavaliers closer. In 27 games, he went 2-0 with nine saves and an 0.30 ERA, 39 strikeouts and eight walks in 30 innings. KCC went to Enid, Okla., and won the 2017 National Junior College Athletic Association Division II World Series.
Richardson was named to all-region and all-World Series teams.
That summer, he hurled for the Coastal Plain League's High Point-Thomasville (N.C.) Hi-Toms. He made 11 appearances (10 in relief) and went 2-4 with 4.91 ERA, 18 strikeouts and 11 walks in 14 2/3 innings. He also tore the Ulnar Collateral Ligament in his right elbow and underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2017.
In 2018, a trainer for the Chicago Cubs visited Kankakee and advised head coach Todd Post and pitching coach Bryce Shafer to shut Richardson down after three appearances because he had come back from surgery too soon. The right-hander continued his rehabilitation and threw bullpens for professional scouts.
Richardson committed to play at Saint Leo (Fla.) University for head coach Rick O'Dette (who played at coached at Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind.), whose pitching philosophy went hand-in-hand with Shafer.
Post congratulated Richardson when he was named as West Noble head coach.
"He's like a second father to me," says Richardson of the veteran field boss. "He got me into that mental mindset that led me to bigger and better things. It got me drafted."
Post helped Richardson understand the importance of the little things in baseball. Those add up to big things.
"It was a whole new perspective on baseball (for me)," says Richardson.
When the 2018 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft was held Richardson was selected in the 40th round by the Philadelphia Phillies and pitched in the minors in 2019. Various injuries limited him to three games and three innings. He was released in May 2020. The minor league season was canceled that year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Richardson, who was getting old for a Class-A ballplayer, opted to retire.
Waylon married the former Abby Richards of Churubusco in October 2020 and started working in construction as a remodeler and house flipper and flooring sub-contractor. Abby Richardson is a speech therapist and cheerleading coach at West Noble.
Waylon Richardson, 25, was a varsity assistant to brother Aaron Coy (other siblings include Brittany Richardson and former all-state, Ball State University and Grace College basketball player Haley Richardson) during the 2022 West Noble baseball season. Coy is a 2006 West Noble alum who played baseball at Goshen College.
As the man in charge of the Chargers, Richardson had from nine to 17 players participate in fall IHSAA Limited Contact Period baseball activities.
"We share to many athletes at our school," says Richardson, who held optional open fields after football practice. "Without everyone there it's hard to put in your philosophy."
He was able to critique the swings of newer players, getting them to use more of their lower half. He got the older players to take the younger ones under their wins and emphasized knowing where to throw the ball on defense.
The winter Limited Contact Period is Dec. 5-Feb. 4. Richardson plans to have his twice-weekly sessions following basketball practice.
"We want to get as many kids as possible," says Richardson.
Hitters will be asked to have an approach at the plate and not just be free swingers.
A brand new outdoor batting cage was recently installed at the Chargers' on-campus field. Richardson's wish list includes a new scoreboard and a new or remodeled press box.
"I'm excited," says Richardson. "We lost eight seniors but return at least six everyday starters. We have a really good young freshman class. The ones showing up (at practices) are athletic and versatile."
Richardson says he sees college baseball potential in Class of 2023's Elijah Bacon and Winston Deel.
The coaching staff includes returnees Dave Shields, Mel Coyle and Jose Marmolejo.
Shields was on the staff when Richardson was a player.
"I respect his Baseball I.Q.," says Richardson. "He's like a father figure to the kids."
Coyle doubles as a junior varsity coach and groundskeeper.
"He makes sure Charger baseball plays on a beautiful diamond," says Richardson, who is also hoping to bring on two former college teammates.
Richardson seeks pitchers who get ahead in the count.
"We want to work low in the zone — inside and out," says Richardson. "If you command two pitches, you can play around with a third and get hitters to chase."
Looking at his 2023 season opener, Richardson is considering letting pitchers go one inning each to see what they've got and doing the same thing in Game 2.
"We want to figure out our rotation and relievers going into conference play and the end of the year," says Richardson.
West Noble (enrollment around 720) is a member of the Northeast Corner Conference (with Angola, Central Noble, Churubusco, Eastside, Fairfield, Fremont, Garrett, Hamilton, Lakeland, Prairie Heights and Westview).
The Chargers are part of an IHSAA Class 3A sectional grouping in 2023 with East Noble, Fairfield, Lakeland, NorthWood and Wawasee. West Noble has won eight sectional titles — the last in 2006.
West Noble Little League (formerly Kimmel Baseball & Softball) prepares players for the high school. Greg Eash is WNLL board president for an organization which has traditionally fielded teams from T-Ball to 1/2 Pints (seventh and eighth graders).
"Greg Eash great coach for our feeder system," says Richardson. "I've told my coaches we need to get down there and show our face to the youth."
Waylon Richardson (West Noble High School Photo)
Waylon and Abby Richardson (West Noble High School Photo)
Waylon Richardson pitches for West Noble High School.
Waylon Richardson helped Kankakee (Ill.) Community College win the 2017 NJCAA Division II World Series.
Waylon Richardson was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and pitched briefly in the minors. (Four Seam Images)
Aaron CoyAbby RichardsonAngolaBaseballBasketballBrittany RichardsonBryce ShaferCentral NobleChargersCheerleading coachChurubuscoCoastal Plain LeagueCOVID-19CromwellDave ShieldsDoug BrownEast NobleEastsideElijah BaconFairfieldFeeder programFloridaFootballFranklin Richardson Jr.FremontGarrettGreg EashHaley RichardsonHamiltonHigh Point-Thomasville Hi-TomsIHSAA Limited Contact PeriodIllinoisIndianaJim BestJose MarmolejoKankakee Community CollegeKCCKimberly RichardsonKImmelKimmel Baseball & SoftballLakelandLigonierMel CoyleMLB DraftMonte MawhorterNational Junior College Athletic AssociationNECCNJCAA Division II World Series championsNortheast Corner ConferenceNorthwood UniversityPhiladelphia PhilliesPitcherPrairie HeightsRick O'DetteSaint Leo UniversitySpeech therapistTodd PostTommy John surgeryWawakaWawaseeWaylon RichardsonWest NobleWest Noble Little LeagueWestviewWinston Deel
Smith building excitement as new Manchester Squires coach
August 24, 2022 stvkrh905 3 Comments
Shane Smith has coached baseball for 24 years and at every level from T-ball and 18U travel with the past two years as an assistant at Wabash (Ind.) High School.
Smith can now add high school head coach to his list of diamond experiences.
Last week he was board-approved to lead the baseball program at Manchester Junior/Senior High School in North Manchester, Ind., which is about 20 miles north of Southwood Junior/Senior High School.
Oldest son Blake Smith (19) graduated from Wabash in 2022 and is now a freshman baseball player and Sport Management major at Manchester University in North Manchester.
Shane and Tiffany Smith's younger sons Ashton (18 and a senior) and Jackson (15 and a sophomore) are still in involved in baseball at Southwood, which is also in Wabash County and conference rival to Manchester. Ashton Smith played at Wabash the past two years.
Daughter Ella Smith is a seventh grade softball player and dancer.
