Grambling looks for big things
Scott Ferrell / The Times
Posted on February 2, 2002
Grambling State coach Wilbert Ellis has seen a lot in his 24 years as the Tigers' head baseball coach.
He plans to see plenty more in the not-so-distant future. Ellis will likely reach a coaching milestone this season when he wins his 700th baseball game. He needs just nine wins to reach that milestone.
Next season, he will lead the Tigers into a renovated baseball stadium on campus that will seat 1,020.
And this year, well, Ellis likes the way his club is looking.
"We're young in a lot of spots, but I still think we're going to have a pretty decent ballclub," Ellis says. "I'm optimistic about it. We're trying to make sure our pitching comes around to where we need it. We've got a pretty good defense going for us."
If his optimism is well-founded, then Ellis will likely celebrate his 700th victory later this month or in early March.
"It's probably one of the greatest thrills that can happen in your coaching career," Ellis says.
"I realize that my time is winding down. But I'm thrilled the way God has blessed myself as well as the program. (Sports Information Director) Scott Boatright asked me yesterday, if I knew I was getting close to 700 victories and that I was the dean of Louisiana baseball coaches and the SWAC. I hadn't even thought about all of that.
"I've been busy trying to help youngsters and develop them into the kind of young men that will go out and represent in life and in the community."
The team he is trying to develop this season appears to be a team built around pitching, defense and manufacturing runs.
Grambling will send Roy Foster (5-4, 2.56 ERA), Michael Darrington (5-8, 5.65 ERA), Melvin Tolliver and Trey Holley to the mound for conference series.
"I feel pretty good with them," Ellis says. "We've been throwing a little and their arms look pretty good. But you never know what they're going to do until they get some games under their belts ... I feel pretty good about them. If they can stay healthy, we'll be all right."
Ellis is hoping that his hitters can give his pitchers more offensive support this year.
Last year, the Tigers hit just .276 as a team and had only 32 home runs in 52 games.
"We didn't hit the ball as well as a Grambling team hits last year," Ellis says. "We're looking for a little more consistency in our hitting and offense. I'm going to do a little more hit-and-run because I think we have a few more guys who can run a little."
Grambling's attack is led by first baseman Alberto Campbell. He hit .316 with 10 homers and 46 RBIs last season.
The team's leading hitter from a year ago - Kevin Camp - moves from shortstop to second base. Freshman Andrew Murray takes over at shortstop for the Tigers and Jacobi Frank will play third base.
Jonathan Jones, who hit .294 a year ago, returns behind the plate for the Tigers.
Grambling's outfield will have Ryan Haskell in left field, James Cooper in center field and right field is still undecided. J.J. Brown, Irving Butler and Nick Matthews are competing at that position.
"We've been hitting the ball pretty good in practice," Ellis says. "We were pretty decent in fall practice, too.
"I'm excited to see what this team is really going to do."
Scott Ferrell / The Times
Posted on February 2, 2002
Grambling State coach Wilbert Ellis has seen a lot in his 24 years as the Tigers' head baseball coach.
He plans to see plenty more in the not-so-distant future. Ellis will likely reach a coaching milestone this season when he wins his 700th baseball game. He needs just nine wins to reach that milestone.
Next season, he will lead the Tigers into a renovated baseball stadium on campus that will seat 1,020.
And this year, well, Ellis likes the way his club is looking.
"We're young in a lot of spots, but I still think we're going to have a pretty decent ballclub," Ellis says. "I'm optimistic about it. We're trying to make sure our pitching comes around to where we need it. We've got a pretty good defense going for us."
If his optimism is well-founded, then Ellis will likely celebrate his 700th victory later this month or in early March.
"It's probably one of the greatest thrills that can happen in your coaching career," Ellis says.
"I realize that my time is winding down. But I'm thrilled the way God has blessed myself as well as the program. (Sports Information Director) Scott Boatright asked me yesterday, if I knew I was getting close to 700 victories and that I was the dean of Louisiana baseball coaches and the SWAC. I hadn't even thought about all of that.
"I've been busy trying to help youngsters and develop them into the kind of young men that will go out and represent in life and in the community."
The team he is trying to develop this season appears to be a team built around pitching, defense and manufacturing runs.
Grambling will send Roy Foster (5-4, 2.56 ERA), Michael Darrington (5-8, 5.65 ERA), Melvin Tolliver and Trey Holley to the mound for conference series.
"I feel pretty good with them," Ellis says. "We've been throwing a little and their arms look pretty good. But you never know what they're going to do until they get some games under their belts ... I feel pretty good about them. If they can stay healthy, we'll be all right."
Ellis is hoping that his hitters can give his pitchers more offensive support this year.
Last year, the Tigers hit just .276 as a team and had only 32 home runs in 52 games.
"We didn't hit the ball as well as a Grambling team hits last year," Ellis says. "We're looking for a little more consistency in our hitting and offense. I'm going to do a little more hit-and-run because I think we have a few more guys who can run a little."
Grambling's attack is led by first baseman Alberto Campbell. He hit .316 with 10 homers and 46 RBIs last season.
The team's leading hitter from a year ago - Kevin Camp - moves from shortstop to second base. Freshman Andrew Murray takes over at shortstop for the Tigers and Jacobi Frank will play third base.
Jonathan Jones, who hit .294 a year ago, returns behind the plate for the Tigers.
Grambling's outfield will have Ryan Haskell in left field, James Cooper in center field and right field is still undecided. J.J. Brown, Irving Butler and Nick Matthews are competing at that position.
"We've been hitting the ball pretty good in practice," Ellis says. "We were pretty decent in fall practice, too.
"I'm excited to see what this team is really going to do."
