Currently Ranked #13 in the NJCAA Division II Poll

Fitzgerald and Hatcher Selected in the MLB Draft

Jeremy Fitzgerald and Rashad Hatcher were both selected in the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft on Wednesday. Fitzgerald, who recently completed his freshman season was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 38th round. Hatcher, who completed his sophomore season was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 49th round.

Fitzgerald was named to the All Region X team as a pitcher after going 7-3 with a 3.95 ERA in 13 starts for the Patriots. The Stuarts Draft, VA native struck out 81 in just over 70 innings while walking just 23. Opponents hit just .254 off Fitzgerald during the 2010 spring campaign.

Hatcher finished second on the team in hitting this spring with a .386 average (66-for-171) with 11 doubles, two triples, six homeruns, and 41 RBIs to go along with 14 stolen bases. Hatcher, a native of South Hill, VA transferred to PHCC after his freshman season at Ptt C.C.

Casey Hodges is the only former PHCC player to be selected as he was picked after his senior season at Mount Olive College.

PHCC Baseball Players make College Commitments

The 2010 class of baseball players at Patrick Henry Community College has stood out above the rest. This year’s class will see at least seven Division 1 players move on. Hunter Kenny signed this fall with Norfolk State University on a total scholarship worth nearly 75%. In addition, NSU has taken Ralphy Colon, a middle infielder for the Patriots as well as Kyle Via, a red shirt left handed pitcher from Fluvanna County. Bret Williams has accepted an 80% offer from the University of Richmond to continue his athletic and academic career. Williams was a 2nd team all Region selection this year and will be looked to continue his career as a two way player. Williams received the highest scholarship offer given from Head Coach Mark McQueen since his time at Richmond.

Lucas Signor, an Outfielder from Lynchburg, VA has committed to play at Division 1 Niagara next season, while Austin Delmotte also made a full ride commitment to Niagara but has not signed due to some uncertainties off the field. In addition, Mike Stancik a transfer from Longwood University will be transferring back to Virginia Commonwealth University for his final two years of intercollegiate competition. Stancik lead the 2010 team in batting average and will be looked to play several different infield positions at VCU.

Andrew Bradley has signed with Division 2 UNC Pembroke for the 2011 season, which competes in the Peach Belt Conference. Andrew was the Patriots’ starting shortstop for the past two seasons. Bubba Chocklette, the Patriots’ closer has made a commitment to play at D2 Pfeiffer University in Salisbury, NC. T.J. Brenneman, a right handed pitcher has committed to D3 Salisbury College, who has won 2 national championships in the past three seasons and remains ranked number 1 in the country. Shane Flynn and Tyler Marshall, both pitchers are still uncommitted but have several offers from D2, D3, and NAIA schools throughout the area. In addition, second baseman Benjamin Amos has committed to Roanoke College for the 2011 season.

Patriots’ sophomore outfielder Rashad Hatcher just returned from an invited workout with the Washington Nationals and hopes to be taken in the 2010 Major League Baseball draft. Also making the trip to Atlanta last weekend was Patriots’ pitcher Jeremy Fitzgerald, who is expected to go in the first day of the MLB draft.

“Overall, this is a great class of student-athletes and they are amazing baseball players said former Head Coach Chris Parker.” “It has been a privilege coaching these guys. Our staff worked very hard to see their careers move forward.” “We graduated 75% of our sophomore class this year, which is a great accomplishment in itself.”

2010 Baseball Season in Review

A third place finish in Region X and a National ranking throughout the season is certainly something to be proud of for the member of the 2010 PHCC Baseball team. The Patriots were ranked as high as #6 in the NJCAA Division II Poll in 2010 and finished 18-8 in a very tough Region X Conference. A quick exit in the post season tournament was certainly not on the radar screen but a late season slump carried over and the Patriots are left to wonder what might have been.