"Baseball has been our family thing," says Shane Smith, who celebrates 20 years of marriage to Tiffany in October. "This is an opportunity I've always wanted: to run a varsity baseball program.
"I prayed about it. I talked to my family. They've been supportive. I don't take it lightly and I appreciate it."
Smith was involved with the Wabash Pride travel program for eight years, serving as president for six. He also coached for the USA Prime.
At Wabash High, he assisted Apaches head coach Jack Holley. They had met when Smith was 13 and playing for the Prep League Blue Jays coached by Holley.
"He's an Old School baseball traditionalist and he's got a great heart," says Smith of Holley, who played on Wabash's 1986 state champions and then at Valparaiso University. "He's got a great deal of knowledge, but he puts things in perspective.
"It's bigger than baseball. We're dealing with people's sons."
During his high school years, Smith also played for Wabash American Legion Post 15 coached by Steve Furnas and Oren Wagner.
Smith is a 1999 graduate of Wabash. One of his high school coaches in his younger years was Todd Adams, a former Anderson (Ind.) University player who was in charge of strength and conditioning for the Apaches.
"He was a physical specimen," says Smith of Adams, who is now his insurance agent. "He poured everything he had into us. We were than more than just our stats.
"He got the most out of us simply by showing he cared. He expected maximum effort and that's who I am as a coach."
Rick Espeset, head coach at Manchester University, coached with Smith for four years in the summer and made an impression.
"You can achieve success and all these goals but you have to stay grounded," says Smith. "Everything we did was fun and maximum effort
He was a relationship-first guy, too."
Ethan Espeset, Rick's son, is a 2022 Manchester Junior/Senior High graduate.
Manchester (enrollment around 475) is a member of the Three Rivers Conference (with Maconaquah, Northfield, North Miami, Peru, Rochester, Southwood, Tippecanoe Valley and Whitko).
The Squires were part of an IHSAA Class 2A sectional grouping in 2022 with Carroll (Flora), Lewis Cass, Rochester, Wabash and Whitko. Manchester has won nine sectional titles — the last in 2016. The 2002 Squires were 2A state champions.
Jack Rupley was Manchester's head coach from 1998 until retiring at the end of the 2022 season.
"Jack was very consistent as far as leading a program and its expectations," says Smith. "I want to add to the already-strong history."
Smith plans to bring his unique strengths and passions to the Squires baseball program.
"I like to play fast and put pressure on the defense," says Smith. He notes that Wabash stole 140 bases in 2022 and that's a realistic goal at Manchester. "I like the kids to play loose and fail with confidence. I'm not looking for them to be a robot. I'm going to empower my players to steal that base."
Smith passionate about serving others and he's going to bring that to the Squires.
Wabash conducted a "dad's practice" with a fathers and male role models joining the players and Smith plans to do the same at Manchester.
"We're going to have a good time," says Smith.
He wants to have walk-up songs and "cool gamed experience" for his players.
"I'm an Old School guy with a New School side to me," says Smith. "I want to mix it up a little."
In just a few days, the Manchester Squires Baseball Facebook page already had over 100 followers.
"Excitement is growing," says Smith. "We want to do something special."
Smith expects eight players with varsity experience to return in 2023. That includes the top four in batting average (junior Garrett Sites .389, sophomore Ethan Hendrix .365, junior Evan Martynowicz .338, junior Gavin Martin .303) and leading base stealers (Sites 11, Hendrix 10, Martynowicz 8 and Martin 7).
As a pitcher, Martynowicz went 2-2 with a 2.31 earned run average, 38 strikeouts and 13 walks over 42 1/3 innings.
Smith has already attended Manchester sporting events to meet players and parents and reached out to Manchester Recreational Association and wants to offer coach and player clinics.
"My main goal is to generate excitement in the community," says Smith. "People don't care what you know until they know that you care. I plan to support these kids and families and have a good foundation of a relationship way before the first day of practice."
The coach plans to have a call-out meeting in the near future.
Manchester does not currently have junior high baseball. Smith says he would like to start that, perhaps through MRA.
"We want to make sure (younger players) have a sound foundation," says Smith. "We want to make sure in T-ball they fall in love with the game. So many times we overwhelm the kids and it becomes a job.
"They have to have a great experience, continue to love it and have the confidence. Youth baseball is all about fundamentals and gaining confidence.
"If we are going to have a true feeder system, the focus has to be development and long-term success over short-term success."
Smith works as a social worker and school safety specialist for Wabash City Schools. He is currently in the L.H. Carpenter Early Learning Center.
He is also on the Wabash County's Child Protection Team, which is an accountability piece for the Department of Child Services.
Smith earned a Criminal Justice degree with a minor in Human Resources Management from Saint Leo (Fla.) University.
Shane Smith.
The Smiths (clockwise from upper left): Shane, Ashton, Blake, Jackson, Tiffany and Ella.
"Dad's Practice" with Blake, Shane, Ashton and Doug Smith.
Shane Smith (left) advises a Wabash High hitter.
ApachesAshton SmithBlake SmithCarroll (Flora)Child Protection TeamCriminal JusticeDepartment of Child ServicesElla SmithEthan EspesetEthan HendrixEvan MartynowiczFloridaGarrett SitesGavin MartinHuman Resources ManagementIHSAA sectional championsIHSAA state championsIndianaJack HolleyJack RupleyJackson SmithL.H. Carpenter Early Learning CenterLewis CassMaconaquahManchesterManchester High SchoolManchester Recreation AssociationManchester Squires Facebook pageManchester UniversityMRANew SchoolNorth ManchesterNorth MiamiNorthfieldOld SchoolOren WagnerPeruPrep LeagueRick EspesetRochesterSaint Leo UniversitySchool safety specialistShane SmithSocial workerSouthwoodSteve FurnasThree Rivers ConferenceTiffany SmithTippecanoe ValleyTodd AdamsTravel BaseballTRCWabashWabash American Legion Post 15Wabash City SchoolsWabash CountyWabash PrideWhitko
Instruction, Training
Clark, Nanny, Trinkle launch HitClub Player Development Services
January 20, 2022 stvkrh905 Leave a comment
Three buddies who trained together as they were rising through the ranks of Indiana baseball are now sharing their knowledge as part of a new business.
Plainfield (Ind.) High School graduates Kalib Clark (24) and Daylan Nanny (22) and Columbus (Ind.) North High School alum Cooper Trinkle (23) have formed HitClub Player Development Services.
"I want people to know how passionate we are about the game of baseball and helping out that next level of baseball player in Indiana," says Trinkle, who played for Ben McDaniel at Columbus North, graduating in 2017 and going on to play infield at the University of Evansville, John A. Logan College, Indiana University and Saint Leo (Fla.) University.
After playing for Jeff McKeon at Plainfield and high school commencement in 2017, lefty-swinging outfielder Nanny took the diamond at Arizona Western College and Western Carolina University. He transferred to Indiana State University for a fifth year of eligibility granted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. An injury in the fall of 2021 caused him to have spinal fusion surgery a little over a month ago.
