|
Welcome to the Mills Godwin Baseball Program
Mills Godwin Baseball has a strong tradition of competitive baseball excellence. We stress team baseball and a "We over me" attitude. Godwin High School has won 2 State Championships (1987 and 1999), 9 Central Region Championships and 20 District Championships and 500 wins since 1982 (505-157 .762 winning percentage). Numerous players have gone on to play at the college and professional level. We hope you enjoy our web site and we hope to see you at a Godwin Baseball game in the future. This site is not affliated with Godwin High School and is maintained by Coach John Marano.
America the Beautiful
Wednesday, December 2
Pre-Season Baseball Conditioning to Start January 4, 2010
Pre-seasoning conditioning for young men trying out for the Godwin Baseball program will begin on January 4, 2010. The full schedule of dates will be posted in the boys locker room at Godwin, on the Baseball board on the gym hall (where the daily practice plan is posted) and at various locations around the Godwin building. Conditioning will consist of running, stretching, exercises, and agility drills. We will go 3 days per week weather permitting. We will be throwing (long tossing) to get arms into throwing condition. Conditioning will begin at 4.05 PM each day and will last 70-95 mintues each session. All freshman, sophomores, juniors and (especially) seniors not playing a winter sport are STRONGLY urged to attend. Attendance will be taken each session. Players are reminded of the following: 1. You must have a current VHSL physical on file before you attend conditioning. No exceptions. 2. Wear running shoes, not cleats. Wear sweats and longs sleeved shirts. No shorts and no T-shirts. YOU WILL BE SENT HOME IF YOU ARE NOT DRESSED FOR THE WEATHER! You will need a baseball hat or a stocking cap. You may bring water bottles. 3. Bring your glove each day. The first day of tryouts is Feb. 22, 2010 at 4.05 PM on the baseball field. We will be keeping 16 on the Varsity and 18-20 on the JV. Have a nice Christmas break and we will see you January 4, 2010 at 4.05 PM!
Tuesday, December 1
Former Godwin Catcher Rhett Rutman Goes to China
Former Godwin Baseball catcher, Rhett Rutman, Class of 1995 has received a REB grant of $10,000 to go to China to study physical education in that country. Rhett who went on to catch for Va. Tech now teaches elementry physical education in Henrico County. He served as a Godwin Baseball assistant coach from 2001-2002. Rhett will use this learning opportunity to return to the United States and write a a book encouraging children to get off the couch and become more physically fit. Congratulations to Rhett on this award and project that will benefit school children in Henrico and across the country.
Monday, November 16
Former Godwin Player-Coach, Billy Berry Elected to Bluefield College Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Billy Berry, Godwin Baseball Alum 1993, on his election to the Bluefield College Hall of Fame. Billy was an outstanding catcher for the Eagles and graduated with the class of 1993. After a stellar baseball career at Bluefield College he became "Coach Berry" as he started his high school coaching career at Godwin High School. In 1999 Billy helped lead the Eagles to a AAA State Championship. In 2001 Billy moved on to Tucker High School and led them to the Finals of the 2002 State Championship. He then became an assistant coach at Bluefield College and later the the Head coach at BC and took the Eagles to a higher level. For the past 3 years Billy has been the Head Coach at Tennessee Weslyn College where he has a record of 125-48 in 3 years, 3 conference championships and been the ABCA Regional Coach of the Year the past 2 years. Congratulations to Coach Billy Berry on being elected to the BC Hall of Fall. 10.28.2009 - [Baseball]  Coach Berry receives his Bluefield College Sports Hall of Fame induction plaque from Bluefield President David Olive On Saturday, October 24, Coach Billy Berry was one of four Bluefield College alumni to receive the honor for former athletes when they were inducted into the school's Sports Hall of Fame. Coach Berry graduated from Bluefield in 1998 where he was a three-time First Team All-Conference selection during his playing days. During his senior season, he hit .357 from the plate and tallied 12 home runs and 48 rbi's. Alumni Director Teresa Stanley, stated "He helps kids use baseball as an avenue to get their education, and develops them into young men that represent their school, their families, and their programs with pride." Under Coach Berry's direction the TWC Bulldogs have an overall record of 125-48 and have earned school records for wins, national top ten rankings, and the distinction of being the first team in the Appalachian Athletic Conference history to finish the regular season undefeated. Congratulations to Coach Berry!
Thursday, November 12
Seniors Payne and Brown Sign National Letters of Intent
Godwin Baseball seniors Erik Payne and Conner Brown both signed National Letters of Intent on November 11. Payne, a 2 year starter on the Varsity signed a scholarship offer to play in 2011 with the University of South Carolina. He will be playing in the always tough Southeast Conference. USC is a top 20 program that has played several times in the College World Series.
Conner Brown will be a second year starter on the Varsity and he signed as a middle infielder for the Dukes of James Madison University which plays in the Colonial Athletic Conference. Conner will be the 4th Godwin player to sign with Madison in the past 7 years. He follows Matt Bristow, Davis Stoneburner and Mitchell Moses.
Congratulations to Erik and Conner and their families.
Monday, November 16
Matt Blow Named MVP in Va. Tech Fall World Series
Congratulations to Matt Blow, Godwin Baseball 2006 on being named the MVP in Va. Tech's Fall World Series. Matt is a junior infielder at Va. Tech. FEATURE PHOTO Matt Blow was named the Hokie Fall World Series MVP after hitting .700 with six RBIs.