"I'm very disappointed with the way our season ended in the tournament," said Patriots Head Coach Chris Parker. "But with that being said, you certainly can't take away some of the accomplishments and effort our guys put forth throughout the season, a 40-17 season is certainly something to be proud of but in the end we didn't accomplish what we set out to do back in September," added Parker, who is stepping down as the PHCC Head Coach after four seasons. Parker will remain on as Athletic Director at PHCC. Paul Menschner, a three year assistant has been promoted to Head Coach.

Mike Stancik, a transfer from Longwood University led the team in hitting with a .399 average (57-for-143) with 14 doubles, three triples, a homerun, and 36 RBIs. The third baseman also provided to be a tough out even when not putting the ball in play posting a .508 on base percentage and was certainly a threat once he was on the bases with 13 stolen bases. Stancik, who hit second for most of the season will certainly be missed from the PHCC line-up in 2011. Rashad Hatcher finished the season with a .386 average (66-for-171) which was good for second on the team. Hatcher led the team in homeruns with six and finished second with 14 stolen bases and tied for second with 41 RBIs.

Austin Delmotte, who had his season cut short by a late season injury finished with a .375 average (45-for-120) finishing second on the team with five homeruns while driving in 37 and stealing 11 bases. Delmotte missed most of April with a leg injury. Bret Williams finished the season with a .371 average (65-for-175) with a team leading 24 doubles and 57 RBIs. Williams added a triple and three homeruns and posted a .571 slugging percentage. On the mound Williams also was very solid posting a 2.91 ERA in 10 apperances (9 starts) with a 5-4 record and 46 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings of work.

Jordan Tackett certainly would take honors as the top freshman hitter after stepping in for the injuried Delmotte. Tackett finished with a .366 average (30-for-82) with eight doubles, three homeruns, and 23 RBIs while stealing four bases. Tackett will certainly be a force in the middle of the 2011 PHCC order.

Jeremy Fitzgerald capped off an excellent freshman season being named to the Region X All-First Team as a starting pitcher. Fitzgerald finished with a 7-3 record and a 3.95 ERA in 13 starts. The Stuarts Draft, VA native struck out 81 hitters in 70 2/3 innings and held opponents to a .254 batting average against. Fitzgerald will be back at PHCC in 2011 and will look to build upon his success from 2010. Another freshman who also shinned on the mound was Matt Morris. Morris posted a team leading 2.62 ERA and a 5-1 record. Morris in his 12 starts worked 55 innings striking out 51 and holding opposing hitters to a .249 average against. With both Morris and Fitzgerald slated to return the PHCC weekend rotation is already 2/3's complete for 2011.

Shane Flynn and Chris Horne were certainly the work horses out of the bullpen for the Patriots in 2010. Flynn, a sophomore from Kinston, NC notched a 5-2 record and worked 32 2/3 innings in 21 apperances, striking out 41 hitters. Flynn closes his career near the top of the all time wins list with 11 wins on the mound in two seasons. Horne had an excellent freshman season logging 43 innings on the mound in 19 appearances (two starts). Horne finished with a 4.40 ERA and a 4-2 record while posting 43 strikeouts and walking just 17. Horne held opponents to just a .225 average against and will be back in 2011 to likely compete for a spot in the rotation or the top man in the Patriots bullpen.

"Our hitting and pitching were very solid all season, we struggled with defense at times but up until the last two weeks of the season our bats were hot, every team hits a slump at some point, our slump just came at the worst time possible," added Parker.

Patriots Bats Go Silent in Tournament

After a 40-15 overall record and a 18-8 Region X third place finish there were certainly high expectations for the Patrick Henry Baseball team in the Region X/District 22 tournament held this past week at Hooker Field, but as with any team and any season there are hot streaks and cold streaks. Unfortunately for the Patriots the cold streak from the last two weeks of the regular season carried over to the tournament where they dropped a 4-2 decision to Wilkes C.C. in the first round and a 7-1 decision to Southeastern in the loser's bracket and were eliminated after just two games.

