Bullett Proof Baseball - BP Prospects in College

Cavalier attitude

UNIVERSITY BASEBALL: Welland infielder snags scholarship offer from Ohio school

Posted By BERND FRANKE , TRIBUNE STAFF

After 26 years working with young men, baseball coach Tim Mead figures he knows how to read a prospect about as well as he knows when to issue an intentional walk to an opposing batter.

"You sort of know within the first five to 10 minutes of meeting a player whether they will be right for the program," the head baseball coach at Walsh University said.

Mead, who also coaches men's soccer at the small Catholic university in Canton, Ohio, added that being "right for the program" isn't limited to the tools a prospect can bring to the Cavaliers on the diamond.

"Character and integrity are very important, too. It's very important that we get players who are very coachable and who can listen."

Welland's Matt Spillman fit the bill on all counts. During his two visits to the campus, the 17-year-old infielder impressed Mead with his potential, both as a player and as a person.

"We liked Matt's resume. It felt like he could become part of our family," added Mead, whose school has 3,000 students at its main campus in Canton and at satellites in Akron, Canfield and Medina, also in central Ohio.

Walsh was so impressed with Spillman that they offered the Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School student a four-year, 70% scholarship.

The feeling was mutual on Spillman's part. He signed a letter of intent to attend Walsh University, rejecting a scholarship offer to play baseball at Neumann College in Aston, Pa., which he also visited.

"They play in a lower division, so it didn't feel like the right fit for me," Spillman said in explaining why he decided to go to Walsh, an NAIA school in the process of moving up to the NCAA's second division.

While letters of intent are not binding on the part of student athletes, who can opt out if they receive a "better offer," Spillman fully intends to begin majoring in either accounting or finance at the Ohio university in September.

"I'm a numbers guy," he said with a chuckle.

Right now, those numbers include an average in "the 90s" in his final year of high school. Spillman figures that as long as he continues studying, he won't be in Mead's dog-h ouse for poor grades any time soon.

The eldest of Neville and Sandra Spillman's three children isn't a slacker when it comes to hitting the books. As a prospect enrolled in former Major Leaguer Scott Bullett's baseball academy in Welland, Spillman had to maintain a good average or risk suspension.

"How a kid does in school tells you a lot about what kind of a player he is -- and what kind of player he will be. If he isn't dedicated to his school work, he won't be dedicated to the game of baseball," said Bullett, a one-time Welland Pirate who spent parts of four seasons patrolling the outfield for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs in an 18-year playing career that included stints in Taiwan, Mexico and Japan.

"Baseball's fun -- right now, it's my life -- but grades are important. You need a backup plan," Spillman said in agreement.

After splitting time between second base and shortstop for Bullett's Bullett Proof Prospects travelling team, Spillman can expect to get the bulk of his playing time at second during his first season at the university level with the Walsh Cavaliers.

"I don't know if he has the arm strength right now to play short, but that could develop in time," Mead said in a telephone interview from Canton.

He said Spillamn can also expect to bat either at the top or near the bottom of the batting order.

"Matt's not a power hitter, but he can do the things he needs to do to get the ball in play. He may bat one or two, but he could also hit seven, eight or nine."

Spillman first appeared on Walsh's radar after the Bullett Proof Prospects' under-18 team competed at a tournament at Cleveland State University, where the coach from the host team said he would recommend him to Mead.

Mead called a short time later and invited Spillman to tour the campus and take part in a workout for the school's coaching staff.

"When a kid from Canada calls me, I always make time for him," Mead said in pointing out that the Cavaliers team that earned a berth in the NAIA World Series two years ago featured three Canadians, including two groomed by the Canadian Thunderbirds development program in Hamilton.

"We've been quite successful with players from Canada," Mead added.

Spillman will have more than balancing books and baseball on his mind after he leaves home "to live on my own."

"I will have to start doing things on my own, so it will be a transition for me. It might take a bit of time to get used to," said Spillman, whose siblings include sister Lorelei, 16, and brother Nick, 14, a player on Bullett's under-14 team

Another Prospect off to college!
Bullett Proof Prospects are proud to announce another of their players has accepted a scholarship in the United States. Josh Butler, a native of Oakville, has just signed a very lucrative scholarship at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. Denison Big Red plays in the NCAA DIII North Coast Athletics Conference under the guidance of head coach Justin Dedman. As one of the leading liberal arts colleges in the country, Denison offers an education in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. They offer 48 courses of study and 12 pre-professional programs, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. Their average SAT is 1300 and ACT 28 composite.Sophisticated technology in the warmth of gracious facilities, the campus plan designed by the architectural firm of Frederick Law Olmsted it spans 900 acres, the campus includes a 550-acre Biological Reserve. Virtually all of Denison’s students live on the 250-acre hilltop section of campus as it is a pedestrian-friendly campus, in which all buildings are within walking distance.
Josh has been an extremely versatile middle infielder with the Prospects over the last 2 years playing third, second and last fall moving over to shortstop. He caught the attention of Coach Dedman at a showcase last summer and the coach has offered Josh the starting shortstop job when he starts play this September. In 2008 Dedman guided the Big Red to a 27-18 record while capturing the program's fourth North Coast Athletic Conference west division crown. The 27 victories were the third most in school history and the squad advanced to the NCAC Championship Series where they came within one game of advancing to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.
Bullett Proof baseball's coaches, players and staff wish to congratulate Josh on his hard work and exemplary school work, both of which have helped him to attain his scholarship. We are very proud that he takes with him the traits that Bullett Proof Baseball instills in all their players.

