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Coaches Corner with Tom Eller of Harford Community College

March 15, 2016

Northeast Prospect ID

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By Jerry Shank
Maryland Scouting Director

Coaches’ corner highlights colleges and universities around the region and gives an opportunity for prospective student athletes to learn more about the program, coaching staff, and school.

Coach
Tom Eller
Harford Community College
Head Coach

Coaching Career
2005 – Grad Assistant, Millersville
2006 – Assistant, Wilmington University
2006 – Present – Head Coach, Harford Community College

Playing Career
2000-2002-Cecil Community College
2002-2003- Alderson Broaddus College, WV (D-II)
2003-2004- Wilmington University, DE (D-II)

Please give a little background on the Harford Community College baseball program.

  • Over the past nine seasons we have won two MD JUCO titles, and two Regional titles. We have had a number of All-Americans, All-Region and All-Conference players, but I am the most proud of all the players that we have sent on to four year institutions. Last year alone we had five players go on to D-I NCAA Programs, 11 to D-II programs and two players move on to D-III programs.
  • In 2015 we led the NJCAA D-I in batting average (.384), doubles (164), on base percentage (.491), Slugging (.665), walks (328), and extra base hits (282). We also finished 6th in the country in homeruns (80).
  • Two years ago we upgraded our facility to a field turf surface, padded OF, new press box, and grandstand seating. We have upgraded our lights and have a brand new hitting facility right behind the home dugout.

What is unique to the program that the coaching staff and team take great pride in?

  • We see the big picture! We know that we are just a stepping stone for these players to become better and that’s our philosophy. We have stayed true to this from day one and our program has grown tremendously because of that.

What do you look for in potential players?

  • We want guys who aren't going to be problems in the classroom or off the field. We want players who want to move on to a four year school so much that it’s what drives them every single day. We look for guys who have plus tools (arm, speed, power) and we look for guys who fit into our philosophy. For position players that usually means they have to be able to play multiple positions. The reason for this is because it will make them more marketable to four year schools down the road.

Are there any immediate “Red Flags” when recruiting players?

  • Obviously grades are a concern especially if someone continuously shows that they can't do it in the classroom (in high school or as a transfer). I know we are a JUCO and that we supposedly "take kids with bad grades”, but it creates more work for my staff and is very distracting.
  • I usually keep a close eye on a player’s Twitter and Instagram accounts. That usually tells me what type of person they are. If I see something that I don't like I usually move them to the bottom of the list.

Any interesting facts or stories about the program?

  • This year we have a 6-foot-9 RHP who is a transfer from Clemson University. The interesting part is that he played golf on the club team there and was a two-time club champion. He decided this fall that he wanted to give baseball a try after playing in high school and went to an event where a number of scouts saw him throw 89-93 with a plus breaking ball. All of a sudden I received a few phone calls from scouts saying that I needed to get this kid on campus. He is originally from Blue Bell, PA. He has a ton of interest from the MLB clubs as well as ACC and Big Ten Schools.

Are there any base numbers you are looking for on the academic side?

  • One of my first questions to players on their visits is "Are you an NCAA Qualifier?" The reason I ask this is because it tells me what type of student they are and it also tells me how easy it will be to get them sent off to a four year school.

Have any players gone on to play professionally from the program? If so, how many? 

  • So far we have had one player drafted, Dom Vauttone (RHP) who went on to UNC Greensboro and then was drafted by the Oakland A's. This year's team has four-to-five legitimate draft prospects and scouts have been to a number of our practices and games throughout the fall, winter, and now this spring. We also have a ton of guys at four year schools this year that will be on draft boards and should have a chance.

Do you have any advice for prospective student athletes as they go through the recruiting process?

  • Find a place that you feel comfortable with the coaches, the philosophy, and where you think you will get playing time. Think about if you were to get hurt and you couldn't practice or play for a year, is it a place that you would still be able to do well in the classroom and enjoy the atmosphere.

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