The Patriots managed just four hits in the 4-2 loss to Wilkes on Friday afternoon. The number five seed Wilkes banged out 10 hits and got 7 1/3 innings of strong work from Ethan Icard on the mound to beat the Patriots for the third time in four meetings this season. Mike Stancik had two hits and an RBI for PHCC in the loss. Jeremy Fitzgerald took the loss on the mound allowing three runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings on the mound.

Southeastern took advantage of four PHCC errors and took a commanding 6-0 lead after a five run fourth inning to claim the 7-1 win in Saturday's loser's bracket match up. Despite sweeping a three game series from the Rams in the regular season the Patriots bats again were silenced, this time by Peyton Martin who pitched a complete game allowing just one run on seven hits. Matt Morris took the loss for Patrick Henry despite not allowing an earned run in 3 2/3 innings. The freshman righty allowed just three hits and walked two while striking out five. Chris Horne and Brandon Chocklette worked a combined 5 1/3 innings of relief and kept the Rams bats silent allowing just one run but the Patriots couldn't produce at the plate and saw their season end much more quickly than expected, finishing the season at 40-17 overall.

Home Field Advantage?

Thursday, May 13, 2010
By CHASE YOUNG - Martinsville Bulletin Sports Writer

Patrick Henry Community College will host the 2010 Carolinas-Virginia National Junior College Athletic Association's Region X, District 22 baseball tournament starting Friday at Hooker Field.

“I hope the fans and people of Martinsville and Henry County will come out and support us,” said PHCC athletic director and head baseball coach Chris Parker. “I expect a great baseball atmosphere.”  Parker added that, to his knowledge, it is the first NJCAA sanctioned baseball tournament to be hosted in Virginia. The double-elimination tournament not only has local ties in PHCC, the tournament’s No. 4 seed, but it also has national implications. “If we win, we get a bid to the World Series,” said Parker. “If you win, you complete what you’ve strived for all season. ... Hopefully we can get four more (wins) and go on to the national championship.”

The winner of this weekend’s tournament will travel to Enid, Okla., to try for a national championship title in the 18th Junior College World Series. The national championship tourney is scheduled to take place May 29-June 5 at David Allen Memorial Park. The tournament at Hooker Field is set to begin at 10 a.m. Friday, and with so much at stake, there won’t be an easy win in the bracket, according to Patriot closer Brandon Chocklette. “To be honest, any team could beat any team,” said Chocklette. “This weekend should be very interesting.” Chocklette led the nation in saves last year with 13, and as a veteran on the PHCC’s roster, he’s fully aware how much this tournament means. “It’s the biggest thing,” said Chocklette. “It’s the point of everything. ... It’d be great to win it on our home field.”

Despite the stiffness of the competition, Parker said that the Patriots are not to be overlooked by any means. “Without hesitation, I think we’re very capable of winning this tournament,” he said. “We have as much talent as anybody.”

The eight-team field is made up of the top seven teams from the Division II conference of Region X, including top-seeded Lenoir C.C. and No. 2 seed Brunswick C.C., as well as No. 3 L.B. Wallace C.C. of Alabama. L.B. Wallace, a team that has been ranked in the Top 15 nationally all season, has yet to play a single team in the tournament

PHCC finished the regular season with a 40-15 record, which tied last season’s wins, and the team hopes to build on its success this weekend. Though the Patriots, currently ranked 13th nationally by the NJCAA, feel home-field advantage is a definite asset. Parker said it will also paint a target on the Pats’ backs.

“I think playing at Hooker Field will be an advantage; however, the opposing teams are coming in with the ambition of knocking us off,” he said. The first team that will attempt to shorten the Patriots’ season will be No. 5 Wilkes Community College. The Patriots have lost two of three to the Cougars this year, meaning PHCC will be looking to even the score during Friday’s game, which begins at 4 p.m.

“You really have to take it game by game,” Parker said. “You want to — you really want to look ahead, but you can’t. “The team’s desire is all there. It’s fully committed for a chance to go to the World Series,” he added. “They understand it’s a long season, and they understand this is what really matters.”

