Tidewater Sports Report

Baseball: Take Notes from Basketball and Football

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:27:00 +0000

I've heard people, including my father, say that "good pitching beats good hitting." Yeah, that's true. That's why Nolan Ryan was the man. But facing pitchers like Ryan wasn't an everyday occurence either. Teams might face him a few times a year and that's it. I think it'd be pretty hard to beat a pitcher of that caliber that you rarely bat against too.

So perhaps part of the problem for teams was that they didn't prepare well against Ryan? I don't know. I'm not a professional--I'm just some guy tossing out his thoughts on a sports blog. I would like to know what kind of preparation his opponents had before facing him. Did they hit 100MPH fastballs from a pitching machine? Did they get batting practice from a pitcher similar to Ryan? Or did they just stick to their normal routine and trust their instincts?

I don't know. I'm curious to know what other teams doing in preparing for opposing pitchers.

But,

My point is this: if football and basketball teams can have practice squads that mimick their opponent, I think baseball teams can prepare by having batting practice with a pitcher similar to their opponent.

44% of Virginia Wesleyan Men's Basketball Team From Hampton Roads

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:01:00 +0000

That's right. Out of the 23 players on the 2009 Virginia Wesleyan Men's basketball team, 10 are from right here in Tidewater.

Six of the players are from the Southside and the other four are from the Peninsula. While the Marlins are located in Norfolk, none of the players went to high school at a Norfolk high school.

Check out the complete roster and more here.

Suffolk's TaShauna Rodgers Big East Rookie of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:45:00 +0000

Rodgers was a standout for the Kings Fork girls basketball team. She's a freshman and playing very well at Georgetown, averaging over 20 points per game.

To Andre Dawkins and Family, Friends: TSR Is Pulling for You

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:40:00 +0000

Former Hampton Roads high school basketball star and rising Duke University Blue Devil, Andre Dawkins' sister Lacey Dawkins has recently been announced dead after a tragic car accident in West Virginia on Saturday.

She was on her way to watch her brother's game against St. Johns at Duke. Lacey was 21 years old.

I covered Andre just a few short weeks ago and watched him light it up against Radford. I then watched him on ESPN show UConn and the rest of the Big East to watch out.

This post goes out to Andre, his family and friends, and all those involved in the accident, including Andre's biological mother, Tamara Hill.

We're pulling for everyone affected by this tragedy.

Andre Dawkins Basketball Highlights from Cameron Indoor Stadium

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:01:00 +0000

Here are some exclusive Andre Dawkins highlight clips from the Duke vs. Radford game I attended on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Dawkins left Atlantic Shores Christian School in Virginia Beach, Virginia early to play for the Duke Blue Devils. He scored 20 points--his most so far in his early college career at Duke. He drained six three-pointers and led the surge that really broke the game open against Radford midway through the first half. Duke's Nolan Smith also had 20 points and was the other spark that helped create a huge lead for the Blue Devils in the first half.

TSR has been following Dawkins for over a year now. Curtis Clontz wrote that Dawkins is expected to help "the Blue Devils be one of the best teams in the country."

If Duke can generate any sort of inside game, Clontz will have been right on the mark.

Andre Dawkins of Duke University Basketball

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:54:00 +0000

Andre Dawkins left Atlantic Shores out of Virginia Beach, Virginia before his senior year. Here are some photos I took while I watched his breakout college game against Radford University on Saturday.

VA Beach's Andre Dawkins of Duke Shoots Out Radford Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:39:00 +0000

Andre Dawkins came off the bench and hit six three-ballers to help Duke University beat Radford University by more than 30 points.

I've got absolute exclusive highlight clips from the game and photos. More to come later.

Norfolk Yacht and Country Club: Serving Up Virginia's Finest Facilities

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:51:00 +0000

Located on the Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia, the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club offers several activities for all different ages. According to its website, check out the following list of services it has to offer:

Fitness Center, offering "state-of-the-art center with exceptional equipment and services."
Yachting, with four floating piers and three ramps.
Swimming, including an Olympic pool, a spa, a 25-yard indoor pool, a children's pool, and a pool exclusively for diving.
Tennis. There are 10 courts outdoor courts with lights, along with a pro shop. There is also a wide variety of tournaments throughout the year.
Junior Sailing. It's website says their yacht "offers one of the strongest youth sailing programs in Hampton Roads."

Ok, so this place sounds pretty cool. And definitely a premier spot if you like sailing.

If you want to give them a visit, or perhaps a phone call, here's their contact information.

Norfolk Yacht & Country Club
7001 Hampton Boulevard
Norfolk, Virginia 23505

Phone: (757) 423-4500

Source: http://www.norfolkyacht.com/

What Hampton Roads player has the most impact for Virginia Tech Football this season?

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:14:00 +0000

Who do you think? Tyrod Taylor can run and pass...sometimes. I mean sure, he had his "breakout" game against Nebraska. Even though his wide receiver got open on a busted play. And the touchdown pass, which was also a busted play, was the result of a great pass from Taylor and an even better catch from Dyrell Roberts, another 757 player.

