Mr. Diamond

What happened? Or would it not be appropriate to say in this forum? I am not trying to mettle in his business. I was just wondering what happened to him.

Anybody have a status on Anthony Bayus from Ballard? Have not seen his name mentioned on any of the All-Star or All-State teams. Saw him play last year. Very talented player. Still going to WKU?

It happens on close plays more than you think. Most people aren't looking for it. I can recall during an American Legion tournament, a baserunner intentionally stepped on the first baseman's heel and actually cut his spike. The next time that same kid came to bat, he hit a ground ball to the shortstop. The throw was made to the first baseman who, prior to the arrival of the throw, came off the base, made the catch and slap tagged the base runner in the face. Things went south afterwards.

Viewed the video clip. Unfortunately, whether intentional or unintentional, this seems to happen fairly frequently in close games. Observed a game once in which the baserunner broke his ankle.

The East/West All-Star rosters have now been posted on the KHSBCA website. Guess some seniors can't attend as they are not listed....i.e. Clay Cinnamond, Matt Spaulding. Not sure about juniors.

I would not say he was childish. He certainly was not blaming the glove when he threw it. He was understandably distraught because he has probably caught hundreds of fly balls like that throughout his career. I don't think I would feel like talking very much either or very receptive to being consoled at that moment. Too much emotion. Put yourself in that same situation. If you responded similarly, I would not have accused you of being childish. Despite missing the catch, the kid is still an awesome player. One error does not define him as a player, nor do the previous errors define PRP as a team. He would be my rightfielder again. Let's give him and his team space and grace to deal with the pain. It is just a reality of the game that all of us experience if we are fortunate enough to play or coach it at this level.

Have not seen anything for the remainder of the state, but the 8th Region has listed the players from their region who made the teams. Juniors selected were Josh Berger of Simon Kenton and Stone Osborne of Owen County. Seniors selected were Wade Mason of Oldham County, Tyler Tipton of Collins and Quint Heady of North Oldham. Alternates are also listed as well as All-Region selections.

My hat is off to the Northern Kentucky folks on this forum. You folks do a great job covering what is going on in your area. Keep on keepin' on!!!

Ahhh, the sound of crickets.......

Let me guess. Did Boyle County commit many errors? That seemed to doom them in several, if not all, of their losses this year. Otherwise, they are a solid ball club.

Simon Kenton is also hosting the 8th Region Tournament. What are the dimensions of their field? Condition of field? It would seem Grant Co. would be the favorite to win the district. Will probably see them and Walton-Verona advance to region tournament.

Very impressive number of home runs. Home field dimensions is the perfect size for high school. Well, at least for now. May need to move them in next year with the change in bats.

As we approach the post-season, who are the favorites to win their respective regions?

Bats must be BESR certified.

Tell us about Zach. Position(s), etc.

JUCO is a very good option if you are willing to go out of state. Just look at any D1 or D2 roster and you will see many former JUCO players. D1 and D2 programs heavily recruit JUCO's. They do not recruit them to sit. They play right away. It is a great and comparatively inexpensive way to knock out 1 or 2 years of college, make the transition to college life, get a great deal of playing time, grow and improve your skills to prepare you for the jump to the next level. It worked out just fine for Cliff Lee. Plus, the total financial package D1 and D2 programs can put together for a proven JUCO player is much better. It is less of a financial risk for a D1 or D2 coach to invest in a proven JUCO player than a kid coming out of high school. I think most people think of JUCO as being associated with having poor grades and cannot meet NCAA eligibility requirements. That is true in some cases. However, going straight to a 4 year school as a freshman, even with a 50 or 60% baseball scholarship, is still going to cost you some money. Plus, you are going to have to be very good to beat out incoming JUCO recruits and the existing juniors and seniors for playing time. Bottom line, you won't get better when you're not playing. And when you aren't playing, you aren't happy.

Derby City Field.

It does make good fodder. Hard for a representative in Region 1 to have much information about teams in Region 16 and vice versa. Teams should not worry about season records or polls. Play the most challenging schedule you can to prepare for the post season. Let them talk about you then.

What and who does Collins have?

Congratulations young man! Wish you all the best!! Take a few moments to remember the journey to this point in your life. Make sure you give your parents a big PUBLIC hug and heartfelt thanks for what they have sacrificed for you. It is so wonderful to see young men have the opportunity to continue their baseball. Have a great day on Thursday!!

Pretty good predictions Papa. I like Oldham as well ! Collins seems to be getting some early respect for being a new school. Does anyone know what they have?

As usual, a lot of very deserving players are listed and several equally deserving players left off. Not bad for pre-season consideration, though. It would seem they would have given consideration to all of the kids who made last year's East/West Junior All-Star team.

Come on, guys. Be real. How many home runs have you really observed that were hit on the handle of the aluminum bat? College World Series included. My point is...the bat does not make your ability to hit any better. It may send the ball marginally farther and a bit faster, but it does not make you see the ball better, improve bat speed or overcome fundamental flaws. Give a great hitter an aluminum or wood bat and he will hit.

Would not quite go to that extreme.

I thought that is what he possibly meant. True, the aluminum bat may send the ball a little faster and a little farther. However, the kid is demonstrating the ability to hit. If you can't hit, it really doesn't matter what type of bat you have. The playing field is level either way.