The Virginian-Pilot
©
Just another Eastern District wannabe, right?
Maury understands the way it’s perceived in Hampton Roads baseball circles. The Commodores also realize , in most years, that perception is correct.
So they understand their 8-0 record and No. 2 ranking isn’t going to impress anyone at this week’s talent-rich Greenbrier Christian Invitational.
“We need to make a statement,” Maury pitcher John Garrett said. “People shouldn’t underestimate us just because we’re in the Eastern District.”
Recent history adds teeth to the perception of Maury as a powerhouse in Norfolk and Portsmouth, but a lightweight throughout the rest of Hampton Roads. Maury has lost in the first round of the Eastern Region tournament in each of the past three years, and is winless in the event since 1998, when Bruce Miller tossed a four-hitter in a 2-0 victory over Menchville. Maury’s joy didn’t last long; in the next game, Great Bridge routed the Commodores 20-0.
“I even turn up the screws on ’em myself sometimes,” Commodores coach Chris Howlett said. “I’ll tell ’em, 'Yeah, you’re just another Norfolk school.’ That really burns them up.
“Now I think they’re ready to do something about it.”
Indeed, the 2009 Commodores are the result of a four-year plan hatched by Howlett and former coach Jack Baker in which they weeded out malcontents and head cases and built the team around a talented young core.
“The program was lazy when we came in, so we cleaned house,” Howlett said. “We wanted to instill a certain mentality – hustle everywhere, class on and off the field – and eventually we got it. Today, there’s not one kid on this team my wife and I wouldn’t want as our own son.”
Led by Eastern District Player of the Year Coby Cowgill (7-2 record, 128 strikeouts in 67 innings), the Commodores went 20-4 in 2008 and swept the Eastern District regular-season and tournament titles.
As usual, however, it all came crashing down in the region tournament, as Ocean Lakes handed the Commodores a season-ending 8-4 defeat.
“Made me sick to my stomach,” Howlett said.
Fortunately for the Commodores, because that group was so young, most of their nucleus is back and more determined than ever. Cowgill and Garrett, both of whom have signed with VMI, give the Commodores arguably the best 1-2 pitching combination in the area. Shortstop Brian Bashara and second baseman Drew Williams, both juniors, have been starters since ninth grade. Howlett calls outfielder Tyon Ore “pound-for-pound the best player in the area.”
“We’ve been together so long that we trust each other to make plays,” Garrett said. “The chemistry on this team is unbelievable.”
To many, the idea Maury is really one of the area’s best teams isn’t that believable, either. That’s why the Commodores are so stoked about taking the field at Greenbrier Christian this week.
“We know what people say and what people think,” Baker said. “This is a chance for the kids to open some eyes.”
Paul White, (757) 418-1447, paul.white@pilotonline.com
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Maury Loses to TCIS's NSA.
NSA 5 Maury 4
Maury's Cowgill was outstanding only about 3 or 4 hits with about 10 K's.
NSA's Coburn very good outing, complete game 7 hitter with about 5 K's.
Difference was defensively. Maury had about 3 or 4 errors including two very costly ones in the top of the seventh.
NSA had 0 errors.
Maury's Drew Williams solo home run
NSA's Isaac Ballou stole 5 bases including home.
Actually
I think it makes sense, its not meant to be nice, if you dont kno how to act or you dont want to conform to the standards of the coach, you should get the boot... everybody doesnt get a trophy in this society...
Impressed
Perhaps one should examine the issue from the bright side, to truly understand this story's meaning. These young athletes are far from children, and as YOUNG MEN are learning the important lessons of respect, responsibility, and accountability to a team. It sounds like the group of young men that Maury has "weeded out" is a collection of deserving young players who have not only displayed their abilities on-the-field, but additionally understand the expectations the coaching staff has for them off-the-field.
Program Building?
I find it a bit odd that a public high school baseball program would openly acknowledge that it had a "four year plan" that "weeded out malcontents and head cases" and "cleaned house". I suspect there are many former Maury baseball players and prospects who would not appreceiate that label or the inference that they were swept out as a part of the house cleaning. These are children (young men), not professional athletes. Perhaps the coaches need to be reminded of that fact.