While Trinkle and Nanny are done as players, Clark is still pursuing a playing career at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kan., where former Bethel University (Mishawaka, Ind.) pitcher and coach Ryan Thompson is Pioneers head coach, former Huntington (Ind.) University pitcher and Taylor University assistant Colton Punches and Rochester (Ind.) High School and Indiana Wesleyan Univdesity graduate and former Grace College head coach Cam Screeton are on the coaching staff, former Bethel player Chad Jenkins in the sports information director and Jake Bisland (Zionsville) and Brycen Sherwood (Elkhart Central) are on the roster.
Right-handed pitcher Clark has also played at Indiana University Kokomo and Post University in Waterbury, Ct., and studied Data Analytics and Applied Mathematics.
At present, Clark is doing research and development for HitClub while Nanny and Trinkle — who tied for the most career hits in Plainfield High history with 100 — are conducting group lessons. Nanny is working with hitters and Trinkle with infielders. Following three months of lead-up time, the first HitClub training sessions were conducted Jan. 17.
Lessons are for ages 13U and up and generally last 60 to 90 minutes. Training sites are Pro X Athlete Development at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind. (7 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays), Hit Factory in Columbus (Thursday nights) and Powerhouse Athletics in Franklin, Ind. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays).
"Our goal is to help prepare players for their upcoming high school seasons and show them things they are going to see in college," says Nanny. "We want to have Indiana hitters be more prepared for the next level.
"We want to close that gap in preparedness time. Young players have to show up more prepared than we did. (College) rosters are more flooded (with talent). That's what we want to accomplish through our training."
Nanny and Trinkle began training together while they were in high school and envisioned someday training players in Indiana, where winter weather is a reality.
"Cooper and I both played college baseball in the southern part of the country and saw how many more at-bats and game reps southern players get," says Nanny. "Northern hitters have to put themselves in more (game-like) scenarios.
"Indiana is a very blue-collar state. People know how to work hard. That's what we want to add to. It's important that standard is upheld moving forward."
Nanny and Trinkle were at the 2022 Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association State Clinic Jan. 14-16.
"The coaches association gave us a great opportunity to come and meet all the coaches," says Nanny. "We're very thankful for that opportunity."
Nanny and Trinkle were both two-time all-stars in the College Summer League at Grand Park and both work for Prep Baseball Report Indiana. They have been invited to be a part of training in CSL in 2022, utilizing Pro X and on-field workouts.
To contact HitClub, email Hitclub2022@gmail.com or call 317-908-8606.
HitClub Player Development Services was started by Kalib Clark, Daylan Nanny and Cooper Trinkle.
Daylan Nanny (left) and Cooper Trinkle in the College Summer League at Grand Park.
Kalib Clark (Norwich Sea Unicorns Photo)
AnalyticsArizona Western CollegeBen McDanielBethel UniversityBrycen SherwoodCam ScreetonChad JenkinsCollege Summer League at Grand ParkColton PunchesColumbusColumbus NorthConnecticutCooper TrinkleCOVID-19Daylan NannyElkhart CentralFloridaFranklinGrace CollegeGrand ParkHit FactoryHitClub Player Development ServicesHittingHuntington UniversityIHSBCA State ClinicIllinoisIndianaIndiana High School Baseball Coaches AssociationIndiana UniversityIndiana University KokomoInfielderJake BislandJeff McKeonJohn A. Logan CollegeKalib ClarkMidAmerica Nazarene UniversityMishawakaOlatheOutfielderPitcherPlainfieldPost UniversityPowerhouse AthleticsPrep Baseball Report IndianaPro X Athlete DevelopmentResearchRochesterRyan ThompsonSaint Leo UniversitySpinal fusion surgeryTaylor UniversityUniversity of EvansvilleWaterburyWestern Carolina UniversityWestfieldZionsville
Spencer wants Sheridan Blackhawks to be 'all-conference' teammates
November 5, 2021 stvkrh905 Leave a comment
Adam Spencer has learned that if you want to make a leader you let someone take the lead.
If you went them to be a valuable part of the group you show them how.
Spencer, the head baseball coach at Sheridan (Ind.) High School since 2017, defines his role.
"I'm a developer of men," says Spencer, who is also a sixth grade math teacher and activities director at Sheridan Middle School (he earned an Elementary Education degree from Ball State University in 1998 and about a decade later at Masters in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University). "Everybody wants to win. I want to help make good fathers, good husbands, good friends.
"We talk about being an all-conference teammate. These are things we don't have stats on."
Through the years of coaching youth sports, Spencer has gotten to the point where players are asked to take charge in certain areas.
"Early on I never gave anybody leadership roles," says Spencer. "Our guys run our drills (supervised by coaches). We put our upperclassmen in leadership roles."
The baseball team is also involved in community service.
"We try to help others if we can," says Spencer, whose players have raked leaves, pulled weeds and even helped the Sheridan Historical Society move across Main Street (S.R. 38).
Spencer is a 1993 Sheridan graduate. He did not play baseball or basketball in high school though he as a big fan of the sport. His father passed away when Adam was in elementary school and he worked during the winter and spring.
He did play football at Sheridan for Hall of Famer Larry "Bud" Wright and was on an IHSAA state championship team in 1992.
His love of baseball led Spencer to the Indianapolis Umpire Association and he officiated games for 17 years.
As his children got older (Adam and wife of 21 years, Lindsay, have four sons), he got involved in coaching at the middle school level.
At Lebanon (Ind.) High School, Spencer was on the football staffs of Lance Scheib and Kent Wright.
Years later, Matt Britt gave him the chance to coach middle school baseball at Sheridan. Some of those players were on the 2019 Blackhawks team that went 14-6 and lost to eventual Carroll (Flora) Regional champion Rossville in the Class 1A Sheridan Sectional championship.
Spencer was pitching coach for Larry Lipker for a season before taking over as head coach.
Sheridan (enrollment around 330) is a member of the Hoosier Heartland Conference (with Carroll of Flora, Clinton Central, Clinton Prairie, Delphi, Eastern of Greentown, Rossville, Taylor and Tri-Central).
In 2022, HHC teams will play one another on Tuesdays and Thursdays with some Saturday doubleheaders. In 2013, there will be 11 conference games included a seeded end-of-season tournament.
In 2021, the Blackhawks were part of an IHSAA Class 1A sectional grouping with Clinton Central, Frontier (the 2021 host), Rossville, South Newton and Tri-County. Sheridan has won its lone sectional title in 2004.
Sheridan plays its home games on Kent Harris Field (named after a former Blackhawks baseball coach).
In the fall, Blake Marschand-owned Marschand's Athletic Field Service laser-graded the diamond and there was no Limited Contact Period activity. Spencer says there might have been five athletes involved that don't play football or another fall sport at Sheridan. Spencer also coaches middle school football.
Through a partnership formed between Spencer and Michael Tucker, Sheridan hosts some Bullpen Tournaments games and has access to the turf diamonds at Grand Park in nearby Westfield, Ind.
Spencer's assistant baseball coaches are Sheridan alum Adam Durr and Ryan Conley, whom he met from IUA.
Sam Crail (Class of 2017) played at Indiana University and then went to Saint Leo (Fla.) University.
Zach Mannies (Class of 2018) played at Ancilla College and then West Liberty (W.Va.) University.
Cameron Hovey (Class of 2021) is on the baseball and football teams at Manchester University.