Patriots Take Two of Three from Lenoir
The PHCC Baseball team picked up another series win over the weekend winning two of three games over Lenoir C.C. at Hooker Field. The Patriots won game one on Saturday in 21-13 slugfest before dropping game two 14-6. PHCC would rebound on Sunday picking up a 10-1 win to win the series and improve to 14-4 in conference play and 36-11 overall.

Game one was a back-and-forth contest where both teams combined to score 34 runs but in the end it was Patrick Henry pushing across nine runs in the sixth and seventh innings to claim the win. Bret Williams led the offense going 4-for-6 with five runs scored and four more batted in. Mike Stancik continued his hot hitting of late going 3-for-3 with four runs scored and an RBI while Rashad Hatcher had a season high six RBIs including a grand slam homerun to help the Patriots 20 hit attack. Chris Horne picked up the win in relief of Jeremy Fitzgerald. Horne worked 2 1/3 innings allowing six hits and two runs.

Six errors was the downfall for PHCC in game two as they dropped a 14-6 decision to the Lancers. Lenoir scored runs in the first six innings and cruised to the win. Bret Williams took the loss on the mound for the Patriots allowing nine runs (five earned) over three innings of work. Rashad Hatcher led the offense going 4-for-4 at the plate while Mike Stancik added two hits.

Game three was all PHCC on Sunday as the Patriots claimed the series and moved a game ahead of Lenoir in the Region X standings. Matt Morris picked up the win on the mound working a complete game allowing just seven hits and no earned runs while walking just one and striking out seven. Jordan Tackett provided most of the offense going 3-for-4 with two runs scored and five runs batted in, including the second Patriot grand slam in the last two days. Bret Williams and Hunter Kenney had two hits each in the win.

The Patriots return to action on Wednesday as they travel to Wentworth, NC for a mid-week conference match-up with Rockingham C.C. at 3:00 PM.

Baseball Sweeps Southeastern C.C.
The PHCC Baseball improved to 34-9 overall and 12-3 in Region X play with a weekend three game sweep over Southeastern C.C. at Hooker Field. The Patriots picked up 6-3 and 7-0 wins on Saturday and a 5-4 win on Sunday afternoon to complete the sweep.

Jeremy Fitzgerald picked up his team leading sixth win of the season in game one on Saturday working seven innings allowing just two runs (one earned) while allowing just four hits, walking two and striking out five. Mike Stancik led the offense going 3-for-5 with three runs scored and two more batted in. Rashad Hatcher and Hunter Kenney were each 1-for-2 with an RBI.

Game two on Saturday was dominated by the pitching of Bret Williams. Williams worked six scoreless innings allowing just five hits while walking one and striking out four. Corey Owen worked a scoreless seventh to close out the shutout. Hunter Kenney was 3-for-3 with three RBIs to lead the offense. Mike Stancik continued to swing a hot bat going 2-for-4 with an RBI and Jordan Tackett also was 2-for-4 with three runs scored and an RBI.

The final game of the series on Sunday it was Rashad Hatcher's big day at the plate that propelled the Patriots to the win. The sophomore centerfielder was 3-for-3 with a run scored and two RBIs, including the go-ahead single in the bottom of the eighth inning. Mike Stancik was 2-for-4 with two RBIs to finish the series with seven hits. Matt Morris picked up a no decision on the mound after working six innings allowing just one run and six hits while walking two and striking out two. Tyler Marshall picked up the win and Brandon Chocklette picked up his team leading sixth save working a scoreless ninth inning.

Baseball Wins 2 of 3 at Stanly C.C.
The PHCC Baseball picked up two conference wins this weekend on the road in Albemarle, NC. The Patriots won both games of a doubleheader on Saturday by scores of 16-4 and 13-9 and dropped a single game on Sunday 4-3. The Patriots improved to 22-6 overall and 5-1 in Region X play.

