In case anyone here still reads the Ledger, Bonner posted nice profile article on Reid Humphreys.
If you want to read it. You know how to find it. No LINKS to that site. - Scooba
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In case anyone here still reads the Ledger, Bonner posted nice profile article on Reid Humphreys.
If you want to read it. You know how to find it. No LINKS to that site. - Scooba
Guess I'll never be able to see it then.
CL gets no clicks from me either.
Incognito click for me:
STARKVILLE — Reid Humphreys has watched Dakota Hudson mow through opponents’ lineups throughout the season with one of the best cut fastballs in the country. Some refer to it as a slider, but it’s helped Hudson strikeout 70 in 67 innings.
Last week, Humphreys asked Hudson to demonstrate the grip and how to throw it. Days later, Humphreys took the mound against LSU on Friday and debuted it.
“I liked the way that it felt,” Humphreys said. “I just wanted to try it out and it worked.”
He struck out two in two innings against the Tigers, without allowing a runner to reach base. He earned his fifth save on Friday, which is four more than anyone on the team.
Humphreys worked into the closer’s role while platooning as one of No. 4 MSU’s top bats with team-highs in doubles (15) and RBIs (35). As MSU (28-13-1, 10-8 SEC) heads into a three game series with Alabama (24-18, 9-9) this weekend, his four home runs and .333 batting average rank third on the Bulldogs. The first game is 6:30 p.m. Thursday (ESPNU).
“He is the most talented person I know,” freshman Jake Mangum said. “He could pick up a soccer ball right now and play for somebody. Anything. You name it. Water polo.”
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Mangum, who grew up in Pearl and played at Jackson Prep, still remembers as an 8-year-old watching Humphreys, a native of Brandon and former Northwest Rankin standout, step to the plate in Little League.
Even then, everyone at the ballpark respected Humphreys’ talent.
“He was always that guy. When we were 8 years old, I didn’t like him stepping up to the plate,” Mangum said. “I didn’t like it at all. I remember he was always the clean-up hitter.”
Humphreys was born with major league talent. His skills developed alongside a major league sibling. His older brother, Tyler Moore, played at Mississippi State and was drafted in the 16th round in 2008 by the Washington Nationals.
Much like when he picked the brain of Hudson last week, Humphreys grew up imitating his brother as much as he could.
“I’ve watched my brother play and that’s just kind of who I learned how to play baseball and then trying to go mimic it,” Humphreys said. “That’s really been a big part. I wouldn’t be where I am without my older brother.”
The two text nearly every day discussing life and baseball. Their competitive drive translates to the golf course during Moore’s offseason. The brothers play as much as possible, trash talking to the other with each swing of the club.
Regardless of the sport, little brother always wants to defeat his big brother.
“It’s been tough. He set the bar high,” Humphreys said. “I’m glad that he did that. I don’t ever sell myself short. I’m always aiming for the top.”
Thoughts of following his brothers to the Nationals lingered in Humphreys’ mind after the organization drafted him in the 36th round in 2013. Instead, Humphreys opted for a career at Mississippi State.
He arrived as a third baseman and pitcher coming off Tommy John surgery as a high school junior.
As a freshman, Humphreys’ pedigree attracted attention. But more than with their eyes, coaches noticed his talent through their ears. The ball sounds different off of the right-handed hitter’s bat.
“The thing that always gets about me with Reid is, especially in (batting practice), is just how the ball jumps off his barrel,” coach John Cohen said. “He’s so strong at the point of contact.”
Humphreys played in 74 games during his first two seasons on campus. He hit .245 with six home runs, 35 RBIs and never threw a pitch.
The do-it-all junior is about to surpass those totals through 39 games this season.
“As a young guy, sometimes you’re not paying attention to the whole game and you’re just kind of focused on one thing,” Humphreys said. “I think that’s what changes. You’re kind of looking at everything and how it all comes together.”
This is why college baseball is good for MLB. The guys get to develop, mature and Professional Baseball doesn't have to pay them. I have heard it takes guys coming out of high school 3 to 4 years to develop. Not an expert just heard some MLB commentators talking about it once.
Plus it lets them mature as people in a much more normal, productive way. To spend some of your most formative years trolling around in the minor leagues is not really optimal for young guys to develop into well rounded adults.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Lambert
Good point. Mid six-figure signing bonus would probably make it worth their while but only then.Quote:
Originally Posted by maroonmania