But what about Greg Boone? That guy is crazy good. It's too bad he doesn't get more touches. He's a stud and could probably produce more results at QB than Taylor (he played QB in high school on the Southside).

Ok, ok, enough hatin' on Taylor. VA Tech only has three losses on the year, granted one came to UNC which should not be tolerated. He can run, pass, scramble, make plays out of nothing, and he works hard. That's great, but apparently not good enough. At least for national championships.

So, who else is there? Let's get back to D-Rob, as he's better known in Smithfield. This guy has been a huge spark on the special teams this year. He can return kicks and punts great, has good acceleration, but lacks catching the ball sometimes in the slot as a receiver. They should use him more like Florida used Percy Harvin (oh wait, yet another Tidewater player).

Ok...I know I only mentioned three guys, but those are the only ones that come to mind. I think Taylor has the most impact, but I think Boone should and would have the most impact if granted the power to do so.

So there ya' go. That's how I feel about Tech's three loss season.

I want to know what you think.

A Virginia Tech Football Star is in Hampton Roads This Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:07:00 +0000

Want to know who it is? Want to know what city he's in?

Email me at editor@tidewatersportsreport.com to find out.

This guy is in town because Tech had a Thursday night game and he has the weekend to hang out.

Here's a hint: he watched his old high school's football game last night.

Yeah, I know, that's not much of a hint. But, it is something.

And even better than that, Tidewater Sports Report is one of the only people to know about this exclusive, breaking news--the chance at meeting with a potential NFL draft pick.

Virginia Beach Sports Club: Providing Scholarship Grants to Virginia Beach Athletes

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:23:00 +0000

The Virginia Beach Sports Club recognizes top-notch athletic talent in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

They've had professional baseball scouts, college athletic directors, and numerous other gifted people in the athletic field speak at their meetings.

According to the website, the club's purpose is the following:

"To provide an effective civic organization sharing a mutual interest and pleasure in athletics with the predominant purpose of providing scholarship grants to deserving high school athletes."

The club was founded in 1952.

For more information on the club, visit their website at http://www.virginiabeachsportsclub.com/

Tidewater Virginia Softball Hall of Fame: Honoring Softball Leaders in Hampton Roads

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:39:00 +0000

The Tidewater Virginia Softball Hall of Fame was established in 1983 "to recognize its outstanding citizens in softball," according to its website.

The hall of fame seeks to promote softball at all levels and honor those who have helped contribute to its success as a game.

The 2009 inductees were recently recognized at the latest ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia.

Click here for photos of the event, courtesy of Keith Parnell, a local businessman and one of the guys inducted into the hall of fame.

Want to know more about how to become a part of the Tidewater Virginia Softball Hall of Fame?

Then check out their website at http://www.tvshof.org/.

2009 VA Tech Football: More Than 20% of Roster From Hampton Roads

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:00:00 +0000

I was just skimming over Virginia Tech's 2009 football roster and noticed some pretty cool stuff--including that this year's roster has 22 players from Tidewater, representing the Peninsula, Beach, Eastern, Southeastern, and Bay Rivers Districts, along with the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS).

Here's the breakdown of the players from each city.

Virginia Beach: 9 players
Hampton: 5 players
Norfolk: 4
Chesapeake: 2
Smithfield: 1
Newport News: 1

These are pretty sweet numbers. Thanks in large part to Jim Cavanaugh, head recruiter.

Virginia Tech Ranked #4 Football Team in Country

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:50:00 +0000

Hampton native Tyrod Taylor, along with a host of other Tidewater players, has Virginia Tech Hokies ranked 4th in the nation, according to a recent poll.

The Hokies' only loss is to Alabama, who is now ranked 2nd in the nation (behind Florida). This is according to the AP Top 25 list. USA Today's list has Bama' ranked 3rd.

Keep going Hokies.

Top 50 Athletes Ever from South Hampton Roads?

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:47:00 +0000

The Virginian-Pilot put together a crew of local sports analysts to come up with a list of what they believe to be the top 50 athletes ever from South Hampton Roads Virginia.

Check it out: http://hamptonroads.com/newsdata/top50athletes

Do you agree or disagree with this?

Although I think it's way too early to tell, they placed Percy Harvin 30th on the list. He definitely should have been placed ahead of Michael Cuddyer and B.J. Upton.

Of course, there was no NFL experience for them to judge at the time when they put this together.

Percy is on track to make the top five list if he continues the way he's playing.

Tennis Courts in Norfolk, Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:07:00 +0000

Finding tennis courts can be tough sometimes. Especially public courts that are free to play on.

Here's a few in Norfolk that you should check out.

Barraud Park (near Norfolk State University)

Northside Park (off Tidewater Drive)

Lafayette Park (near Virginia Zoo)

For more information on parks and recreation in Norfolk, VA, check out the following link: http://www.norfolk.gov/rpos/parks.asp

Ferrum College Boasts Nine Tidewater Players on 2009 Football Roster

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:38:00 +0000

The Ferrum Panthers have 9 players from the 757 on this year's roster. Check out the complete list of each player below.

