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Tournaments  | Story  | 6/22/2019

Players first for Redstitch108

Jack Nelson     
Photo: Derek Kent (Perfect Game)

MARIETTA, Ga.- Patience is a virtue, and if you are going to have a long and successful career in baseball, then it is best to learn patience sooner rather than later. As the Perfect Game 15u Super 25 Qualifier gets underway this weekend, Bullpen Redstitch108 15u is using this time wisely to mold quality baseball players, and more importantly, good human beings.

“We are all about development,” said coach David Elder. “Winning is great. But we are never going to sacrifice improvement and growth for the sake of wins. We want to get guys to college and build good young men.”

Redstitch took care of business Saturday in their second game of the Super 25 Qualifier when they defeated the USA Prime, 8-1. The win sets them up for a pivotal final game against the East Cobb Colt .45’s for a spot in the playoffs.

It was a full team effort for Redstitch. At the plate, Kaleb Huffman had a big day, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Jackson Jefferson went 1-for-4 with two RBIs, and Joshua Johnson belted a triple in the right-center gap in the sixth inning, eventually scoring on a sacrifice fly that effectively put score out of reach.

On the mound, Derek Kent was dominant, throwing seven innings of one-run ball. Kent worked quickly and wasted no time by attacking hitters from the very first pitch. He had three innings in which he threw less than 10 pitches. Kent had a stellar game that was the product of a simple approach.

“Get ahead,” he said. “It’s crucial to get ahead and hit your spots. If you fall behind it just gives the hitter the advantage.”

Coach Elder was pleased with bounce back win after Redstitch dropped their first game of the tournament on Friday. They learned from their mistakes, regrouped, refocused, and came out the next day ready to play. Those kinds of habits are the hallmark of the Redstitch creed.

With the heavy emphasis on development comes a fierce loyalty to their players. Bullpen Redstitch has always put the kids first, and it always will. Coaches and instructors are willing to help the boys in any facet of their life, whether is pertains to baseball or not. That is why they take a holistic approach to their player development. Working with young ballplayers mostly from the McDonough, Ga. area, Redstitch tries to create a formidable bunch of intelligent pitchers and hitters. They cultivate the mental as well as the physical side of baseball.

”I’d do anything for these guys. You name it,” said Elder. “It could be just sitting down and talking baseball with a kid, or it could be getting to the field two hours early to get some extra swings. We want to teach them the game, and then also be there for them whenever they want to get extra work in because that is when you really make jumps as a player.”

Kent echoed his coach’s words in saying what he appreciated most about playing for Redstitch.

“The program is all about us, the players,” said Kent. “They’re trying to help us get into colleges. I know that as long as I’m working hard out here and in the classroom, my coaches are working just as hard to get me somewhere.”

The ultimate goal is college baseball and hopefully of professional contract. But Elder, a former pro player, realizes that this game has to ability to teach teenagers grit and composure during their most formative years.

“You can learn so much about life through baseball,” said Elder. “I played professionally for 12 years. During that time, it meant so much to me to be a part of something greater. It meant so much to be a good teammate. It taught me how to deal with adversity. I knew I was going to fail at least 70 percent of the time, but I could still control how I reacted to that failure. I try to teach the kids those lessons.”

The Bullpen Redstitch model has proven successful, as they boast multiple alumni that are currently in the minor leagues. Jaret Hellinger was drafted in the 20th round by the Braves in 2015, and Ethan Lindow was picked by the Phillies in the fifth round in 2017. Not only did these guys use the program as a platform to improve and showcase their talent, but they also come back and help out the next generation. Hellinger, for instance, serves as a Redstitch instructor in the offseason.

“These guys may not have been the top player growing up, but they grew mentally and physically to reach pro ball,” said Elder. “They’re making the most out of their abilities, and that is all we ask for at Bullpen Redstitch. That is what our program is all about.”
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