True Grit!!!

I hesitated to post this. I did not want to leave anyone out. I could talk about Zach White , Tyler Hanover or several others. But since this young man is an 07 and moving on to college I felt compelled to post this. I hope he does not mind or take offense at anything I say but what the heck here goes.

I remember this young man when he was 12 years old pitching in the 12u National Championships at Burnsville Minn. I was there coaching a 12u team as well the Durham Diamondbacks. I heard the Davie BoSox were playing a very good team and I wanted to check them out. I watched a young 12 year old kid pitch one of the best games I had ever seen a young guy pitch. He went on to win the game 2-0. It was an absolute gem. I followed his progress over the years but never got the opportunity to acutally meet him untill last summer. My son got the opportunity to play with him on the Dirtbags last summer and fall and over the course of that time I got the chance to meet him and speak to him several times. I could see that he was very talented. The only thing I really didnt know about him was if he was a gritty tough kid. You know the type - When the going gets tough they battle. They are not going to fold when things are not going their way. They are not going to look for excuses if they are struggling but they are going to fight and scratch and look to find a way to win. Last Friday I got the answer to my question about this young man. He came in to pitch in the fourth inning against a tremendous team in a 1-1 ball game. There were at least 25 scouts in attendance and a huge crowd watching the game. It was extremely hot and humid and the pressure could not have been greater. This ball player battled. He threw everything including the kitchen sink at that team and was outstanding. When the dust settled he went the distance and carried his team to a 3-1 win to put them in the championship final 16 at the WWBA at East Cobb. It was one of the most inspiring grittiest perfromances I have ever watched on a baseball field. I had goosebumps watching this guy battle on the hill time and time again reaching back and making pitches. This guys name is Greg Holt. And folks he is a ball player. He is a guy that wants to win everytime he takes the field. He approaches the game on a mission and with great passion. I am so glad I got the opportunity to watch him play. And I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet him. My son told me after the game that he had a tremendous amount of respect for Greg and the way he plays the game. Forget the talent part that is a given. The best part about Greg is his desire to win and his desire to do whatever it takes to help his team win. Good luck next year at UNC Greg. You are a baller son.

 

Coach, Greg may be a better hitter than pitcher. He's got a cannon for sure...but I've seen him hit a few tape measures against North Davidson.

I'd like to buy stock in his future earnings. I'd retire in about 5 years...

 

What a very nice post. If Greg was my son, I think I would print that post and frame it.

 

On top of all that, he's a fine young man. I have not seen him in a year but used to run in to him when my son played with Greg's younger brother. Greg was always friendly and a gentleman. He's had some great parents behind him to teach him.

 

Coach:
I want to thank you for everything that you said about me. It meant a lot to me. The time and effort that you put into coaching our team 2 weeks ago was one of the greatest experiences that I have had. You are a wonderful coach and most importantly a great person and friend. Jeff is lucky to have such a great dad and a wonderful parent and coach. He has a great experience ahead of him in his baseball career and it was an honor to play with him the past 2 years. The hard work and dedication that I have put forward is why I am where I am at right now. I have had great parent support and they have given me the opportunity to play a lot of baseball and now the opportunity to play at UNC. They have spent numerous hours on the road driving to practices, workouts and tournaments especially down the road to Concord. ... when I was younger. They have given up birthday’s anniversaries and several other things to give me the greatest baseball experience that I could have. I want to thank them. I also want to thank many of my coaches from High school to summer coaches. I have has the opportunity to work with many great coaches, Scott Bankhead, Alan Ashkinazy, Bill Merrifield, Randy Pope, Andy Partin ,Chris Manness and Kenny May. Each of these coaches has instilled in me that hard work on and off the field will prepare you for the next level. I love this game. I want to thank everybody on the board for there support of me. I have enjoyed my high school career and am excited about going to UNC. I will continue to work and play hard so the heels can go back to college world series. If I can offer any others some advice it is to work hard, stay focused and love the game. Thanks again Greg Holt

GO HEELS