SUMLIN

Returning starters: P: Pfeiffer, Cooper, Thoreson INF: Stallings, Powell, Delmonico, Thoreson OF: Hayes Never easy, But FHS has the same punchers chance that BHS had this past season. Already looking forward to next season. Thanks to our exceptional Senior Class:Allen, Bigarell, Burnett, Delmonico, Gallero, Hatfield, Newby, Ramsey, Sayers, Williams. There is a legacy of victories, but the great legacy is that of the fellowship the class forged in the most demanding and unforgiving of environments. Supporting each other regardless of circumstance; welcoming the underclassman on the team as your equals; playing the game with pride, poise, and persistance. Congats to the Admirals, the Panthers, and all the boys who invest so much of their time to play the game of baseball at the highest level while still maintaining their educational responsibilities. And thanks to all lthe coaches and the volunteers behind the scene that make it possible for the boys to play the world's greatest game to the best of their abilities.

Interesting comment about Pheifer and FHS. Not making excuses for Phillip or for Coach Pharr, but the Lincoln County team does a clapping thing while the other team is on the field. Its not unsportsmanlike, but we haven't seen much of that since 12 year old baseball. It probably got to Pheifer, who is afterall 15 or 16 years old. He should have known better, but ... not like the FHS fans were encouraging it. The game today against RHS took fan misconduct to a new level. Not sure if any of you saw it, but that was some of the worst behaviour that a group of parents could have displayed. On to baseball. FHS and Bartlett should be a battle. I was sitting at a game at Oak Ridge early in the season talking to a few major league scouts who had come out to watch Matt Ramsey throw. They said that these were the two best teams in the state, and that the match-up would be ridiculously close. FHS will put Ramsey on the mound with Pfeiffer and Cooper available for relief. I suspect BHS will throw Heath Hatfield on two days rest. Its a shame it will be decided in one game. Would have loved to see these two teams play best 2 out of 3. But either way, for this season, the best two teams in the state at the AAA level are likely meeting in the final.

Pigeon Forge pitched well, fielded well, and hit well. Newby and Burnett are both fine pitchers. No excuses. Pigeon Forge was better on that day. Second part of the double header was Science Hill. The result was different, better from an FHS perspective. It was a long week of baseball at FHS. I think its safe to say that FHS coaches, players, alums, and parents were disappointed by the results in two of the games. Nice to get national recognition. But there is a reason why they play the game. Congrats again to William Blount and to Pigeon Forge on your victories. Hard fought and well earned.

The trash talking about Admiral baseball is ridiculous. Particularly in that we are talking about high school kids. For those of you who haven't seen FHS play, let me share some observations: The team has as many as 12 current D1 quality prospects: C Michael Williams, 1B/P Mac Thoreson, 2B Nicky Delmonico, SS Curt Powell, 3B Cade Stallings, OF Matt Sayers, OF/P/C Matt Ramsey, OF Blake Hayes, P/OF Jordan Cooper, P/1B Hunter Newby, P Chris Hatfield, OF Zach Allen, P Phillip Pfeiffer and Joey Delmonico (1B/OF). There is depth on the bench with high prospect scores from various baseball camps that rarely steps onto the field. I suspect that by this time next year 4 - 5 more kids will have flashed D1 potential. The pitching staff is ridiculously deep and very talented. Ramsey, Pfeifer, Cooper, Thoreson, Hatfield and Newby have been interchangable and effective. They have been so solid that relief pitching has hardly been used. No team in Farragut history has scored as many runs as this team. No team in Farragut history has given up as few runs as this team. Love or hate Coach Pharr, no one better prepares his team physically and mentally. This is an exceptional team with good chemistry that makes few mental or physical errors. These kids work 12 months a year, either on their own or with the team (as TSAAA rules mandate). They live in the weight room when they aren't on the field. They play the game the right way. And they don't get on this web site and make ridiculously offensive comments about other schools or their players. FWIW, Bearden is exceptionally strong this year as well, and as has been said by many posters, have a starting 5-6 pitchers that take second seat to no other team. Haven't seen Bartlett this year, but I am certain that if FHS was fortunate enough to play them in state tournament, both teams will have their hands full. Very few times in life when a person is fortunate enough to be part of a truly elite group. FHS and Bearden kids have both experienced that this season. Both are deserving of a trip to Murfreesboro. A