The Patriots got off the bus with hot bats on Saturday and the bats remained hot all day with a 16-4 five inning win in game one and a 13-9 win in game two. The Patriots banged out 16 hits in the game one win with Rashad Hatcher and Lance Kennedy leading the way with three hits each with Kennedy hitting his team high fourth homerun. Austin Delmotte had two hits including his second homerun of the season. Jeremy Fitzgerald picked up his fourth win of the season on the mound working five innings allowing eight hits and four runs while striking out three.

In game two the Patriots and Eagles battled back and forth in the seven inning contest but it was the Patriots picking up the win on the strength of another big game by Austin Delmotte. Delmotte's second homerun of the day put the PHCC up 11-9 in the sixth inning while Chris Horne and Brandon Chocklette closed the door on the mound. Delmotte finished game two going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and four RBIs. Horne picked up the win on the mound working 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief allowing no hits and striking out three. Brandon Chocklette pitched a scoreless seventh to preserve the win for the Patriots. Andrew Bradley, Hunter Kenney, and Mike Stancik each had two hits each for PHCC.

Game three on Sunday was a low scoring affair with Stanly scoring a single run in the bottom of the eighth inning to break a 3-3 tie to win it 4-3 behind a complete game effort on the mound from Matt High. High held the Patriots to just six hits and three runs while striking out six. The Patriots were led at the plate by Terrell Thompson's two hits. Nick Sharp took the loss on the mound allowing an unearned run in the eighth. Bret Williams worked six innings allowing seven hits and two earned runs in picking up a no decision.

The Patriots return to action on Thursday as they host New River C.C. at 3:00 PM at Hooker Field.

Patriots Top Danville 6-1
The PHCC Baseball improved to 17-5 overall with a non-conference win over Danville C.C. on Tuesday evening at Hooker Field. The Patriots picked up three runs in the bottom of the third and a single run in the fourth and two more in the seventh to put the game away. The Patriots used five pitchers in the win with Chris Horne working two scoreless innings to pick up his second win of the season. Austin Delmotte got the start and worked four innings allowing a run and three hits while walking four and striking out three.

Danville kept the Patriot bats somewhat silent with PHCC getting just six hits. Bret Williams was 2-for-4 with a double, triple, and three RBIs and Ethan Tanner continued his hot hitting of late going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Terrell Thompson and Rashad Hatcher had the other hits for PHCC.

The Patriots return to action with a game at Ferrum on Wednesday before returning home for a doubleheader with Mohawk Valley C.C. on Thursday at 2:00 PM at Hooker Field.

Patriots Sweep Weekend Series
The PHCC Baseball team kicked off Region X play with a sweep of Wake Technical Community College at Hooker Field. The Patriots won 11-4 on Saturday and picked up 6-2 and 11-1 wins on Sunday to improve to 16-5 overall and 3-0 in conference play.

PHCC banged out 15 hits and got six strong innings of work on the mound from Jeremy Fitzgerald to knock off Wake Tech, who is making their debut in Region X this season. Fitzgerald allowing three runs and three hits while walking one and striking out 10, improving his record to 3-0 on the season. The freshman from Stuarts Draft, VA now has 41 strikeouts in 24 innings this spring. Hunter Kenney was 3-for-5 with 4 RBIs, including a three run homer to pace the Patriots offense. Rashad Hatcher, Lance Kennedy, Austin Delmotte, and Ethan Tanner all had two hits in the win.

Game two which was rained out on Saturday evening was pushed back to Sunday with the Patriots picking up a hard fought 6-2 win. Tyler Marshall picked up the win on the mound working two and a third innings in relief of starter Matt Morris. Marshall allowed just two hits while striking out four. The Patriots had just four hits with the biggest coming from Ethan Tanner, whose fourth inning bases loaded double highlighted the PHCC five run inning.

The Patriots finished off the sweep with an 11-1 run shortened win in the final game on Sunday. Bret Williams pitched six innings allowing no earned runs and six hits while striking out seven. Ethan Tanner carried over his hot hitting going 2-for-2 with three RBIs in the win. Hatcher, Delmotte, and Kennedy once again were productive at the plate posting two hits each.

