Have been to the "Tennessee Top 2004 Players" listing and read their bios. But would really like to hear more about the following UT Martin signees:
John Hooper - P - Goodpasture Bryce Carden - OF - Centennial Blake Turner - IF - Brentwood
My son has also signed with UT Martin and is looking forward to joining these three in building a solid program under Coach Bubba Cates. Ben Meador, P from Hendersonville, is a current freshman and is fast becoming their ace. Building a solid foundation...
Hi MktgAdMan. My son is John Hooper. He is a seinor at Goodpasture school in Nashville. John is a good young man and I like to think at least ,a good pitcher. John has had the plesure of playing on some fine teams. for the past 4 years he has played summer ball for the TN. Athletics. With the help of this site, Bob, HV and the TN. top players site, coach Gregg Legg ( bama Bomber) and to many others to count, John is very excited about the future at UTM.
We have enough youth , what we need is a fountain of smart!
Posts: 432 | Location: Tenn. | Registered: December 28, 2002
Great to hear from you, Hoop. Every good pitcher and staff needs a solid battery mate. My son is Chris Rezabek - a catcher from Bolton HS near Memphis. He's big (6'3" 195lbs) with defensive quickness and a strong accurate arm - and is a product of the Dulins Dodgers program. He's looking forward to catching John and excited about the talent of the incoming class. Will be a pleasure to meet you as well.
MKtgAdMan, Goodpasture was playing in the Brentwood tournament this weekend and I got to introduce myself to Blake Turner. he seemed like a great young man, was playing second and hit very well for the tourny. I told John that I had met him and he said ohhh yea his dad said hi to me at the Chatanooga tournament. lol I think he would forget to tell me if the house was on fire. Goodpasture had a good tourny, winning the turnament against Columbia central 9-2. John has had a good week last week He pitched against Marshall County in the riverdale tournament and pitched a no hit shutout but took a little grief because Marshall was missing 4 of their players due to ACT testing. well things have a way of working out, John pitched against Marshall again yesterday and notched his second no no in a row, and the 4 missing players where in the game. lol had a big grin after that game.
We have enough youth , what we need is a fountain of smart!
Posts: 432 | Location: Tenn. | Registered: December 28, 2002
I'll try to summarize all the factors that influenced Chris' selection of UT Martin:
1) HE WANTED TO HAVE A REALISTIC OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE FOR A STARTING POSITION AS A FRESHMAN
He did not want to be caught up in the numbers game -- or "stockpiling" -- that often takes place at large colleges. Two SEC schools that showed interest in Chris had 5-6 catchers and 45-50 players taking part in Fall workouts.
Also, you have to be aware of who was signed at your position the previous year, as well as who is currently being recruited at your position. Chances are that if you follow Michael McHenry from Farragut to MTSU, you will probably see limited starting opportunities for 3 years.
2) COACH BUBBA CATES
Chris was impressed with Coach Cates from their first contact. Coach Cates is warm, honest, positive, a great teacher of the game, and cares deeply for his players. Unfortunately, Chris has played 4 years for a HS coach who is the direct opposite -- using negative criticism and threats to tear down a player as his means for motivation. Watching a UT Martin practice made such an impact on Chris with the positive productivity and teaching that took place.
And Coach Cates is determined to build a solid Division I baseball program at UT Martin that seeks talented freshmen that can contribute and produce immediately and over a 4-year period. Ben Meador, a freshman pitcher from Hendersonville HS, has quickly become the ace of the Skyhawk pitching staff. The foundation is being laid and Chris is excited at the chance to contribute his part.
3) TENNESSEE LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP
Let's face it: there are no full scholarships in baseball. Division I schools have to split the $$$ for 11.7 scholarships over their entire squad. While Chris received his fair share, the available TN Lottery Scholarship $$$ worked in UT Martin's favor as a TN university. Am certain that more HS baseball players in the coming years will be considering staying "in state" to take advantage of this additional scholarship money.
Chris is also interested in either Sports Psychology or Sports Management as a major. The Psychology program is strong and a Sports Management concentration is offered.
The primary reasons for Chris' decision were #1 and #2 -- with #3 being the "gravy." I, too, am interested in Hoop's thoughts as well.
After reading M.A.M. post I would have to say that I could not have said it better.
