Royals look at the little things in ‘08

JAY – The Jay Royals have been doing the little things necessary as they look to take care of some unfinished business.

The unfinished business is how they exited the Class 2A State Baseball tournament, but this season they seem a little more focused.

“I think they were a little disappointed on how the season ended for them and they are looking to take care of that,” said Jay Head Coach Jorey Diamond.

Diamond who was an assistant last season with his father, Terry, has taken over and picked up where his father has left off.

Jay finished the season ranked No. 2 by the Florida Sports Writers and will have completed a best two out of three series with defending state champion North Florida Christian to see who will earn the right to play in Sarasota on May 14 and 15.

The Royals are 19-4 this season and went 12-0 in District 1-2A.

How they accomplished this was by playing ‘small ball’.

“We hadn’t done that well recently and we have really started working on our bunting, base running and sacrificing to do the key things in the right spot,” said Diamond. “The seniors have really bought into what we have been talking about and now it has become contagious with everyone on the team.”

Another thing contagious about the team is the attention they are getting and it started this fall when Brandt Hendricks inked a scholarship to play next season at the University of Alabama.

“The amazing thing about all of this is the attention is helping all the guys on the team,” said Diamond. “Some coaches are looking at Brandt but at the same time they are noticing other players on the team.

“Just because we are from a small community doesn’t mean we don’t have some talent.”

Diamond will be depending on that talent playing North Florida Christian this weekend.

A double header was played on Friday with the first pitch occurring at 3 p.m. local time.

Both teams will play Saturday if a third game is necessary in the best 2-of-3 format instituted this season.

“I think the state is trying to make sure the best teams make it to the state finals,” said Diamond. “But I feel this best two-of-three format might play to our advantage with Miles Hammac and Rush Hendricks.

“Our rotation is two or three pitchers deep, plus we can get some innings from players like Rush Hendricks, so I am comfortable with the format. But if you talk to me next Saturday I might have a completely different opinion about it.”

Diamond also pointed out that NFC is also a talented team that can’t be taken lightly.

“I have been talking to the guys about playing their game and doing what they have to do to win,” said Diamond. “We can’t control the other team all we can do is what we can do and leave it all out on the field.”

This season Jorey’s father has been a familiar sight along the left field fence watching the games with his coaching friends and he is also getting advice at times.

“If I had a nickel for every time I asked him a question this season I would be a rich man,” said Diamond. “I have a lot of respect for the job he did and the other coaches who have lasted in this profession for 15 to 20 years or more.

“It is a lot more to being a head coach that you might imagine and I am glad there are several veteran coaches I can talk with and get guidance from here at Jay.”