Spencer sees college baseball potential in current seniors Gavin Reners and Silas DeVaney if they should pursue that path.
"(Reners and DeVaney) will be the leaders of our team (in 2022)," says Spencer.
Caine Spencer played for his father at the end of his middle school and high school baseball days and is now a 21-year-old junior at Ball State.
Adam and Lindsay's other three boys — sophomore Camden (16), eighth grader Chance (14) and fifth grader Crew (11) – are also baseball players.
Feeders for Sheridan High School baseball are a Sheridan Babe Ruth League team of seventh and eighth graders that play in the late spring and into the summer plus young players in Sheridan Community Recreation Inc. (SCRI).
A middle school baseball camp introduces players to the ways and the language used at Sheridan High School.
"I'm invested in the program at every level," says Spencer.
Adam Durr (left) and Adam Spencer.
Adam Spencer, Cole Macintosh and Camden Spencer.
Adam Spencer and Sheridan, Ind., youth baseball players.
Adam Spencer.
Shirley Delph (stripes) with the Spencers (clockwise) — Lindsay, Caine, Adam, Chance, Chase and Crew,
The Spencers (from left): Chance, Adam, Caine, Camden, Crew and Lindsay.
Adam Spencer surrounded by sons Caine and Chance, Camden and Crew.
Adam DurrAdam SpencerAll-conference teammatesAncilla CollegeBalll State UniversityBaseballBasketballBlackhawksBlake MarschandBullpen TournamentsCaine SpencerCameron HoveyCarroll (Flora)Chance SpencerChase SpencerClinton CentralClinton PrairieCoachCrew SpencerDelphiEastern (Greentown)FloridaFootballFrontierGrand ParkHHCHoosier Heartland ConferenceIndianaIndiana UniversityIndiana Wesleyan UniversityIndianapolis Umpires AssociationIUAKent Harris FieldKent WrightLance ScheibLarry "Bud" WrightLarry LipkerLebanonLindsay SpencerManchester UniversityMarschand's Athletic Field ServiceMath teacherMatt BrittMichael TuckerRossvilleRyan ConleySaint Leo UniversitySam CrailSCRISheridanSheridan Community Recreation Inc.Sheridan High SchoolSheridan Historical SocietySheridan Middle SchoolSilas DeVaneySouth NewtonTaylor High SchoolTri-CentralTri-CountyWest Liberty UniversityWest VirginiaWestfieldZach Mannies
Catcher Hewitt experiencing MLB Draft League
June 7, 2021 stvkrh905 Leave a comment
Duncan Hewitt has always played baseball with emotion.
As the Indianapolis native has matured he has learned how to harness that passion and make it work for him.
Hewitt, a 2016 graduate of Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis, credits Wildcats head coach Richard Winzenread for helping him channel his emotion on the diamond.
"I learned how to control my competitive edge playing for him," says Hewitt. "I'm an emotional guy. He taught me how to embrace (my emotions).
"Don't run from it. Find a way to turn that into something positive."
Hewitt continued to do that at Butler University in Indianapolis. He played for the Bulldogs 2017-21, taking a medical redshirt year when he tore his meniscus 15 games into the 2019 season. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he still has a year of eligibility.
"I'm certainly more level-headed and more calm, cool and collected than I have been at any time in my career," says Hewitt, a team captain the past two seasons after having that unofficial designation at the end of his prep days.
Playing for Butler head coach Dave Schrage, Hewitt has appeared in 123 games (96 starts) with 675 putouts, 58 assists and just four errors and a .995 fielding percentage.
Though he played in just 15 games, Hewitt's best offensive season was 2019 when the righty swinger hit .333 (15-of-45) with two home runs, 18 runs batted in and a .967
(. 434 on-base percentage plus .533 slugging average).
"It's been a lot of fun," says Hewitt of the Butler experience and playing for Schrage. "I got very, very lucky.
"He's been around the game so long. I know he's always got my back. I know he cares for me and my teammates very deeply."
The connection between Hewitt and Winzenread continues as they still talk on a weekly basis and enjoys getting together with the coach and former LN teammate Nolan Watson (who pitches in the Kansas City Royals system) to talk baseball.
Hewitt, who turned 23 on May 17, is with the Coco Crisp-managed Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Niles, Ohio) of the new MLB Draft League this summer. He and his teammates were going to travel to Pittsburgh to work out for the Pirates at PNC Park today (June 7) and then play a three-game series at the West Virginia Black Bears and three-game set at the Frederick (Md.) Keys.
"It's a really, really cool idea," says Hewitt of the MLB Draft League, an exposure circuit that sprung up out of the overhauling of Minor League and college summer league baseball with the MLB First-Year Player Draft being pared down and moved to July (the 20-round 2021 MLB Draft is scheduled for July 11-13). "I'm surprised its taking this long for something like this to come to fruition.
"It's really giving guys a chance to come out and play and get a couple of last looks (for professional teams) and I'm finding it's more for guys who haven't gotten any looks at all. They're proving they can play with anybody in the country. It's cool to some of these come out with a chip on their shoulder and show what they can do."
The MLB Draft League gives players a taste of pro baseball. They learn what it's like to play everyday with most games beginning at 7 p.m. They see what its like to prepare for that and get the proper rest so they can perform at their best. A typical day at the park is 1 to 10 p.m.
"There are nuance things you can only gain through experience," says Hewitt.
Three other Indiana players — Sam Crail (Sheridan High School and Saint Leo University), Hayden Jones (Fort Wayne Carroll High School and Illinois State University) and Garrett Schoenle (Fort Wayne Northrop High School and University of Cincinnati) — are on the Mahoning Valley roster and there are others in the league.
What Hewitt appreciates most about summer baseball is the blending of players.
"We're coming from extremely different lifestyles," says Hewitt. "But we're all chasing the exact same thing."
As a catcher, Hewitt has come to see the game like a coach or manager.
"(Catcher) is a position that takes good leadership and understanding personalities — when to chew someone out and when to put a hand on someone's shoulder," says Hewitt. "It's a big, big reason I pride myself on making decisions in moments like that."
Growing up in Lawrence Township, Hewitt got his first taste of league baseball through Oaklandon Youth Organization. He began playing for various travel teams around 9 including the Indiana Bulls in high school.
"I think I did it right," says Hewitt. "My dad (Mike Hewitt) kept me away from the daddy ball experience and the crazy parents.
"I wore a lot of jerseys, but I always say I played for the Bulls."
Dan Held was Hewitt's coach with that travel organization.
"He was the first coach I had that was a professional himself," says Hewitt of Held, who played at the Triple-A level in the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets organizations and is now an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Indiana University.
"To be on his team you had to be at a certain skill level and invited to play," says Hewitt. "He introduced me to professionalism on the field.
"It was the way you carried yourself and how you went about your business."
Duncan's mother is Heather Hewitt and his sister is Presley Hewitt (18). The Lawrence North graduae is heading to the University of Cincinnati as a sophomore after starting at Ball State University.
