re: Baseball Recruiting Discussion

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Destino, a two-way player with a power left-handed arm and plenty of home run power at the plate, entered the game on the mound in relief. Even though his team was down, the southpaw faced six batters and set all six down, which included four strikeouts.

Going against players committed to the likes of LSU, Virginia, and other power teams, Destino used his 90 mph fastball and power breaking ball in his 28-pitch performance.

“As a pitcher, you have to be confident,” Destino said. “I felt like I had my stuff; everything felt good, my command. I couldn’t complain about anything. I was getting ahead with the fastball and then controlling with the breaking ball.”

Destino earned the honor to pitch in the eight-team tournament earlier this year and participating was a no-brainer. The Weaverville, N.C. native jumped at the opportunity to play in the five-day event, which features one game on four days with another player evaluation day with bullpen sessions, 60-yard dashes, batting practice and fielding drills.

“I was blown away, no doubt,” Destino said of having the opportunity to play. “It’s a huge honor to play against the best kids in the country. Facing what we’ll face in the SEC and in college, it’s an honor to face this type of talent.”

Destino committed to the Gamecocks in August after receiving attention from various SEC and ACC schools. While it was a difficult decision to make, it was also an easy one in a lot of ways.

“It is a dream for any kid to go to a place like that winning national championships left and right,” Destino said. “When reality hits you and you’re recruited by a place like that, how can you turn that down? Coach Holbrook is an unbelievable guy and coach Meyers is one of my favorite coaches I’ve ever met. I’m going to be honored to play for them for three or four years.”

“It’s the best atmosphere I’ve ever been to,” Destino said. “The USC fans are the most loyal I’ve ever seen and it’s going to be an honor pitching in front of them.”

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