The Patriots return to action on Tuesday evening as they host former VCCS rival Danville at 5:00 PM at Hooker Field.

Patriots Win Two of Three from Potomac

Rashad Hatcher at the plate against Potomac State (photo courtesy Kenny Webster)

The PHCC Baseball team picked up a series win this weekend over Potomac State on Saturday and Sunday. The teams split a doubleheader on Saturday with PHCC winning game one 12-6 and the Catamounts picking up a 7-0 win in game two. The Patriots won the series with a 13-0 win on Sunday afternoon.

The Patriots overcame a 6-3 deficit by scoring nine runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to score the 12-6 win in game one. Bret Williams went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and three runs scored and highlighted the nine run inning with a three run home run, his first of the season. Terrell Thompson and Austin Delmotte each had two hits in the Patriot 12 hit attack. Jeremy Fitzgerald struck out 10 in six innings of work while allowing four runs and was strapped with a no decision for his efforts. Shane Flynn picked up the win in the relief working an inning and two-thirds allowing no hits or runs and striking out one.

Potomac starter Cody Ellsworth kept the Patriots bats silent in game two working six innings allowing just five hits while walking one and striking out five. Thompson and Delmotte continued to swing hot bats notching two hits each. Travis Coffman took the loss on the mound for PHCC allowing three earned runs and six hits in two and a third innings on the mound.

The Patriots scored in bunches on Sunday to take the series with a 13-0 win. Bret Williams got the start on the mound and worked seven scoreless innings allowing just five hits while walking three and striking out four. Williams also had a big day at the plate going 3-for-5 with three RBIs and a run scored. Austin Delmotte also had another good day at the plate going 2-for-5 with a three run home run and two-run single. Ralphy Colon also added two hits in the winning effort that moved the Patriots to 10-5 on the season.

The Patriots are back in action on Monday as they host Penn State-Fayette at 1:00 PM at Hooker Field. They travel to Dobson, NC on Tuesday for a doubleheader with Surry C.C. at 2:00 PM.

Baseball Splits Doubleheader with Surry

The PHCC Baseball team split a doubleheader with Surry C.C. on Thursday afternoon at Hooker Field. The visitors scored a 9-8 win in game one but the Patriots got things back on track in game two picking up a 5-4 win in extra innings with the help of a walk-off double from Lucas Signor.

The Knights jumped out to a six run lead in the third inning in game one but the Patriots battled back to tie things up at 6-6 in the bottom of the fourth inning. Surry would add three runs in the fifth and sixth innings and held off a late PHCC rally to claim the 9-8 win. Terrell Thompson was 3-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs to lead the PHCC offense. Hunter Kenney added two hits in the losing effort. Chris Horne took the loss on the mound despite not allowing an earned run in two innings of work.

Patrick Henry jumped out to a 4-1 lead after three innings of play in game two but a late rally by Surry would push the game into extra innings. The Patriots right fielder Lucas Signor doubled to left field to score pinch runner Eric Tucker to give the Patriots a 5-4 win, who improved to 8-4 on the season. Rashad Hatcher was 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI to lead the seven hit attack for PHCC. Bret Williams was 1-for-3 with two RBIs as well in the win. Nick Sharp picked up the win working a scoreless eighth inning.

The Patriots are back in action on Saturday as they host a doubleheader with Potomac State at 1:00 PM.

Kennedy Powers PHCC to Win

The PHCC Baseball team evened their record at 2-2 as Lance Kennedy was 3-for-3 with two homeruns and five RBI in Tuesday's 13-2 win over Bluefield College at Hooker Field. The Patriots banged out 18 hits and jumped ahead of the Rams by a score of 11-0 after four innings of play. Bret Williams and Rashad Hatcher were also 3-for-3 at the plate with Williams posting two doubles and driving in two and Hatcher adding two doubles and a triple while adding one RBI.