Duncan Hewitt (Butler U. Photo)
am CrailBall State UniversityBulldogsButler UniversityCatcherDan HeldDave SchrageDuncan HewittEmotionFort Wayne CarrollFort Wayne NorthropFrederick KeysGarrett SchoenleHayden JonesIllinois State UniversityIndianaIndiana BullsIndiana UniversityIndianapolisKansas City RoyalsLawrence NorthMahoning Valley ScrappersMajor League BaseballMLB DraftMLB Draft LeagueNew York MetsNolan WatsonOaklandon Youth OrganizationOhioPassionPhiladelphia PhilliesPittsburgh PiratesPNC ParkPresley HewittRichard WinzenreadSaint Leo UniversitySheridanTravel BaseballUniversity of CincinnatiWest Virginia Black Bears
Young Hammel now in charge at Benton Central
Jarrett Hammel has quickly transitioned from student-athlete to educator-coach.
Ten months after pitching his last game for Valparaiso (Ind.) University he was announced as the head baseball coach at Benton Central Junior/Senior High School in Oxford, Ind.
"I'm super-excited to get after it," says Hammel, who was originally hired as pitching coach but became a head coach candidate when Jon Vernon opted to spend more time with family and focus on his duties as Benton Central's head volleyball coach. "We want to do everything with a purpose.
"Baseball is not like other sports."
The son of Donovan (Ill.) Elementary fourth grade teacher Todd Hammel and Morocco Elementary first grade teacher Pam Hammel, Jarrett received an Elementary Education degree from VU and began the 2020-21 school year as a fourth grade teacher at Prairie Crossing Elementary in Oxford.
At South Newton — a K-12 school in Kentland, Ind. — Jarrett got a chance to help with younger kids as a high school junior and senior.
"I knew I wanted to be a positive role model — someone to look up to," says Hammel. "I look up to my parents a lot. They made a lot of sacrifices for me to be where I am today.
"They've always had my back."
Coming from a close-knit family where both sets of grandparents live within 15 minutes, Jarrett counts younger brother Jay as his best friend. They grew up pushing each other in academics and athletics.
With 1,195 points, 6-foot-4 Jarrett Hammel was the No. 1 all-time scorer in South Newton boys hoops history until he was surpassed by younger brother Jay Hammel with 1,363. The 6-6 Jay is now a 21-year-old junior right-hander on the Quincy (Ill.) University baseball team and a Multimedia Journalism major.
A 2016 South Newton graduate, Jarrett Hammel played baseball for Glenn Donahue and basketball for Mike Hall.
Hammel was born in Lafayette, Ind., and grew up in Brook, Ind., where he still resides. He knew Donahue as a youth baseball coach who moved up to the high school ranks.
Jarrett played four high school summers of travel ball with the Indiana Nitro.
His first college baseball season was spent with head coach Rick O'Dette at Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind. When the school closed, he transferred to Valpo U., and played for head coach Brian Schmack.
Hammel was a high school sophomore when he appeared on O'Dette's radar. He became a mentor to the pitcher.
"I learned a lot in the year I was (at St. Joe)," says Hammel. "My outlook on life has changed because of him."
O'Dette stressed being a good example and always staying in contact with people who are close to you.
"Don't let conversations get stale," says Hammel. "You never know when they made need you or you may need them."
Once it was announced that St. Joseph's was closing, Hammel recalls that O'Dette was worried more about getting us placed than his own career. O'Dette landed at Saint Leo (Fla.) University.
Hammel played summer college ball for the Lafayette Aviators in 2017 and 2018. Brent McNeil (now pitching coach at Purdue Fort Wayne) managed the team to a Prospect League title in 2017. Will Arnold (now with Prep Baseball Report Arizona) was in charge in 2018.
While Hammel was at South Newton, Valpo also had interest in him and Schmack welcomed the southpaw when he became available.
What did Hammel learn from Schmack?
"Just being a man and owning up to your mistakes," says Hammel. "Never put the blame on someone else."
It's about responding to adversity — something that is plentiful in baseball.
From his personal life, Hammel has learned to greater than his ups and downs.
"When things are not going your way in life you can't put your head down and go through the motions," says Hammel. "You have to ride the wave. Life is full of highs and lows."
He also learned important concepts about teamwork and time management while playing NCAA Division I baseball.
As left-handed pitcher, left-hander Hammel hurled for Valpo at Alabama State March 11, 2020 and was announced as the head of the Bison program Jan. 12, 2021.
The 23-year-old Hammel conducted his first winter practice session where he engaged with 15 athletes (many BC baseball players are involved in winter sports) and dished out baseball and life lessons.
Hammel expects his players to be role models.
"I told them that someone is always watching your every move," says Hammel. "You're high schoolers now. Be good people and go hard with everything you do."
Benton Central (enrollment around 550) belongs to the Hoosier Athletic Conference (with Benton Central, Lafayette Central Catholic, Twin Lakes and Rensselaer Central in the West Division and Hamilton Heights, Lewis Cass, Northwestern, Tipton and Western in the East Division).
The Bison are in an IHSAA Class 3A sectional grouping with Maconaquah, Northwestern, Peru, Twin Lakes, West Lafayette and Western. Benton Central has won 25 sectionals — the last in 2009.
While the COVID-19 pandemic took away the 2020 season, Benton Central fielded two teams in 2019 and Hammel says he expects to have about 30 players for two squads in 2021.
Hammel is in the process of finding assistant coaches. He would like to have a Benton Central alum on his staff. Bringing in coaches from Newton County is not practical since Brook is in Central Time and Oxford is in Eastern Time.
In looking to his feeder system, Hammel likes the youth program already established and plans to place players in competitive summer leagues and with top travel organizations.
"We want to get them out of their comfort zone and change their outlook on life," says Hammel, who also plans to start a fall baseball program at BC.
"We went to keep kids at it and try to perfect their craft year-round," says Hammel. "We're trying to maximize everyone's potential."
Recent Benton Central graduates in college baseball include Matt Taylor and Taylor Varnado with Marian University in Indianapolis. Knights head coach Todd Bacon went to BC.
There's also Alex Thurston at Valparaiso U., and Payton Hall at Oakland City (Ind.) University.
Benton Central senior Dalton Rennaker is a Marian commit.
Jarrett Hammel, a 2016 graduate of South Newton High School in Kentland, Ind., and 2020 graduate of Valparaiso (Ind.) University, has been hired as head baseball coach at Benton Central High School in Oxford, Ind.
Alex ThurstonBasketballBenton CentralBisonBrent McNeilBrian SchmackCOVID-19Dalton RennakerDonovan ElementryElementary EducationGlenn DonahueHamilton HeightsHoosier Athletic ConferenceIHSAAIndianaIndiana NitroIndianapolisJarrett HammelJay HammelJon VernonKentlandLafayetteLafayette AviatorsLafayette Central CatholicLewis CassMaconaquahMarian UniversityMatt TaylorMike HallMorocco ElementaryMultimedia JournalismNewton CountyNorthwestern High SchoolOakland City UniversityOxfordPam HammelPayton HallPeruPitching coachPrep Baseball Report ArizonaPurdue Fort WayneQuincy UniversityRensselaerRensselaer CentralRick O'DetteSaint Joseph's CollegeSaint Leo UniversitySectional championsSouth NewtonTaylor VarnadoTeacherTiptonTodd BaconTodd HammelTwin LakesValparaiso UniversityVolleyballWest LafayetteWesternWill Arnold
Vaught lured back to the dugout with Lake Erie Storm
November 20, 2020 stvkrh905 6 Comments
Gary Vaught did not see himself leading another college baseball program.