Tremaine Whitney
Southampton High School (AA)
Ivor, VA

Cedric Hargrove
Kellam High School (AAA)
Virginia Beach, VA

Kwamane Harris
Windsor High School (A)
Windsor, VA

Isaiah Sheppard
Kecoughtan High School (AAA)
Hampton, VA

Michael Sabol
Salem High School (AAA)
Virginia Beach, VA

Aaron Johnson
Churchland High School (AAA)
Portsmouth, VA

MarMarcos Crocker
Southampton High School (AA)
Sedley, VA

Don Pierce
York High School (AA)
Yorktown, VA

Clark Schurz
Poquoson High School (AA)
Poquoson, VA

Newport News Criminal Returns to Work with NFL

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:50:00 +0000

Newport News native Michael Vick, who was jailed for over a year, returned Sunday with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick saw little action and rushed for seven yards, with two incomplete pass attempts.

Vick was jailed for illegal dog fighting that took place in Surry County, about 35 miles from where he grew up in Newport News.

Some people are pretty upset about his return--including our local PETA headquarters in Norfolk--but a good portion of fans have been excited. Check out this article to see what others across the nation are saying.

I think it's great to see a terrific Tidewater athlete get back on the field. And this was a great weekend for it. VA Tech won big against Miami, led by Hampton native Tyrod Taylor. And Percy Harvin is tearing it up in the NFL with the Vikings.

Pretty good way to sum up the weekend for Tidewater sports.

Virginia Beach Native Percy Harvin Returns a Kickoff 101 Yards

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:36:00 +0000

Percy Harvin scored his third touchdown of the year, including one each week, as the Minnesota Vikings downed the San Francisco 49ers 27-24. Harvin returned a kickoff in the third quarter for 101 yards. Check out the highlight clip below.

Harvin also recorded 4 catches for 51 yards.

The Vikings are off to an impressive 3-0 start. Minnesota's next opponent is Green Bay--in what wil be another first for Harvin; a Monday night game against Brett Farve's former team.

Peninsula QB Connects with Southside Receiver in Hokie Thriller; Tech Wins 16-15 over Nebraska

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:40:00 +0000

This weekend's best game-winning drive showcased two top athletes from Hampton Roads in Virginia Tech's 16-15 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Hampton's Tyrod Taylor hooked up with Smithfield's Dyrell Roberts in the endzone to put the Hokies ahead with 21 seconds in regulation.

Props go out to Danny Coale (Lexington, VA), who caught Taylor's pass for what turned out to be an 81-yard reception. This huge play led to the TD pass to Roberts.

TSR's been following Roberts for a couple years now.
http://www.tidewatersportsreport.com/2007/11/roberts-reaches-2000-yard-mark.html

Check out the highlights here and read the official Hokie report here.

Brett Farve & Percy Harvin Celebrating

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:10:00 +0000

Check out this photo: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/9286/photos;_ylt=Ap.tTwgGiM_.r_ZPmdphoeX.uLYF?slug=b4e3897ee1b69994577de7cb34096a92-getty-88971906ms018_minnesota_vik

What an amazing photo? One of the NFL's greatest quarterbacks ever hooking up with Percy Harvin from Virginia Beach.

Wow.

Can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds.

Percy Harvin of VA Beach Scores TD in NFL Debut

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:49:00 +0000

I've followed him since his junior year in high school at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach. I'm now following him along with the rest of the country as he launched his NFL career with Brett Farve and the Minnesota Vikings today.

Harvin scored a touchdown with 36 yards receiving, rushed for 22 yards, and racked up 99 yards on special teams, including an exciting 41 yard return.

Hampton Roads Sports News Bites for August 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:46:00 +0000

Old Dominion University Football Inaugural Game to be Broadcasted on Cox

Former ODU Pitchers Performing Strongly in Minor Leagues

Suffolk's Dominique Patterson Chooses VA Tech Over ECU, Marshall

Oscar Smith Football to be Nationally Televised

Former NFL Star Mel Gray Headlines Peanut City Football Camp

Atlantic 10 Headquarters Headed to Newport News

Percy Harvin Named Top High School Football Player of the Decade in Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Five out of the top six high school football players of the decade are from Hampton Roads, according to VHSL-Refernce.com.

Percy Harvin of Landstown High, who now plays for the Minnesota Vikings, tops the list. Harvin starred at the University of Florida before being drafted by the Vikings in 2009.

Virginia Beach Native Robert Morey Leads UVA Baseball to 5-1 Win Over San Diego State

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:37:00 +0000

Robert Morey showed just what Tidewater baseball is all about. The sophomore from Virginia Beach (Cape Henry) fanned nine San Diego State batters, while allowing just five hits in six shutout innings in route to a Cavaliers 5-1 win May 29th, 2009.

Morey did all of this against the nation's top pitcher, Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg is projected to the #1 overall pick in the the 2009 MLB draft.

The Cavaliers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after two innings of play. However, the offense came to a halt against Strasburg. When it was all said and done, Strasburg struck out 15 batters in just seven innings, allowing two earned runs.

Morey is a former Cape Henry Collegiate graduate standout. He dominated on the diamond and also provided a solid presence on the basketball court.