Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 19, 1990 TAG: 9007200175
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB McLELLAND CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
But Oyler, who has been coaching Legion ball for 13 years, rates his present South team as probably his best because of its pitching depth.
"We have five strong pitchers who we can call on at any time," Oyler said. "It's the best group of pitchers I can remember having for a single season."
Mark Hazelwood and Keith Spicer come from Cave Spring, the Group AAA Roanoke Valley District champion, and Kevin Gabbert and Jason Whorley come from RVD runner-up Patrick Henry while Mark Shaver comes from independent power North Cross.
Hazelwood and Gabbert are lefties while the other three are right-handers.
But South also has strong hitting, lead by shortstop Dee Dalton, who still has his senior year to play in high school.
Among those helping Dalton with the batting power are catcher Barry Shelton (Cave Spring), first baseman Jason Beheler (North Cross) and second baseman Tom Nelson (Cave Spring).
"This is an unusual group of young men," said Oyler. "They are all quiet and go about their business. They are hard workers and don't let anything bother them. They are confident about their ability but don't go around bragging about it."
Oyler, who also had sandlot winners for seven years before moving to Legion, is blessed with ample coaching help. His three aides have had years of coaching experience and are apt at handling players.
Bill Petty is a veteran of 20 years in the sport and mostly handles the infielders. Dave Nelson is head coach of Patrick Henry and formerly pitched in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He also has been head coach of another Legion team.
Tom Berry once was head coach when Post 3 had only one team and was always a title contender. Oyler is athletic director for Post 3 in addition to his coaching duties.
Dalton and Gabbert typify the attitude of the South team.
"We have a great group of players and we all get along real well," said Dalton, who hit .458 as a junior at Cave Spring. "I guess pitching is our real strong point. But we have a complete team in all areas."
Dalton says defense is his strong suit despite his hitting average. Petty, who coaches the South infielders, calls Dalton "one of the best shortstops I have coached. He is always hustling and doing things to help the team. He can also get you the key hit when you need it."
Gabbert, although a pitcher, claims hitting is a strong point for South. "We have a lot of guys who can really hit and with power," he said.
Gabbert, who used a curve ball much of last season, has used a fast ball and change-up for most of his wins this season. He doesn't pay much attention to his personal statistics.
"I can't really tell you what my stats are. The only thing that matters to me is if the team wins or loses. I think we will win it all again this year because we have the coaching and the players."
by CNB