When he retired a head coach at the University of Indianapolis in 2018, Vaught wanted to spend more time with his ailing mother back in Norman, Okla., and was secure in the knowledge that UIndy was in good hands with his former Greyhounds assistant Al Ready.
He had agreed to be head coach/general manager for the Hoptown Hoppers, a summer collegiate wood bat team in Hopkinsville, Ky., then Lake Eric College, a private school and NCAA Division II school in Painesville, Ohio (30 miles northeast of Cleveland) came calling.
Vaught was on vacation with friends when former LEC athletic director Kelley Kish (who had been in the compliance office at UIndy) reached out.
With so many former assistants in coaching, including Jordan Tiegs (now in the Texas Rangers system), Vaught was glad to recommend a candidate or two to the Storm.
Vaught was invited to the Lake Erie campus and met with president Brian Posler (who had served at Kansas State University and the University of Southern Indiana).
The job was offered to Vaught and he took it in January.
"I fell in love with the people up there," says Vaught, who works for athletic director Mollie Hoffman.
Vaught led the Storm to a 3-6-1 mark in a COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. All but one of the losses came in the final inning.
The virus caused the Hoppers season to be called off and the veteran coach spent much of his time between Indianapolis and Oklahoma.
Vaught's career mark at the NCAA D-I or D-II levels to 978-672-2.
Starting with the 1985 season, Vaught coached two years at Kansas State, three at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla., and 24 at UIndy (1995-2018). He won a school-record 808 wins and the program's first NCAA Division II College World Series appearance in 2000. The Hounds went 51-15 in 2001.
Then there's the 305 victories Vaught racked up at the beginning of his coaching career at Connors State College in Warren, Okla.
Vaught, 69, is back in Indianapolis with the Lake Erie closed down because of COVID, but he's still coaching the Storm.
His fire was reignited last spring and continues to burn.
"I've got a lot of energy," says Vaught. "I love the game. It's been a big part of my life. Hopefully we've made changes in kids' lives."
Each year around Christmas, Vaught receives and makes calls to former players. He also reaches out to mentor Gary Ward, who enjoyed so much success at Oklahoma State University and is a member of the College Baseball Hall of Fame.
"It doesn't take anytime to pick up the phone and say thank you," says Vaught. "Treat people how they are supposed to be treated. That's how to try to do everyday as a coach.
"The Lord's blessed me in so many ways."
The veteran skipper has so many "baseball brothers" that he appreciates in the baseball fraternity. Among those are Tracy Archuleta (University of Southern Indiana), Rick O'Dette (Saint Leo Universty), Larry Owens (Bellarmine University) and Josh Rabe (Quincy University).
Vaught says he looks forward to bringing his team to UIndy for a April 14, 2021 doubleheader, where he can take the field against former players now coaching the Greyhounds Ready (whose son Cam is a godchild to Vaught) and Trevor Forde. UIndy AD Scott Young was Vaught's assistant for 14 years.
Former Greyhounds AD Dave Huffman hired Vaught in 1994 and the coach also worked with Sue Willey in her tenure as AD.
Lake Erie plays its home games at Classic Park in Eastlake, Ohio, home of the Midwest League's Lake County Captains.
The Storm belong the the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. Tom Daeger, who played for Vaught at UIndy, is the GMAC commissioner.
Gary Vaught was the head baseball coach at the University of Indianapolis, where he won 808 games in 24 seasons concluding with 2018. In 2020, he started coaching at Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio. (UIndy Photo)
Al ReadyAthletic DirectorBellarmine UniversityBrian PoslerCam ReadyClassic ParkClevelandCollege Baseball Hall of FameConnors State CollegeCOVID-19D-II College World SeriesDave HuffmanEaslakeGary VaughtGary WardGMACGodchildGreat Midwest Athletic ConferenceGreyhoundsHopkinsvilleIndianaJordan TiegsJosh RabeKansas State UniversityKentuckyLake County CaptainsLake Erie CollegeLarry OwenLECMidwest LeagueMollie HoffmanNCAA Division INCAA Division IIOhioOklahomaOklahoma State UniversityOral Roberts UniversityPainesvilleQuincy UniversityRick O'DetteSaint Leo UniversityScott YoungStormSue WilleyTexas RangersTracy ArchuletaTrevor FordeUniversity of IndianapolisUniversity of Southern Indiana
Evansville's Myers brothers playing independent pro baseball together
October 5, 2020 stvkrh905 Leave a comment
Brothers Lance and Austin Myers have been baseball teammates during various stages of their lives.
There was Evansville (Ind.) Youth Baseball West as youngsters, the Evansville Panthers travel team as teenagers, a few games together at Evansville Reitz High School and one fall at Vincennes (Ind.) University before donning the same uniform again in 2020 with the independent Liberation Professional Baseball League.
An answer to the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down or changed so many leagues, the four-team circuit is playing all its games at League Stadium in Huntingburg, Ind.
"If there's after this, we get one more year of ball that we get to experience together," says Lance Myers.
In his fourth year of pro ball, 27-year-old Lance Myers played in the independent Pecos League since 2017. He was with the Alpine (Texas) Cowboys through 2019 and was with the traveling Salina Stockade when he learned about the Liberation League.
"This is too good of an opportunity to pass up," says Lance Myers, who is now a utility player (he's played every position as a pro except shortstop and center field) and the manager of the LPBL's Indy Windstorm.
Myers worked his connections to put the roster together. One of his invitees is his brother.
Austin Myers, 25, is a right-handed pitcher playing baseball for the first time in seven years.
"I'm just glad being back on a ball field doing what I love to do," says Austin Myers, who is working himself back into shape and rediscovering his mechanics while recuperating from injury.
As the 36-game regular season winds down, the Windstorm (21-8) is in first place, followed by the BaseballResume.com Bandits (16-14), California Dogecoin (13-17) and Indiana Barn Owls (9-20).
The Bandits are managed by Albert Gonzalez and owned by pitcher Sam Burton.
Dodgcoin skipper Brian Williams is the league commissioner.
Derrick Pyles, a long-time indy ball player and hitting instructor formerly based in Avon, Ind., manages the Barn Owls.
Ray Ortega, a coach in the San Francisco Giants system, is also involved.
While Evansville is only 60 miles from Huntingburg, the Myers boys often stay with their aunt. Tina Dearing lives on First Street — two blocks from League Stadium.
Attendance at LPBL games has been hit-or-miss.
"A lot of people don't know we're here," says Lance Myers. "But it is a good sports community (that supports Heritage Hills High School) and they've showed us a lot of love in the town when we go out to eat."
Current plans call for the playoffs to begin Oct. 15. The No. 1 seed meets No. 4 and No. 2 takes on No. 3 in one game to advance to the best-of-3 finals.
Lance Myers, who was hitting .340 (32-of-94) in his first 22 games, wants to change the format. His plan would give the No. 1 seed a bye to the finals.
Lance Myers did not play his senior year at Reitz after three years with Greater Evansville Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Robin Courtney as coach.
