re: Baseball Recruiting Discussion

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When class of 2013 shortstop Jordan Gore (Conway/Conway) committed to South Carolina in July 2011, the Gamecocks thought they were getting one of the best position players in the Palmetto State. While that turned out to be true, Gore has also flourished into one of the top pitchers in the state as well.

Gore committed to the Gamecocks overs offers from Clemson, The Citadel and College of Charleston prior to his junior season. Recruiting coordinator at the time Chad Holbrook promised Gore he would be the only middle infielder he committed in the class and those were words he stuck by.

Over the course of nearly two years since his commitment, Gore has grown into the No. 10 player in the state, regardless of position, as ranked by Diamond Prospects. Those rankings were done in the preseason and it’s likely Gore makes a jump with the season he’s put together for Conway High School, which bowed out of the playoffs last week in the District round.

A switch hitter, Gore finished the season hitting .495 at the plate with five doubles, a home run and 22 walks. On the mound, he sported a 5-1 record with a 1.17 earned run average. He struck out 52 in 52 innings worth of work.

“I had a pretty good season,” Gore said. “I’ve been hitting the ball really well and my right-handed swing has gotten a lot better. That’s mainly what I wanted to work on going into the season. My left-handed swing has been going great. It’s usually my better side but my right-handed swing has come along to evenly match it.”

Holbrook first identified Gore as a shortstop and he will play at that position from the time he steps on campus. South Carolina does return a two-year starter at short, Joey Pankake, and with DC Arendas waiting in the wings, it will be tough to earn immediate playing time at the position.

While he’ll play in every scrimmage at shortstop, Gore also won’t miss a bullpen session with pitching coach Jerry Meyers. The Gamecocks don’t have a whole lot of 90 mph arms who show much consistency at the moment so Gore could earn a shot there. He’s clocked consistently in the low 90s this season and he’s going to get a shot on the bump in 2014.

“I wanted to work on my arm strength and becoming a pitcher more so than just throwing it,” Gore said. “I think I’ve done good in doing that. I throw a split-finger and it drops off the table pretty good. That’s my go-to pitch.”

Gore has made two recent trips to Columbia, one with his family to meet with the South Carolina coaching staff about the MLB Draft and one to see the Gamecocks take on Vanderbilt.

“The whole aspect of getting to play for a program with such prestige. It’s going to be great,” Gore said. “I’ve been to some of the games and the coaches have been asking me how my games have going. I’m really excited to get up there for good real soon.”

Other recruiting nuggets

-- South Carolina head coach Chad Holbrook made the four hour drive up I-26 and across I-40 to see class of 2013 signee Wil Crowe (Pigeon Forge, Tenn./Pigeon Forge). The reason for the visit was two-fold - to see him pitch and to meet with Crowe and his family to discuss the MLB Draft.

Crowe threw 55 pitches on Saturday and wasn’t scheduled to throw on Tuesday afternoon. He did, however, tell his coach that he wanted the ball, at least for a short outing, and that demand was granted. Crowe ended up pitching all five innings in a complete game shutout scattering a handful of hits with 10 strikeouts in his team’s 10-0 victory.

Following the game, Holbrook met with Crowe and his parents for about 45 minutes to discuss the MLB Draft. The meeting was a good one for both parties as Holbrook gave the pitch to come to school. There is still more baseball to be played and about a month until time for teams to select so feelings can go back and forth on which option is the best for his future.

-- Class of 2013 left-handed pitcher Cole McMillan (Lexington/Lexington) was still in the hospital on Wednesday but we understand that he’s doing fine and will make a complete recovery. He’s going to need reconstructive surgery after fouling a pitch off of his nose and right eye.

-- There have been some rainouts lately in high school baseball and games featuring South Carolina commitments will be played on Wednesday night. Class of 2013 left-hander John Parke will pitch and 2014 outfielder Clark Scolamiero will play center for Greenville High School at home against Travelers Rest at 6 p.m. Class of 2014 outfielder K.J. Bryant and Wade Hampton also have a home game scheduled for 6 p.m. against 2015 catcher commitment Tyler Romanik and Blythewood. Class of 2013 1B/RHP Taylor Widener and his South Aiken squad play at home against Sumter at 7 p.m.

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