[Coastal89]

Strike Three: Liberty Takes Time

ASHEVILLE, N.C.–Jim Toman didn’t expect to transform Liberty into a national power overnight. He left his secure job as South Carolina’s recruiting coordinator to take over the Flames because he saw an opportunity to build something special. But building a new foundation takes time.

Liberty has had its ups and down so far in Toman’s first year at the helm. After losing 9-0 Friday at UNC Asheville, the Flames scored 25 runs over the next two days to take the series and improve to 14-15 (3-3 Big South) on the year.

Last week, Liberty took one game against Big South juggernaut Coastal Carolina and lost two other close games, one in extra innings and one by a 2-1 score. That series was the first under the new lights at Worthington Stadium, and the opener drew a school-record 3,183 fans. The $350,000 lights and the new $52,000 sound system are indications of Liberty’s commitment to baseball, and the crowd is a sign that the commitment is gaining notice.

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[Stevewalt]

great read and Toman's comments are on the mark. Give the man time.

Thanks for the heads up Coastal.

[bigsmooth]

excellent read. it's his first year. we did not crucify rocco, so let's not start bashing toman.

[Coastal89]

It looks like he's doing a good job finding those kids. Here are the early signees for 2009.

• Liberty
  
  Tyler Bream 3B/1B/RHP Zelienople, Pa. (Seneca Valley)
  
  Tim Dudley LHP/1B Appomattox, Va. (Appomattox)
  
  P.J. Jimenez INF Yucaipa, Calif. (Arizona Western College)
  
  Steven Keener 1B Clifton Forge, Va. (Alleghany)
  
  John Long 3B/OF/RHP Anderson, S.C. (T.L. Hanna)
  
  Chris McDougal C/P/UTIL Poquoson, Va. (Denbigh)
  
  JJ McLeod RHP Burlington, Wash. (Skagit Valley College)
  
  David Mitroff C Crystal Lake, Ill. (Prairie Ridge)
  
  Justin Richardson OF Lehigh Acres, Fla. (Riverdale)
  
  Kizuku Scott INF/OF Hampton, Va. (Bethel)
  
  Mark Swanson RHP Buford, Ga. (Young Harris College)
  
  Matt Williams SS Franklin, Tenn. (Centennial)