After taking off a year, he played 111 games in two seasons at Vincennes U. for Chris Barney (earning all-National Junior College Athletic Association Region 12 honors in 2015) and two seasons at NCAA Division II Ashland (Ohio) University for American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Famer John Schaly.
"I loved Chris Barney," says Lance, "He was definitely a good coach. I really enjoyed playing for him.
"He had an open door in his office and he or assistant Cole Vicars was always there if I wanted extra ground balls or batting practice. (Barney) definitely left a good impact on me. I want to give back to the guys playing for me now and in the future."
Schaly has a career record of 1,180-645-7 amassed at Berry College (Ga.), Saint Leo (Fla.) University and Ashland U.
Lance Myers is impressed about how the coach still takes the time to stay in-touch.
"I get a call once or twice a year asking me how I'm doing or how my family is doing," says Lance. "He still cares enough about me as an individual to take the time."
Parents Wayne and Lisa Myers made the 410-mile trek from Evansville to Ashland for every home game. They can also be found with Austin's three children — daughter Bristyl and sons Stetson and Remington — cheering on Lance, Austin and the Windstorm in Huntingburg.
Lance and Austin have three siblings — Ashley Bush (29), Zach Martin (24) and Amber Myers (23).
Lance Myers has been offered a couple of baseball coaching positions.
"My heart is not ready to be done playing yet," says Lance. "And I'm playing well. I'm near the top of the league in offense and playing really good defense as well."
Austin Myers plans to be ready if any pro tryouts come along for 2021.
"Meanwhile I'll keep working out, working on mechanics and being the best I can be," says Austin, who pitched 2/3 of an inning and has a single in his only at-bat.
Brothers Austin (left) and Lance Myers are playing together for the Indy Windstorm of the independent Liberation Professional Baseball League, which is playing all its games at League Stadium in Huntingburg, Ind. The brothers are from Evansville, Ind. Both played at Reitz High School and were briefly together at Vincennes (Ind.) University.
Albert GonzalezAlpine CowboysAmber MyersAshland UniversityAshley BushAustin MyersBaseballResume.com BanditsBerry CollegeBrian WilliamsBristyl MyersCalifornia DogecoinChris BarneyCole VicarsDerrick PylesEvansvilleEvansville ReitzGreater Evansville Baseball Hall of FameHeritage HillsHuntingburgIndependent baseballIndianaIndiana Barn OwlsIndy WindstormJohn SchalyLance MyersLeague StadiumLiberation Professional Baseball LeagueLisa MyersPecos LeagueRay OrtegaRemington MyersRobin CourtneySaint Leo UniversitySalina StockadeSam BurtonStetson MyersTexasVincennes UniversityWayne MyersZach Martin
Sheridan grad Crail driven on the diamond
September 26, 2020 stvkrh905 2 Comments
Determination has helped Sam Crail enjoy success on the baseball diamond.
The 2017 Sheridan (Ind.) High School graduate heads into his fourth collegiate season — his second at NCAA Division II Saint Leo (Fla.) University — in 2020-21 with a drive for even more.
"I'm a very hard-working individual," says Crail, 22. "I'm very confident. My confidence allows me to go on the field and not to think about things that happened in the past.
"I move on to the next play."
The lefty-swinging outfielder started in all 21 of Saint Leo's games in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. The 5-foot-10, 195-pounder hit a team-best .320 (24-of-75) with four home runs, three triples, three doubles, six stolen bases, 19 runs batted in and 17 runs scored.
Crail played two seasons at Indiana University (2018 and 2019) for head coach Jeff Mercer.
"I really loved Indiana as a school," says Crail. "The depth chart at my position was too deep.
"I needed a change in order to give myself an opportunity to play at the next level."
Crail played in 55 games at IU and hit .229 with one homer, one triples, two doubles, two stolen bases, 13 RBIs and 16 runs.
Rick O'Dette, who played and coached at Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind., is head coach at Saint Leo.
Crail likes that O'Dette allows him the freedom to do his own way while offering advice to help him improve his game.
"He really gives all the players the flexibility to do whatever they want in technique and approach," says Crail. "It's what I've been doing my whole life and adding guidance along the way."
Along with playing baseball, Crail is on target to earn a degree in Sports Business next spring.
Griffith (Ind.) High School graduate Amir Wright was at Saint Joseph's when the school closed and he transferred to Saint Leo. After landing in Florida, Crail became fast friends with Wright.
"We connected right off the bat being Indiana guys," says Crail of Wright. "He's very good teammate to play for.
"He's showed me the ropes."
Matt Kennedy, who coached with O'Dette at Saint Joseph's, was the hitting coach at Saint Leo before coming back to Indiana to join the Butler University staff.
Kennedy was the head coach of the Snapping Turtles in the College Summer League at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind., and Crail was on the team, hitting .297 (19-of-64) with two triples, four doubles, 12 RBIs and 13 runs.
Before the pandemic, Crail was supposed to play in the Valley League for the Covington (Va.) Lumberjacks.
When the Valley League canceled its season, Crail played in the circuit based about 15 minutes from home.
Crail went to IU to acclimate to the school and the program and did not play in the summer of 2017. He was with the Cody Piechocki-managed Kalamazoo (Mich.) Growlers of the Northwoods League in 2018 and the Eric Coleman-managed Danville (Ill.) Dans of the Prospect League in 2019.
At Danville, Crail hit .368 (42-of-114) with seven homers, three triples, seven doubles, six stolen bases, 39 RBIs and 22 runs in 29 games.
Between the shutdown and the 2020 summer season, Crail joined friends — many former Indiana teammates — in working out and having live at-bat sessions at RoundTripper Sports Academy in Westfield.
Crail has trained at RoundTripper since 10 and he began playing travel ball for the Indiana Mustangs.
"I have a good relationship with (owner) Chris Estep and all the guys at RoundTripper," says Crail.
Born in Carmel and raised in Sheridan, Crail played baseball in the local recreation system before beginning travel ball at 9U with the Indiana Prospects. He went on to represent the Indiana Mustangs (10U to 12U and 17U), Indiana Outlaws (13U) and Indiana Stix (14U to 16U). Head coaches were Shane Cox with the Prospects, Nathan Habegger and Ken Niles with the Mustangs, Dwayne Hutchinson with the Outlaws and Ray Hilbert with the Stix.
Crail played four seasons at Sheridan High — three for Matt Britt and one for Larry Lipker.
"(Britt) was a really fun guy to be around everyday," says Crail. "He was a players' coach. He was one of our friends.
"(Lipker) was the same way. He was one of our buddies. He taught me a lot of life lessons. He gave me some insight as to what baseball would like like at the next level. They were both very knowledgeable about the game."
Sam is the oldest of Westfield firefighter Ray Crail and house cleaner/health supplement salesperson Christie Crail's three children.
Katy Crail (18) is a Sheridan senior who plays basketball and softball. Her softball travel team is the Indiana Shockwaves. Jack Crail (14) is a Sheridan freshman. His travel baseball team is the Indiana Eagles.
