Where did you grow up / born?
Grew up in Smyrna, GA born in Atlanta, GA
At what age did you start playing baseball?
4 years old
What positions did you play growing up?
P/C/Inf
What lead you to your primary position?
I was a SS/3B in high school and went to Young Harris College as a pitcher and
a hitter. Once we were a month into fall practice Coach Robinson told me I would
have a longer career as a Pitcher and receive a lot more playing time as a freshman.
So I made the decision to become a Pitcher only. My goal was to play at a big time
Division 1 school after junior college, and becoming a pitcher full time allowed me to
achieve that goal.
Where did you play summer baseball in high school?
East Cobb
What is your favorite amateur memory?
Coming from Smyrna Little League I never could have imagined having a chance
to compete for the state championship with all of the baseball talent that fills the
state. Winning State at 12 years old is my fondest amateur memory because it
showed me as a player that it is not all about yourself, but the team. We were a team
full of average players that played together very well and accomplished the ultimate
goal.
Who were the top schools recruiting you to play in college?
Georgia, South Carolina, and Auburn
What made you pick your school?
I was almost dead set on going to South Carolina it seemed like a great fit, until I
took a visit to Athens and built a strong relationship with the coaching staff. I knew
the minute I left my visit that I wanted to be a Bulldog. Ultimately I wanted to play
for my state and represent the G.
Where did you play summer ball in college?
Cape Cod/ Hyannis Mets
What is your favorite collegiate memory?
I had a great junior college career and was a part of two great teams at Young
Harris, 2007 advancing to the Junior College World Series, but 2008 was a great
year at Georgia. Getting the win in the 2008 National Championship Series against
Fresno State has to be my favorite memory, but the way that we made it to Omaha
with home field advantage in the regional and super regional was special too. I was
very fortunate to play on four great teams.
Who drafted you?
Tampa Bay out of Young Harris and Arizona out of UGA
What is your favorite professional memory?
After my first spring training, I was sent to Missoula, Montana. My role was
defined as late inning relief, which was what I was comfortable with. After some
early success I was defined as the closer. As a closer you want the ball with the
game on the line. I was lucky enough to have 3 straight appearances with the game
on the line. This is my favorite professional memory because I can remember my
competiveness and skill level were at an all-time high. It was also a great feeling
when I got called up to high A Visalia in the middle of the season after success at
Missoula.
Why did you choose to pursue baseball instruction as a career?
I enjoy sharing the information and skills that I was fortunate enough to learn
with kids. I also enjoy building a relationship with each player I instruct. I like to
challenge the kids on and off the field to be better one day at a time. With this I like
to watch them mature as a baseball player and a young man. I also like to have fun
and baseball is fun.
Follow Will on Twitter @WILL_HARVIL