Saturday, August 20
Godwin Baseball Year by Year
1981 5-11
1982 11-5
1983 19-5 District Champions
Regional Champions
State AA Finals
1984 13-6
1985 12-6
1986 22-4 District Champions
Regional Champions
State Quarterfinals
1987 24-0 District Champions
Regional Champions
State AAA Champions
1988 19-5 District Champions
1989 10-8
1990 13-7 District Tournament Champions
1991 18-4 District Champions
District Tournament Champions
1992 17-7 District Champions
Regional Champions
State Quarterfinals
1993 20-5 District Champions
Regional Champions
State Semifinals1994
1994 16-7 District Champions
1995 19-4 District Champions
Regional Champions
State Quarterfinals
1996 18-4 District Champions
1997 23-3 District Champions
Regional Champions
State Semifinals
1998 21-3 District Champions
Regional Champions
State Quarterfinals
1999 24-4 District Champions
Colonial District Tournament Champions
Regional Champions
State AAA Champions
2000 19-8 District Tournament Champions
State Quarterfinals
2001 15-7 District Tournament Champions
Regional Quartfinals
2002 21-5 District Champions
District Tournament Champions
Central Region Finalist
State Semi-finals
2003 19-3 District Champions
District Finals (Rained out)
Regional Semifinals
2004 18-8 District Tournament Finals (Finals rained out)
Regional Finalist
State Semi-Finals
2005 23-1 District Champions
District Tournament Champions
Regional Semi-Finalist
2006 16-7 District Tournament Finals
2007 14-8 District Tournmaent Semi-Finals
2008 18-6 District Champions
District Tournament Finals
Regional Semifinalist
2009 18-5 District Champions
District Tournament Champions
Regional Semifinalist
Over-all record 505-157
Winning percentage .762
Record in the 1980's 135-50 .729
Record in the 1990's 189-48 .878
Record in the 2000's 181-58 .757
Over 28 seasons we have averaged 18.03 wins per season and 5.6 loses per season.
National Rankings
1987 Ranked 7th in the Nation by USA Today
1998 Ranked 3rd in the Nation for several
weeks by USA Today. .
1999 Ranked 24th in the Nation by USA Today
2005 Ranked 12th in the Nation by the BCA. Ranked 3rd for over a month
Saturday, September 5
Graham Stoneburner Signs with the New York Yankees
Graham Stoneburner (Godwin Baseball 2004-2006) has signed a contract to play baseball for the New York Yankees. Drafted in the 14th round of the 2009 Major League Draft, he has been assigned to the Staten Island Yankees in the New York Penn League. Staten Island is currently in first place in the NYP. Graham had his professional debut on Sept. 4 when he pitched one inning of relief, giving up one hit and getting 2 strikeouts. His former Godwin Baseball Pitching Coach Chris Marinak, currently the Director of Labor Operations for Major League Baseball, was in attendance at the game. After graduation from Godwin Graham played for the Clemson Tigers for three seasons. He was also on the ACC All Academic team while at Clemson.
Graham becomes the 7th Godwin Baseball player to enter professional baseball. Other Godwin players who have played professionally include Matt Moses, Twins, Davis Stoneburner (Graham's older brother)Texas, Charlie Yarbrough, Philadelphia, Kris Rochelle, Detriot, Justin Briston, Chicago Cubs, Eric Fornataro, St. Louis and now Graham.
Congratulations to Graham Stoneburner as he begins his professional baseball career with the New York Yankees.
Monday, July 20
Conner Brown Verbally Commits to James Madison University
Rising senior middle infielder, Conner Brown has made a verbal commitment to Jamers Madison University to play baseball for the Dukes starting with the 2011 season. Conner was a second team All District choice this year for the Eagles. As a second baseman, Conner was a valuable part of the defensive infield squad that amassed 42 double plays in 23 games this past season. At the plate Conner hit .350 in his first year of Varsity competition. He is expected to be our starting shortstop in 2010, replacing Reed Gragnani who is now attending UVa. Conner has very strong defensive skills and will be a great team leader for the upcoming season. Congratulations to Conner and his parents on making this verbal commitment to play for James Madison University!
Monday, September 22
Former Godwin Players Playing in College
These players are currently playing baseball at the college level. Congratulations to these young men and the best of luck this fall as they prepare for the 2010 season
2005 Luke Swiney OF Sr. Hampden Sydney
2006 Adam Carpenter SS/3B Sr. Randolph Macon College
2006 2006 Matt Blow 1B/3B Jr. Virginia Tech
2007 Tyler Biddix 3B Jr. University of Virginia
2007 Greg Mitro 2B/3B Jr. Randolph Macon College
2008 Nick Caporale 1B/P So. Hampden Sydnery
2008 Robbie Garrett P So. Lynchburg College
2009 Reed Gragnani SS Fr. University of Virginia
2009 Kevin Buran P Fr. Pitt CC
2009 Jack Saladino C Fr. Old Dominion University
We are proud of the accomplishments of these young men.
Wednesday, November 21
Something to think about.....
Talk doesn't cook rice...Chinese proverb “I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.” Mia Hamm | “Nellie Fox, who was my idol growing up, told me early in my career that the guys who last the longest are the ones who do the most to help their teams win,” Morgan said. “So that’s what I did — put the team first.” Joe Morgan-Cincinnati Red 2B and Hall of Famer, ESPN Broadcaster Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names. John Kennedy, 35th U.S. President If you think you are really important, stick your finger in a glass of water then pull it out and see how big a hole it leaves. Lou Holtz.
Centerfield (Let's Go!)
|