As a child, Braves Associate Scout, John Smith resided in the Powell Valley/Haynes Ridge community where Grover Smith, his father raised him with the help of an extended family of what Smith calls, "some really good uncles."
He attended Powell Valley schools until relocating when he was older. He still has some family members here; but most have either moved or passed on. His mother, Lokie Smith still lives in the area and has become, as Smith says, "one of his greatest supporters."
All his life he has either played or coached baseball. In "71 Smith played on his first organized baseball team. Clifford Peters coached a team in Harrogate, and it was under his guidance that he experienced his first thrill as a baseball player.
"The president of the league told me I'd made the all-star team. I was from the country and didn't know what that meant. The other kids on the team explained it to me, and I got to go to Frankfort, Ky to play. It was fun, I learned a lot, and made some friends. That's one reason I love this area and it means a lot to me," Smith said.
Although he spent 20 years in the financial services business with his wife, Sharon, and had two lovely twin daughters, Leah and Leslie; he has always wanted to get back into baseball. He and his family have houses in both Knoxville and Florida, and they all love this area. When he travels, his family accompanies him whenever possible.
Smith says, "it took me 34 years to make it to the major league. I always thought I would make it as a player, but that didn't work out. Scouting is something I also really love."
Although he's had no recruits from this area yet, he will be attending games this spring to give kids in this area a chance. Smith is directed by Billy Best, Regional Supervisor for NC, SC, part of Tenn., and part of Virginia and Roy Clark, Director of Scouting with the Braves.
"These are two classy, hardworking men," Smith said with respect. "There's a kid in Claiborne County they like very much, and it's on my calendar to watch him play," Smith said with a smile.
Smith explained that when he evaluates a player, he considers what scouts call the "five tools" which are: hitting, hitting with power, fielding, running, and arm strength. These qualities are graded to compile what they call the "make up" of a player. Attitude, intelligence level, and how they handle the mental aspects of the game are also important and graded on a scale. Combined, these scores make up what is called the Overall Future Potential (OFP) of a player, 20 being the lowest score and 80 being the highest with the average player in the majors at about a 50.
Smith says if he's looking at a player here, he "can't think in terms of Tazewell. I have to think of him in Atlanta."
The majority of high school players score 30-39, college players are around 40-49. The scout has to look at these kids in terms of which are on a major league level or above. Smith stressed that he knows kids here have the potential. He knows they have the values and work ethic. He knows some can play baseball. His job is to "find them."
Last year, Smith scouted over 1000 players. This year, he will be on area high school and college campuses until the draft in June.
As a parting note, Smith said, "If a kid from Haynes Ridge can make it to the major league, anyone can. I always tell kids, set positive goals, set a date for achieving those goals, be professional but remember to have fun."
Smith is an interesting man to talk with and is as enthusiastic about baseball as they come. He indicated one of his favorite things to do is speak to youth, civic, or church groups on behalf of the Braves. He also enjoys his speaking to groups of players as well. He speaks on behalf of the Braves, free of charge and can be reached at (865) 681-1438 if anyone is interested in scheduling a speaking engagement for their group.
Post a Comment
