"I played for On Deck back in '03 and '04 and I loved it. The Hill family is first class and they run a great program that Mike Shildt built from the ground up. The teams are built pushing the "team" concept. They will push you mentally and physically to get better but they only do that to prepare you for the next level. They have a great supporting staff there at On Deck to help you with any phase of the game you want to get better at. The tournaments we played in were well scouted and every coach at On Deck did there best to get you to the next level. Everyone on our team except for one guy went on to play college baseball. The one guy had a lot of places to go play college baseball but went to school for an education only and the school he went to was a great place to go. So as far as exposure is concerned they will get your name out there, you just have to perform when they put you on the field. I recommend if you have the chance to play for them it's one you won't regret but be prepared to work your butt off and you may get the occasional butt chewing, if needed (parents, if your son can't handle it, then he won't make it in college baseball, I promise you that )." - Morgan Tyson, 2004 On Deck O's, student-athlete at Tusculum College
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"On Deck provided me with the right preparation to make it to the next level. I played with them for close to 5 years and each year was another step towards my goals. It is more than just another travel team because everyone cares about you, the individual. Much thanks and appreciation for everything y'all have helped me accomplish." - Jason Coker, 2008 On Deck O's/Charlotte Country Day/student-athlete at UNC Pembroke
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"To me, On Deck was like a second family. Not only did they teach me how to play the game the right way but also how to compose myself off the field. I learned from them that the only way to succeed at this game is to succeed in handling failure. On Deck isn't just a training facility but a baseball family." - Kyle Mastroianni, 2008 On Deck O's/North Mecklenburg High School standout and future student-athlete at UNC Pembroke
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“I have played for many teams in the past, but I have never encountered such an outstanding staff, and group of guys. I have gained many friends and learned new things here at On Deck.”– Christian Dickson, 2008 On Deck O’s/Buford High School standout
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“...we are now on the other side of what IS the On Deck O's. It wasn't easy but it has been mind blowingly fun. These coaches have made our boys from JUST THIS AREA into teams who are bringing down the giant machines...Thank you from the bottom of my heart to On Deck for helping my son develop into the young man he is today”. - Emily Andress, mother of Matt Andress, 2006 On Deck O's and Appalachian State University standout
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“I feel like On Deck greatly prepared me for the next level.” - Shaun Wixted, 2007 On Deck O’s/currently a freshman baseball player at West Point Military Academy
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“At On Deck, I had the chance to pitch in front of a lot of scouts and play with a great group of guys.” – Jordan Darnell, 2008 On Deck O’s/Ardrey Kell High standout/future Elon University student-athlete
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“The coaches at On Deck worked hard with me on my swing and helped me to make better contact.” – Cameron Foster, Charlotte Latin standout/formerly a member of the 2009 On Deck O's
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“Being on the On Deck O’s taught me to become professional, to be on time, and to become a better person. I played there since I was 14 years old and they helped me earn the scholarship to UNC Charlotte.” – Andrew Smith, 2007 On Deck O’s/Butler High standout/UNC Charlotte freshman baseball player
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“Four years at On Deck accelerated my baseball career.” – Kevin Shackelford, 2007 On Deck O’s/Providence High standout/Marshall University freshman baseball player.
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“I wanted to make you aware of a specific incident that occurred during a game in a local USSSA tournament involving your 15U On Deck O’s team. The opposing team was utilizing a pitcher who had exceeded the maximum number of innings allowed yesterday after pitching a similar number of innings the previous day. Upon notifying the tournament site director who verified the facts, the director informed the On Deck Coaches that if they chose to officially protest, the opposing team would be required to forfeit the game, awarding a win to the O’s. Both coaches declined to accept the offer, indicating they were more concerned with the potential harm to the young man pitching than any desire to “win the game under those circumstances”. The tournament director required the opposing team to change pitchers and the game proceeded.
I spoke with both coaches following the game and thanked them for their actions. Both men are to be commended for their professional conduct and their obvious concern for the well being of an individual player on an opposing team. They are setting a fine example for both young people and adults alike in a very competitive athletic environment where appropriate decision making, good sportsmanship and desirable leadership are not always exemplified. I am certain you will agree with my sentiments.
Kudos to your staff and good luck in the future at On Deck!
Sincerely, Parent on the other team"