#1 of M.A.M's post also had a lot to do with son's decision John wanted a chance to pitch some games his freshman year. not a guaranty but a fsir shot at it. I also feel that coach Cates is determined to build a competative team. He has been involved in 32 championships of 1 type or another during his carrer. the coach knows how to teach and coach the game . I was alos impressed with his personality quite and confident. knows what he is doing and how to get the job done. I like the way he recruits, one player at a time. if he is talking to you about your son he is at least interested, and will shoot straight with you. I really enjoyed our visit to UTM, not much glitz or show but wanted us to see and learn about the school and program and what they where about and trying to do.We all ate in the school cafateria. which I liked, we where there to find out about the school so I wanted to eat where john would if he attended school at UTM and learn about the school. I also like M.A.M. feel very good about the direction that UTM is headed in. I was sold during the visit at one point when I said to John { who is going to be taking engineering } " john playing ball and taking the majior you are going to is going to be very dificult" Coach cates said your right MR. Hooper but he can do it if he really wants to and puts the effort into it. dont get cought up in the race to go to a BIG name program but pick the school your son will be happy at. PS the lottery money was invaluable to John also.
We have enough youth , what we need is a fountain of smart!
Posts: 432 | Location: Tenn. | Registered: December 28, 2002
I don't know much about UTM baseball, but my oldest boy is a UTM graduate. He wasn't a student athlete, just a student.
I was very impressed with the university. Quality education. And it is reasonably priced.
The city of Martin, TN is small, but that can be a very good thing for a college student. Fewer distractions. More concentration on his studies and baseball.
Jackson, TN is a short drive away. Tennessee's fifth largest city. Big enough to offer entertainment, shopping, restaurants and other distractions.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love UTM. If you son happens to be into hunting and fishing, then UTM is the place for him. Reelfoot Lake and the Mississippi Flyway.
The UTM Campus is beautiful. It has been selected the prettiest college campus in America. If it's no longer #1, it's still way, way up there.
UTM is safe. UTM was named the safest college campus in America, the same year that it was named the prettiest.
The degree reads: The University of Tennessee
"The doctors X-rayed my head and found nothing." --Baseball great Dizzy Dean explaining how he felt after being hit on the head by a ball in the 1934 World Series
Posts: 248 | Location: Nashville! | Registered: January 07, 2003
Thanks, Hoop, for adding your insight. And to BNA - appreciate the additional positives about the UT Martin campus and area.
Can anyone provide information or an assessment of Bryce Carden from Centennial HS? Heard he was a great two-sport athlete (baseball & basketball) and solid outfielder...
Good body 6-5, 210; Athletic with above average speed, 6.8 sixty. He has alot of upside with the body and athleticism. You can assume that with the body and projection he could become a power guy.
PS- Thanks for everyone's input in response to my previous post. Cates is bringing in some great athletes. UTM looks to be a great place to play D1 baseball against some of the best college programs in the country
My son and I were at the first Marshall County game (Riverdale tourney) and got a chance to see your boy pitch in person. He looked really good out there. I liked Goodpasture's catcher too. I thought we might see some tempers flare up a bit after the contact at second base with him and a MC player but they managed to move past it. If I knew what you looked like I would've said hello.
Out of curiosity how hard does John throw? He looked like he was throwing pretty hard out there.
We were also at the championship game between Houston and Whitehouse. That center fielder for Houston can hit the ball.
Take care!
Jason
Posts: 1000 | Location: Tennessee | Registered: June 13, 2003
Noticed today on CoachT.com that IF Joe Raccuglia from Franklin HS has signed with Coach Bubba Cates' program at UT Martin. That's now five strong first-tier athletes from TN to commit to the Skyhawks. Word is that a couple more top players from West TN may also be on their way to UT Martin.
HI Adman, it sure seems as if coach cates is taking advantage of the lottery scholly. Dont think anyone can say that UTM does not recruit instate. I get more excited each day that we caome closer to college ball it sure is going to be a blast. I hope your right about a few more from west TN. seems like they sure play some great ball in that part of the state. seems as if recruiting is like a snowball get a few good one's and that helps you get some more quality players.
We have enough youth , what we need is a fountain of smart!
Posts: 432 | Location: Tenn. | Registered: December 28, 2002
I watched Joe Raccuglia at the Blue Grey Classic in Knoxville this summer.
-He is ultra-athletic with super quick hands and feet and a world of potential.
-I have seen 60 times as low as 6.51, nice arm and actions in the MIF; Above average "athletic" strength generates nice bat speed.
-Mature makeup. Hard nosed and intellegent. Has a proffesional approach to the game.
Combine the athleticism and makeup, Joe Raccuglia could become a dandy for UTM. Cates has put together an impressive signing class. He seems to have just burst onto the scene and snatched up some real nice players.
I can give you an evaluation of all the UTM signees except the TX signee. However, like most evaluaters, stats are irrelavent to me. Pro scouts and D1 coaches could care less how big or little a star you were in HS. They want tools and they want championship caliber makeup (work ethic). All of this years UTM signees have just that...tools and makeup.
You can throw the books in the trash...D1 ball players are D1 ball players. What you did in HS is over in a big way the second you step on campus. We dont even talk about stats...just tools and athleticism. But, I suppose these guys do all right in HS.
