Hillsborough: Baseball season preview

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Published February 11, 2008

TAMPA

Plant senior slugger Preston Tucker has picked up golf as his new hobby, though he admits his swing at the plate is much better than off the tee.

There, he's more slice than straight.

"I definitely bring a lot of balls (to the course)," he said with a grin.

But Tucker, a University of Florida-bound first baseman, has proved to be a natural in the heart of the Panthers order, where he has proven to be one of the bay area's top hitters.

Last season, Tucker racked up triple-crown caliber numbers - .561 batting average, 10 homers, 51 RBI - but his star-studded team failed to make it out of districts.

This year, however, Tucker said the Panthers have come together, focusing more on the team aspect, less on the individual. With five seniors having already signed to play in college - and star shortstop Mychal Givens likely next - senior catcher Jarod Womack said the Panthers' remaining goal is a championship.

"Our goal is to win," Womack said. "And bury teams."

To do so, they'll need another big year from Tucker, who originally didn't want to play baseball. He said his first love was soccer, which he played as a youth, before giving baseball a shot.

Before long, Tucker would try imitating his favorite big leaguer, Ken Griffey Jr., from the future Hall of Famer's smooth swing to his acrobatic catches in centerfield.

With the possibility Tucker could get selected in this year's MLB Draft, the soft-spoken senior didn't rule out the chance he'd chase that dream before his Gators' career is over.

"We'll have to see how it goes."

Other players to watch

Player, School, Pos., Yr., Notes

Greg Cook, Sickles, P, Jr., 6-foot-7 righty likely will play at the Division I level.

Jeremy Fussell, Durant, IF, Sr., Was second-team all-county after hitting .403.

Mychal Givens, Plant, SS, Jr., All-American candidate can do it all.

Mike Lashbrook, Plant, OF, Sr., Was 500 hitter last year with 30 RBIs.

Nick Lockwood, Jesuit, SS, Jr., USF commitment had .323 average as sophomore.

Jamie Mallard, Middleton, 1B, Sr., Power-hitting infielder is headed to UCF.

Alex Panteliodis, Alonso, P, Sr., Ace was first-team all-county as a junior.

Jarryd Reid, Middleton, CF, Sr., Great speed, great arm; batted .350 last year.

Chad Taylor, Jefferson, SS/P, Sr., Had key role in Dragons' 2007 playoff run.

Corey Thomas, Middleton, P/SS, Sr., USF commitment arguably is county's most versatile player.

Kenny Wilson, Sickles, OF, Sr., Returns after hitting .389 with 11 extra-base hits.

Jarod Womack, Plant, C, Sr., As a junior, batted .491, with five home runs and 40 RBIs.

Will Knox, Tampa Catholic, IF, Sr., Crusaders star will play for Chipola Junior College.

Times Fab Five

1. Alonso

Returns all but two starters from last year's region finalist squad, including the county's best one-two combo on the mound.

2. Plant

The Panthers are loaded with five seniors (so far) signed to play college ball; can they come together and grab that elusive district title?

3. Jesuit

Gone are the Tigers' top hitter (Jonathan Koscso) and pitcher (Kevin Quackenbush), but Boston College-bound hurler Matt Brazis has Jesuit pumped to jump to 5A.

4. Riverview

With talented left-hander Anthony Ferrera on the mound, the Sharks can be in any game.

5. Newsome

A sleeper pick, the Wolves ride the left arm of pitcher Kyle Parker, a USF-bound star who racked up 11 wins and four shutouts last season.

For the fans

Regular season: Practice began Jan.14, and today is the first day games are allowed. Teams may not play more than 25 games, including tournaments. The regular season ends April19.

Playoffs: District tournaments are April21-25. The 16 winners and 16 runnersup from each classification advance to the region tournaments, which begin April29. The final four teams from the six classifications advance to the state tournament May14-20 at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota.

County state titles

School Titles

Tampa Catholic 9 (1968, '71, '73, '74, '76, '79, '82, '96, '01)

Hillsborough 3 (1935, '37, '67)

Jesuit 3 (1994, '97, '00)

Berkeley Prep 1 (1976)

Plant 1 (1988)

Robinson 1 (1971)

Must-see Spring Break Tournaments

Saladino Tournament, at Brandon and other area fields

More than 25 area teams will compete in the prestigious annual tournament.

Jesuit Spring Break Tournament, March 25-28

Jesuit and Berkeley Prep will take on six schools from around the country, including Regis and Fordham Prep out of New York.

PRESTON TUCKER AT A GLANCE

Fun facts

Favorite movie: Bull Durham

Favorite food: Steak

Favorite class: Sports marketing

Family ties: His father, Mike, played quarterback for Bowling Green

[Last modified February 10, 2008, 20:37:34]