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By Matt Byrd
Tennessee Director of Scouting

It’s no secret that Hardin Valley Academy, year in and year out, is one of the top high school baseball programs in East Tennessee and beyond.  But Head Coach Joe Michalski says one unsigned senior on his roster this spring is definitely flying under the radar.

“We have an incredible story for a senior that hasn't signed who has the ability to possibly go further than any player in our program,” Michalski stated.

For a roster loaded with talent, that is certainly saying something.

Meet Greg Valentine.

Valentine is a 6-foot-5, 195-pound right-handed pitcher who hasn’t logged much time at Hardin Valley.  That’s about to change in a big way this spring.

“Greg will serve as our closer this season,” stated Coach Michalski.  “He initially made the team as a freshman as a bullpen catcher because he got great grades, loved baseball, and worked as hard as anyone.  So we kept him around. Greg started in the program as an awkwardly skinny kid with little body control.  As he filled in he gained control of his body.   He started to pitch from a sidearm to low-3/4 arm slot and began to develop.  Last year, he was topping out with an 86 mph fastball and a nasty, sweeping slider.  Unfortunately for Greg, he was still growing so fast, he was always hurting.  He is healthy this season and has some of the best stuff of any pitcher in our program.  Greg will be a huge sign for someone.”

Valentine has also taken care of his business in the classroom, sporting a 4.0 GPA in his career at Hardin Valley, making him even more attractive to potential college suitors. 

One thing is for sure.  Valentine is likely to make a name for himself this spring.