Another Prospects is off to College
Bullett Proof Prospects are pleased to announce that another of our players, Alex Zegers, has signed with a four year college program in the United States. Alex has signed with Iowa Wesleyan College they are a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) located in Mount Pleasant, Iowa . The mission of Iowa Wesleyan College is to prepare students to succeed in a changing global environment. Iowa Wesleyan is a four year liberal arts college providing qualityindividualized learning experiences that combine the development of the intellect with adaptive life skills. The school has over 30 majors and academic programs making the choice for Alex very easy,especially when they offered to give him a 62% scholarship.Alex has been the starting center fielder for the Prospects for the past two years and brings speed, great range and a powerful arm to outfield. These qualities are what attracted head coach Brett Monaghan to approach us about Alex. Alex has been a team captain for the past two years and demonstrates his leadership both on and off the field. He has also maintained an 82% average in his school work which will serve him well as he heads off to college.Coach Monaghan is looking forward to having Alex with his squad this coming year and competing for a starting job. Brett Monaghan enters his second season as head baseball coach at Iowa Wesleyan College.In 2007, his first year at IWC, Monaghan led the Tigers to a 32-19 record, the school's first ever Midwest Classic Conference Tournament championship, and an appearance in the NAIA Region VII playoffs. It was IWC's first winning season since 1995, and the 32 wins were the third-most in school history. The Tigers' trip to regionals was the program's second straight, and IWC won a game in regionals for the first time since 1966.Monaghan was hired in December 2006 as the 22nd head baseball coach at IWC since 1965. Before coming to IWC, Monaghan served as assistant baseball coach at Marshalltown Community College for five years and was employed as Family Sports Director at the Community Y of Marshalltown. He concluded a six-month position in October of 2006 as Operations Supervisor at The Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach. Bullett Proof Baseball wishes to congratulate Alex and wishes him good luck as his college career is about to begin.

Another Prospects is off to College

The Bullett Proof Prospects are proud to announce the signing of Aaron Butler to play baseball at the University of Waterloo this coming fall. Aaron, a native of Niagara Falls, joined the Prospects last fall and quickly became a stalwart in the infield. Aaron versatilty at all the infield positions has allowed him to further his baseball career at the college level. Coach Bishop came into the clinic this past winter to see Aaron workout and was very impressed. Coach Bishop is very excited to have Aaron in his lineup starting at third base for the 2008 season. Aaron's hard work and daily workouts in the batting cages is the main reason for his success. Bullett Proof Prospects are very proud and wish him continued success this fall when he attends university.

Another Prospects is off to College

We are very pleased to announce the signing of our last senior player from the 2007 Prospects team. Cameron Cartwright has signed on at Niagara County Community College starting this fall. Cam, a Port Colborne native, has been offered a starting position on the pitching staff of the Trail Blazers and is looking forward to contributing right away. Cam's signing marks the end of a successful inagural year for the Prospects having placed all their senior players to play baseball at the collegiate level in the U.S.

Another Prospects is off to College

The Bullett Proof Prospects are proud to announce the signing of Shawn Somerville to play baseball at Mercyhurst Northeast this coming fall. Shawn, a native of Niagara Falls, joined the Prospects this fall and changed his primary postion from catcher to the outfield. His outstanding play in a new position has allowed him to further his baseball career at the college level. Coach Chester at Mercyhurst is very excited to have Shawn in his lineup for the 2008 season. Shawn's hard work and daily workouts in the batting cages is the main reason for his success. Bullett Proof Prospects are very proud and wish him continued success this summer with our team and especially this fall when he attends college.

Another Prospects is off to College

Bullett Proof Prospects are proud to announce that Garret Fisher has signed with Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio. Garrett has received a four year scholarship commitment to play for the nationally ranked Panthers. Ranked 15th in the nation in 2007, the program has been a national power for a number of years, winning eight regular season and eight conference tournament championships, five regional championships in twelve appearances, and five NAIA World Series appearances. Head coach Paul Page, ranks in the top 10 in career winning percentage amongst active NAIA coaches, and has produced 22 All-Americans and seven Academic All-Americans. Garrett will be playing at third base for Coach Page and is looking forward to excelling in the classroom and on the baseball field. The Prospects congratulate Garrett for his hard work and dedication to his game and wish him the best as he continues on with his baseball and academic career.