Sam Crail, a Sheridan (Ind.) High School graduate, is a baseball outfielder at Saint Leo (Fla.) University. He played two seasons at Indiana Universuty before transferring to the Lions. (Saint Leo University Photo)
Amir WrightBasketballCarmelChris EstepChristie CrailCody PiechockiCollege Summer League at Grand ParkCOVID-19Covington LumberjacksDanville DansDwayne HutchinsonEric ColemanGrand ParkGriffithHoosiersIllinoisIndianaIndiana EaglesIndiana MustangsIndiana OutlawsIndiana ProspectsIndiana ShockwaveIndiana StixIndiana UniversityJack CrailJeff MercerKalamazoo GrowlersKaty CrailKen NilesLarry LipkerLionsMatt BrittMatt KennedyMichiganNathan HabeggerNCAA Division IINorthwoods LeagueOutfielderProspect LeagueRay CrailRay HilbertRick O'DetteRoundtripper Sports AcademySaint Joseph's CollegeSaint Leo UniversitySam CrailShane CoxSheridanSoftballSports BusinessValley LeagueWestfield
Saint Leo's Wright familiar face around the Midwest Collegiate League
Amir Wright has been a summer fixture in the Midwest Collegiate League.
Right after graduating from Griffith (Ind.) High School and before heading to Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind., in 2016, the outfielder joined the John Ely-managed Southland Vikings.
Wright was with the Adam Enright-managed Northwest Indiana Oilmen all summer in 2017.
After a short stint with Brent McNeil's Lafayette (Ind.) Aviators of the Prospect League, he closed out the summer of 2018 in Whiting, Ind., as the Oilmen skipper Enright's designated hitter.
The lefty swinger went away from his home territory in 2019 and played in the Valley Baseball League for the Tony Hurla-managed Front Royal (Va.) Cardinals.
Wright finds himself back in the MCL in 2020. This time he's with the Matt Vitulli-managed Joliet (Ill.) Generals.
At 22, Wright has years on most other players in the MCL.
"They make a lot of jokes about it — like this must be my 12th year in the league," says Wright, who graduated with a Communication degree from Saint Leo (Fla.) University and plans to be a "Corona Senior" with the Rick O'Dette-coached Lions in 2020-21 while pursuing a Marketing masters degree.
Wright, who weighs 190 pounds and stands 5-foot-11 (with his cleats on), followed O'Dette to Saint Leo when the veteran head coach landed there after SJC closed its doors following the 2017 season.
"What you see is what you get," says Wright of O'Dette. "He's to-the-point. He'll tell you how it is. He's truthful and he'll push you.
"That's all you can ask for in a coach. That makes people better in the end."
Wright's personality is laid-back. But as he has aged, O'Dette has asked him to become more vocal in his leadership.
"I lead by example — on the field or off the field," says Wright. "I'm setting the tone leading off the game."
Wright has been used as a lead-off hitter since his junior year at Griffith playing for head coach Brian Jennings.
Before that year, he grew four or five inches and lowered his 60-yard dash time from 7.4 seconds to 6.6.
"I had the speed to bunt," says Wright. "Even before I had speed, I didn't swing and miss a lot and I got on base a lot."
Last fall at Saint Leo's Pro Day, Wright was clocked in 6.5 for the 60.
Wright played in 55 games (53 starts) as a Saint Joseph's freshmen, hitting .306 with 63 hits, one home run, three triples, seven doubles, 30 runs batted in, 44 runs and six stolen bases.
Wright has started in all 109 games at Saint Leo, hitting .340 (146-of-430) with six homers, one triple, 27 doubles, 68 RBIs, 111 runs and 25 stolen bases.
The COVID-19-shortened 2020 season saw him hit .410 (25-of-61) with one homer, one triple, seven doubles, eight RBIs, 23 runs and three steals in 16 games.
"It was a big transition," says Wright of his move from Indiana to Florida. "I ended up loving it. People are super nice. The school is amazing. Facilities are second to none."
In-person classes at Saint Leo are scheduled to begin Aug. 25. Wright says he plans to go a few weeks before that to settle into his apartment.
At Griffith, Wright was an honorable mention all-state selection as well as a first-team all-area and second-team all-Northwest Crossroads Conference pick. He helped the Panthers win four sectional titles.
"(Coach Jennings) definitely wanted us to represent Griffith to the fullest of our ability," says Wright. "A lot of talented players played with me."
Born in Harvey, Ill., Amir moved to Griffith at 2. He began playing T-ball at 4 and was at what is now called Griffith Youth Baseball until 12. Meanwhile, he also played for the traveling Griffith Growlers from 10 to 13.
Many high school teammates played together since the were young. That includes Kody Hoese, who is the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2020 60-player roster player.
"He left for LA last week," says Wright of Hoese. "I was with him a couple days before that. Our families are really close."
Wright spent his 14U and 15U summers (2012 and 2013) with the Dave Griffin-coached Indiana Playmakers and 16U and 17U summers (2014 and 2015) with the Indiana Seminoles. That team was coached by George Jaksich (father of Wright's SJC teammate, Luke Jaksich).
When the Southland Vikings needed an outfielder in 2016, Wright filled the bill.
"I got lucky," says Wright. "I was added about a month before the season started.
"It helped me get ready for college baseball."
Amir (22) is the oldest Willie and Luchie Wright's three sons ahead of Anson (19) and Aydin (16). Their father is a used car salesman. Their mother is an occupational therapist.
Anson aka "A.J." played baseball at Griffith High and just finished his freshmen year at Northwood University (Mich.). Aydin was at Griffith as a freshman then transferred to Thornwood High School in South Holland, Ill., for his sophomore year in 2019-20. This summer, he plays for the Chicago White Sox ACE travel organization.
Amir Wright rounds third base for Saint Leo (Fla.) University. The Griffith (Ind.) High School graduate has played three seasons with the Lions. (Saint Leo University Photo)
Amir Wright is a catalyst as a lead-off hitter for the Saint Leo (Fla.) University baseball team. He is a Griffith (Ind.) High School graduate. (Saint Leo University Photo)'
Speed is an asset on the baseball diamond for Saint Leo (Fla.) University's Amir Wright. The Griffith (Ind.) High School graduate has played three seasons for the Lions. (Saint Leo University Photo)
Amir Wright, a Griffith (Ind.) High School graduate, is on the baseball team at Saint Leo (Fla.) University. He is spending the summer of 2020 with the Midwest Collegiate League's Joliet (Ill.) Generals. (Saint Leo University Photo)
Amir WrightAnson WrightAydin WrightBrent McNeilBrian JenningsChicago White Sox ACECommunicationCorona SeniorCOVID-19Dave GriffinFloridaFront Royal CardinalsGeorge JaksichGriffithHarveyIllinoisIndiana PlaymakersIndiana SeminolesJoliet GeneralsKody HoeseLafayette AviatorsLead-off hitterLionsLos Angeles DodgersLuchie WrightLuke JaksichMarketingMatt VitulliMidwest Collegiate LeagueNorthwest Crossroads ConferenceNorthwest Indiana OilmenNorthwood UniversityPanthersProspect LeagueRick O'DetteSaint Joseph's CollegeSaint Leo UniversitySJCSouth HollandSouthland VikingsThornwood High SchoolTony HurlaValley Baseball LeagueVirginiaWillie Wright