Jeremy Fitzgerald picked up the win on the mound for PHCC working three innings allowing no hits while striking out seven and walking just one. T.J. Brenneman also had a strong relief outing working two innings allowing just one hit while striking out three. Cory Owen, Tyler Marshall, Chris Horne, Kyle Via, and Brandon Chocklette also worked on the mound for the Patriots.

The Patriots return to action on Friday afternoon as they host New River Community College at 3:00 PM at Hooker Field.

PHCC Aims for National Title

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
By CHASE YOUNG - Bulletin Sports Writer

Patrick Henry Community College’s baseball team returns 17 players to what head coach Chris Parker calls “by far the best team ever assembled at PHCC,” prompting the Patriots to aim for the World Series this season. “We want to win the regional tournament, the district tournament and a national championship,” said Parker. “We honestly feel like we’ve got a good shot to win the World Series.”

While Parker said pitching and defense as a whole will be “as solid and reliable as ever,” the Patriots strength resides at the plate. “We have a very powerful and potent offense,” said Parker. “It’s power and speed,” added Parker of the offensive strengths. “Every single person in our lineup has at least one college home run. Every single person can hit home runs, and we’re very, very fast compared to the past and compared to most teams in the region.”

After finishing the season with a 40-17 record (9-7 Region X) during its first season as a National Junior College Athletic Association participant, Parker said the strength of his returners and the addition of a few key transfers make the Patriots confident they can build upon last season’s success. “The quality of the athlete and baseball player together is tremendous this year,” said Parker. “I think that nucleus is very key, but some additions are going to play a big key for us,” he added.

Parker hopes to see a lot of offensive production from a few key transfers, including leadoff hitter Rashad Hatcher, a Pitt Community College transfer who finished last season with a .385 batting average, and Longwood University transfer Mike Stancik, who finished the season with a .348 average. According to Parker, new additions have not changed the Patriots’ philosophy; if anything, they’ve strengthened it.

“We’re gonna try to keep pressure on the opposing teams’ defense,” said Parker. “Try to pound the ball all over the park.” On defense, the Patriots will rely on the starting strength of Jeremy Fitzgerald, a 6-foot freshman from Stuarts Draft, and the closing prowess of Brandon Chocklette (6-0, sophomore) who led the nation in saves last season with 14.

“Very feasible,” said pitcher Austin Delmotte when asked of the chances for a World Series berth. “We have a bunch of pitchers, I think, more than any other team can compete with. “We’re so diverse on the mound, and I don’t think anybody can match our lineup offensively, as well,” he added.

The skipper said Xavier transfer Bret Williams will add strength as a starter from the mound and at first base, while Rhode Island transfer Ralph Colon and Longwood University transfer Ian Harvey will each battle for time in the infield and outfield, respectively.

During fall ball, the Patriots went 13-3. According to Parker, that’s a good sign for PHCC’s upcoming season, which promises to be tough considering the schedule in place. “Our schedule this year is by far harder and stronger than it’s ever been, which will only make us stronger when we play our conference games,” said Parker. “We know what we have, and we know what we’ve got to work with. If things go downhill, we still have enough depth to bring things back together. They all proved themselves worthy of time in the fall,” he added.

The Patriots will play host to the Region X and District 22 Tournament this season at Hooker Field, and while that may put added pressure on the home team to earn a berth considering there are only seven spots, Fitzgerald said confidence is not in short supply. “We’re shooting for the national championship,” said Fitzgerald. “That’s what we want. We all know that we’re good, we just have to get out there and prove it.”

The Patriots start their season at 1 p.m. Saturday when they travel to Spartanburg-Methodist for a doubleheader. Spartanburg is ranked fifth in the NJCAA’s preseason poll released Jan. 29 and finished third in the World Series last season, according to Parker.

PHCC's Kenney to Play Ball for Norfolk State
Thursday, November 19, 2009
By CHASE YOUNG - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer

Patrick Henry Community College’s Hunter Kenney recently signed to play Division I baseball for Norfolk State University. “It’s right near the beach. It’s D-I baseball, which is kind of a goal I had since high school,” said Kenney. “I look forward to it a lot. I’m real excited.”