Prospect Players sign college scholarships
Printed from www.wellandtribune.ca web site Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - © 2007 Welland Tribune Full count;
Long Island University gives Welland pitcher baseball scholarship

Ben Leeson

Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 09:00

Sports - Rob Nixon is lucky the recruiters from Adelphi University keep an umbrella handy.

Two years ago, when the Wellander travelled to Long Island for a baseball tournament, Mother Nature wasn't exactly smiling. It had rained for almost the entire week before the 16-year-old took to the mound to start a night game.
Several would-be watchers were sent scurrying by the weather, but coach Mike Simpson had called the Adelphi brass and recommended they come take a look at the young tosser.
Nixon has since changed teams and put two birthdays and a high school graduation behind him, but when Simpson called Adelphi head coach Dom Scala again last year, it was apparent that the first impression the young pitcher made had lasted. Now, after accepting an part-athletic, part-academic scholarship offered by the Garden City, N.Y., university for 2007-08, he himself the chance to make another impression. "I knew I was signing for a while, but I didn't get the official letter until a couple of days before Christmas," Nixon says, during a break in his training last week at Bullett Proof Baseball in Welland. "I signed it right away and mailed it back the next day."It was a relief to get it done." Nixon certainly didn't sit around waiting for word. Last year was one of the busiest in his budding baseball career. In addition to playing a standout role for the Bullett Proof Prospects under 18 travel team, he helped guide the Welland Harpwood's Trophies Mustangs to an Ontario Baseball Association title and starred for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in high school sandlot squad.
Through it all he kept working with Simpson as well as former Major Leaguer Scott Bullett and Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Dave Davidson. He also found time to visit the Adelphi campus and meet the Panthers' players and staff. "They paid for everything, it was really nice," Nixon says. "I got to stay in residence with one of the baseball players.
"I think I'm really going to enjoy it down there. It's a nice campus, a nice school." Scala and company were just as impressed with Nixon, who could have signed last season if he chose to. "But I think it was a good idea for me to stay here, to work with Scott and Dave and the guys," Nixon said. "I feel like I've gotten a lot better and I'll be a lot more ready when I go." The son of Paul and Brenda Nixon will join longtime Mustangs teammate Geoff Strong in the NCAA ranks. Strong plays baseball for the Niagara University Purple Eagles.
Niagara Falls resident Colin Buckborough, who played for the Prospects last season with Nixon, recently signed a letter of intent with the University of Evansville Aces in Indiana. Bullett Proof Baseball plans to add under 15 and under 12 teams to the Prospects stable next season in an effort to put even more area players on the same path.
Nixon feels Niagara has only begun to show its baseball potential to U.S. recruiters, but he doesn't mind leading the charge. "Yeah, it's going to be exciting to go down there and prove what we've got here," Nixon says. "I want to show them Canadians can play, too." And play he can. He usually throws a fastball between 86 and 88 miles per hour, but enjoys beating batters with finesse as well as power. "I like to throw my slider," he says. "I find I have the best control with that, and I can use it on 3-2 counts when the guy's not expecting it."
The Panthers also intend to make use of his hitting and fielding talents by using him at second and third base next season. "I always liked pitching," he says. "I never liked hitting much, because I didn't think I was that good at it." Lucky for him, many of his coaches have seen the same potential in him as Bullett, Simpson and Scala. Nixon also thanked Mustangs coaches Rick Young, Greg Strong and Steve Hiller, who guided him and his minor baseball teammates to their Ontario titles, for seeing in the child he was the player he might become. "They've been right there with me all through everything," Nixon says. "and of course Scott and everyone at Bullett Proof. "They've been a big part of helping me get where I am. I just want to thank all of them."

Prospect Player sign college scholarship

Colin Buckborough has signed his letter of intent with Evansville University and will play with the University of Evansville Aces. The University of Evansville has a very strong program, as they were ranked in the top 25 nationally last season and finished with a Missouri Valley Conference championship.One of the top pitchers in Canada, Buckborough has rated as high as 88th (and second in Canada) in Baseball America’s Prospect Plus rankings of the Top 300 high school players in the United States and Canada. He has pitched for the Canadian Junior National Team and the Bullett Proof Prospects. Coach David Seifert on Colin: “We saw Colin pitch early this summer and identified him as a top priority for us. He’s another lean, loose righty with a huge ceiling. He currently pitches in the upper 80s, touching the low 90s, and has a very good CB. His velocity will continue to increase once he becomes part of our strength and conditioning program. He should impact our starting rotation early in his college career.”