Playing the game the right way.
That’s what Allen Community College baseball coach Clint Stoy works to instill in his teams year after year. Stoy has been at the helm of the Red Devils for nine years.
The coach understands the challenge of getting buy-in into that philosophy every year as players shuffle through the program. A dearth of experience makes the challenge all the greater.
“We only have four guys with college baseball experience on our entire team this year,” said Stoy. “We’re trying to get as many guys into games as we can. They understand it’s a long season and it’s a process. Nothing really matters until May.”
This year’s sophomores include catcher Rhett Jaggers, right-handed pitchers Jack Neill and Brett Buchanan and incoming transfer catcher Brandon Harper. Buchanan started Sunday’s home tilt against Pratt Community College.
The Red Devils field a team of 31 players, hailing from as far south as Texas and as far north as Canada. The team has 11 pitchers, 13 infielders and seven outfielders.
The team’s healthy mix of players follows Allen’s tradition of recruiting athletes from around the world.
Stoy said he relishes the role of coach.
“You get a new group of guys every year and you get to help them become good people. That’s the most important part of being an ACC athlete as well as becoming a better baseball player,” said Stoy. “Our guys traditionally move onto four-year schools not only to play ball but also to graduate.”
“Our culture is outstanding. We had 31 of 37 guys with over a 3.0 GPA in the fall. The team chemistry is also very good,” said Stoy.
Allen suits up for about a month of non-conference action before they begin conference play at Highland Community College on March 9. The non-conference games help prepare the teams for the stiffer action before games start to matter.
Stoy said there are no easy teams in conference play. Some are ranked in the top-25 of the NJCAA Division II.
Stoy’s philosophy
What Stoy means by playing the game the right way is that athletes should run off the field after an inning on defense; run the basebaths hard; be on time for practice; get dirty making plays and be a smart batter by knowing the count at the plate.
“Those will be our biggest strengths,” Stoy said. “The guys have really bought into competing for each other. They’re all on the same page knowing that we’re trying to get prepared for conference play and the postseason and these non-conference games are just preparation.”
Because the baseball season is long and can take a toll, Stoy said he coaches with the philosophy that playing baseball should be a rewarding experience.
“I’m most excited about helping these guys make memories with each other. We try to keep the same routine and keep it even-keeled. It’s important because in any baseball season you’re going to have ups and downs. The key is to stay humble through the positives and stay positive through the negatives.”
Allen hosts Northeast Community College in a double-header at noon and 3 p.m. on Saturday.
