[A.G.]

From what I understand, this kid couldn't even get a sniff from Royer:

http://www.newsadvance.com/servlet/Sate ... th=!sports

With all the issues with catcher the Flames have had the past few years (although this year seems to have it turned around), this young man would have been a great fit and would fit the Liberty mold.

[Hold My Own]

I've seen this kid play....he's got some tools, I really wish we would start to bring in some of this area talent....like that 1st/P that got away and threw bb's (Boldin)......I seem to remember something like this in football for about a 10 year run up until last year

[Chris Lang]

Two things to remember:

1. Those who grew up here don't necessarily want to stay here for college. I grew up in Fairfax County and had no interest whatsoever in going to George Mason. I needed a buffer from my parents. Tech was nice because it was far enough away, but not too far.

2. The Liberty Way doesn't jive with everyone.

[A.G.]

This kid would be a perfect fit. The supposed line was "We'd like you here but we can't give you any money." What are we, D-III???

Another one that got away that would have been an LU fit is the Padgett kid, now batting .318 for Tech. In LU's defense, though, he's always had his eye on Tech.

There are many more, including some all-regional and all-state players that LU shows no interest in. I am kind-of suprised we took the Vaden kid, since the competition he plays against is weak--even by class A standards. Have to trust Tomlin on this one--he coached him last summer.

[bigsmooth]

well said chris. how many local kids usually stick around?? not many.

[Chris Lang]

A.G. -- only the best of the best get baseball skollies ... I think most schools only fund 10 or 11 full baseball scholarships and the rest are partials or walk-ons. This happens at the biggest schools, too.

[Additiional Info]

Liberty only has 11 full scholarships total which they chop up into pieces. No player on the team has a full ride. So yes, there is a money issue and its not just at Liberty.

Also, the catcher A.G. referenced in this thread did recieve a "sniff" from Coach Weaver who handles recuiting last year and was told by the kid himself that he wasn't interested in LU. He saw four catchers on the roster and did not see how he would get any playing time here. In addition, we have four catchers on our roster, all of which get scholarship in some form and will be back next season. He definitely got a better financial deal from VMI. It is just the reality of college baseball.

Not only do most local kids want to get away from the local area as Chris pointed out, but they have to fit Liberty. I am sorry to say this, but most potential recuits do not want to go to a school that they have to go to convocation three times a week, have a curfew if they live on campus, have to abide by a dress code etc. This is not an excuse, it is a reality. It really curtails who you can bring in and who you cannot.

[A.G.]

Thanks for the additional info. My sources obviously were mistaken. I stand humbly corrected.

[Brokeback Flamer]

Thanks for the additional info. My sources obviously were mistaken. I stand humbly corrected.

This is a serious blow to my opinion of you!! First you are wrong, then you apologize!! What up wid dat? You have been watching too much Episode 1 and finding Jar Jar an in depth figure haven't you?

[A.G.]

This is a serious blow to my opinion of you!! First you are wrong, then you apologize!! What up wid dat? You have been watching too much Episode 1 and finding Jar Jar an in depth figure haven't you?

Nope! Prozac!

[Hold My Own]

This is a serious blow to my opinion of you!! First you are wrong, then you apologize!! What up wid dat? You have been watching too much Episode 1 and finding Jar Jar an in depth figure haven't you?

Maybe taking notes for the next time he's wrong?????



Nahhhhhh......wishful thinking....but we'll see in the next 5 minutes (next time Brokebacks going to be proved wrong!)

[A.G.]

Trust me--I could go on and on about this topic--with NO appolgies forthcoming. Here's another one--and one much much better than the local lefty we DID sign:
http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll ... 6604230348

Tribe values 90 mph fastball at $9,000
William and Mary inks Lee pitcher to baseball scholarship
By Ken Bosserman
Sports Writer

STAUNTON — Robert E. Lee left-hander Tyler Truxell has inked scholarship papers to play baseball for William and Mary.Truxell impressed scouts at several showcases he attended during the off-season, and it paid off with a major Tribe scholarship.ADVERTISEMENT The Lee senior will receive a $9,000 grant, the largest of any incoming freshman baseball player at William and Mary. "That was a big honor," Lee head baseball coach Tim Zombro said. "He works hard both on the field and in the classroom."They liked the way he spots his fastball, and he has kept his arm in good shape. He should be able to step right in as a set-up man and also see some action in the outfield."Truxell admitted that the offer sort of came out of left field."They had a baseball showcase at their field last summer, and I got invited," he explained."There were a lot of schools and a lot of scouts there. I chose to throw from the outfield as well as from the mound, and took batting practice as well."Off the mound I was clocked at 88 mph in the first day of the showcase. On the second day, I was on Team Maryland, and I had a 90 mph in a game. That's where they got interested."Schools such as Virginia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia also showed interest.William and Mary offered the scholarship during the fall."It's $14,000 to go there a year, and I will get $9,000," Truxell said. "I was their top recruit for their incoming freshman class. I also had a scholarship offer from Liberty, but I felt William and Mary fits me both athletically and academically."At Lee, Truxell played basketball and baseball, but found the most success in baseball."I'm so excited to finally focus on baseball," he said. "It's always been my favorite. I love basketball, but everyone knew basketball wasn't my sport."Truxell began playing baseball in the Staunton Kiwanis Babe Ruth program. As a 13-year-old in Augusta Babe Ruth, he went to the World Series. He has played American Legion ball, and may play there or in the Rockingham County League this summer.He joined the Lee varsity as a freshman, and he's recorded at least five wins during each of his seasons.Truxell relies mainly on a fastball, using off-speed pitches as setups. As a batter, his career average is in the upper .300s.The Lee left-hander hopes to get his fastball into the lower 90s this summer."I think that's possible with a tough work ethic," he said."A baseball scholarship has always been my goal. I'd love to get drafted after three years, but I want my degree first. The Braves, Royals and Mariners have been in touch with me, and I did register for the draft. But it's not an option now." Originally published April 23, 2006

[bigsmooth]

just a question A.G., this guy said w&m was a better fit...we offered and he said no, so what exactly is your beef? we can't get everyone.

[A.G.]

No beef, here. Just pointing out one that got away. Could have come down to scholly %, too. W & M is less $$ than LU and 9 K is a high scholly %.

[bigsmooth]

gotcha