Coach of AL World Series champs lauds team

By Elyssa Parnell

eparnell@civitasmedia.com

The players from Chapin-Newberry dog pile after their 7-4 win over Randolph County during the Southeast Regional Tournament championship at McCrary Park in Asheboro, N.C. on Aug. 9.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_SC_team-.jpgThe players from Chapin-Newberry dog pile after their 7-4 win over Randolph County during the Southeast Regional Tournament championship at McCrary Park in Asheboro, N.C. on Aug. 9. Photo by PJ Ward-Brown | Courtesy of The (Asheboro) Courier-Tribune

Gregory
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_Coach-Gregory.jpgGregory Photo by PJ Ward-Brown | Courtesy of The (Asheboro) Courier-Tribune

NEWBERRY — Coach Daniel Gregory commends this year’s American Legion baseball players for knowing their jobs, knowing their individual roles and, most importantly, for never giving up.

Gregory said having an undefeated season, leading up to their first loss in the World Series Championship, was special, but it was also a little crazy.

“You’re not supposed to go undefeated in baseball,” Gregory said. “It’s a funny game. If you let things compound in your mind, one bad thing can turn into another and before you know it, you’ve lost a game.”

Gregory said the season was a testament overall to the team in never letting anything get to them.

Offensively, Gregory said shortstop Justin Hawkins was tremendous all year, especially when the team was in the playoffs.

“He’s either going to cause momentum for your team because he’s done something great or for the other team because they recognize he’s a great player and by getting him out they’ve accomplished something,” Gregory said of Hawkins.

Gregory said Hawkins handled his success well this season and praised him for not letting it go to his head.

Landon Allison hit the ball very well during the World Series, the coach said, and had a double in the championship game.

Kevis Burton hit .400 for the World Series and could have been MVP of both the regional tournament and the World Series, Gregory said.

Defensively, Gregory said the team’s catchers — Duncan Crotwell and Blake Smith — were phenomenal behind the plate and swung the bat well in the World Series.

“Each made a play on the bases that probably either kept us in the game or was instrumental in us winning the game,” Gregory said.

Gregory said they never complained about the two-platoon duties, where each catcher caught for one game, one the other.

“That’s just the way we’ve done it all year,” Gregory said. “I think that encapsulates the selflessness of that role. It helped conserve their bodies too. It’s a blessing to have two pitchers.”

Gregory said Zach Ziesing had a lot of range in right field and had a couple of key hits that started rallies for the team.

Gregory said Danton Hyman was a tough out as their lead-off hitter.

“Danton is everything that you want in a ball player,” Gregory said. “He’s the ultimate competitor, has great range defensively and gives you a great chance on the mound.”

Gregory said not coaching him anymore will be emotional, especially when he fills out a line-up card and Hyman’s name isn’t on it.

Peyton Spangler and Hyman, who are roommates at Newberry College this year, were similar in that regard, the coach said.

“Spangler would sprint on and off the field,” Gregory said. “He delivered a couple of key hits in big situations.”

Ryan Stoudemire was another great competitor and played outstanding on defense. Gregory said Stoudemire had hits against the walls that were caught, but never let it get him down.

Described as a stone-cold killer in the World Series Championship game, Gregory said first baseman and pitcher Ryne Huggins was fierce and in the zone.

“He wanted it so bad,” Gregory said about Huggins’ motivation.

Pitchers Tristan Smultz and Patrick Yoder were instrumental this season, Gregory said.

Starting in the championship game, Smultz, a rising senior at Clinton High School, didn’t bat an eye at having that game handed over to him.

“Because of that he was able to give us four and two-third innings of good pitching,” Gregory said. “He gave us a chance.”

Yoder was given the nickname “Patty Ice” because of the way he came in and never backed down, even in big situations.

Gregory said Andrew Livingston was able to spot-play for the team — he was a designated hitter some, played outfield and spent some time on second base when Spangler pitched.

“He would always do what he needed to do and played well,” Gregory said.

Pitcher and outfielder Corey Stone was burning up the road during the championship games, Gregory said, explaining that Stone is also the quarterback for Mid-Carolina High School.

“We turned the regional championship game over to him and he got into some trouble early on, but found a groove and was able to give us four innings,” Gregory said. “He’s got a bright future.”

Against Connecticut, a key game for the legion team, Gregory said Josh Haney came through for the team. On a rehab stint, Gregory said Haney could go no more than three innings per week, so they made sure they did not overuse him or overwork him.

“He made the best of his opportunities,” Gregory said.

Gregory said being around the team throughout the season was good for player Trey Huber, who got the team through an inning in the regionals, but did not get to throw during the World Series.

“When he got his chance in the regionals, he was pretty good in a pressure-packed situation,” Gregory said. “I think he was just happy to be a part of it.”

Delshun Young realized that the World Series game was a big deal and didn’t let things frustrate him.

“He always would shake everyone’s hand multiple times and was very respectful,” Gregory said. “It was refreshing to be around someone that wanted to be around the game and he contributed a lot to our World Series.”

Although he was unable to play at the regional or World Series level, Gregory described player Sean Riehm as a motivator for everyone with whom he came in contact.

Gregory said Riehm was a team player and always one to keep his teammates in it.

Hawkins said Riehm is the type of player who will not let another player get down on himself, no matter the circumstances.

“He would always pick you up and keep the team up as well,” Hawkins said.

Reach Elyssa Parnell at 803-276-0625, ext. 1868, or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.