Norfolk State, according to PHCC athletic director Chris Parker, will cover 75 percent of Kenney’s tuition expenses, most of which will be in the form of an academic scholarship.
Kenney is in his second year with the Patriots, and Parker said his ability at the plate was invaluable to PHCC last season.

“He’s a pure hitter,” said Parker. “His glove and his arm are just above average, but his bat is just excellent. You can’t play a game without his bat in your lineup, and I think he’ll fit the same role at Norfolk State.” The lefty recorded 28 RBIs, two home runs and a .385 batting average last season, said Parker, and was the Patriots’ “clutch” hitter.

“He was what we call our ‘clutch’ hitter last year,” said Parker. “He came through in more clutch situations than anybody we had. That’s why his RBIs are so high. He’d drive in run after run after run, hit balls to the gap, hit balls down the line for RBIs.”

Parker added that in the four-game Region X Tournament last season, Kenney recorded eight of his 28 total RBIs. If that doesn’t impress, Parker added that the 19-year-old Culpepper native was the runner-up for first team all-region designated hitter despite missing 10 games last season due to a “severely torn hamstring.”

“He probably would have been the first team all-region DH had he not missed those 10 games,” said Parker.  Kenney will graduate from PHCC with honors this year and will enroll in Norfolk State as a junior.

“He’s one of the finest young men that we’ve had here at Patrick Henry,” said Parker. “We’re very proud of him for his academic success. He’s just a true model of what we want our student athletes to be like.” Park said the future Spartan will most likely man the DH position for NSU, although he spent time at first base for the Patriots as well.

PHCC/City of Martinsville to Host Region and
District Baseball Tournament

Hooker Field and Martinsville, Virginia will be the 2010 site for the NJCAA Region 10 and District 22 Baseball Tournament. It will be hosted by the City of Martinsville and Patrick Henry Community College May 14-18, 2010. The tournament will consist of the top seven teams from the Division II conference of Region 10, which includes North Carolina and Virginia. In addition, L.B. Wallace Community College from Alabama will be receiving an automatic bid to the tournament to finish out the eight team tourney. “The event will bring a new level of athletic excitement to the area and introduce Junior College baseball to the state Virginia,” according to PHCC Athletic Director Chris Parker.

The event is a two game elimination tournament with the winner heading straight to the World Series the following weekend in Enid, Oklahoma. The tournament will attract numerous 4-year colleges, professional scouts, and many fans to the area.
“On average a couple hundred fans will be in attendance for the first few days of the tournament,” Parker said, who also serves as Head Baseball Coach at PHCC. “It is exciting to hold this event in Martinsville. The city has been great to work with and we certainly know the revenue that this event can generate for the Martinsville area.”

Assistant City Manager, Leon Towarnicki is grateful for the opportunity to host the tournament. “We're pleased to be selected to host the Region 10/District 22 Junior College Baseball Tournament at Hooker Field in Martinsville. We look forward to the opportunity to put on a first-class tournament and to showcase our community."

Last year’s tournament was held in Burlington, North Carolina. The Region was unable to secure hosting duties again this year in Burlington due to another tournament taking place, which opened up the opportunity for relocation for the 2010 tournament. Region 10 Baseball Chair Lind Hartsell had this to say about the relocation, “Martinsville has a great sports history with NASCAR, professional baseball, and currently a summer collegiate league team among other sport ventures. Region 10 looks to add to the historical sport perspective of Martinsville with a high level of NJCAA baseball. Again, we are excited about Martinsville hosting this year's tournament and hope to see you at the ballpark.”

Nelson Automotive has been announced as the official sponsor of the tournament and will be recognized nationally. More information on this tournament will be posted on Patrick Henry Community College’s athletic website: www.phccsports.com and on the National Junior College Athletics’ website: www.njcaa.org