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O'Hearn Excited Childhood Pal joins his team
Pittsburgh, Pa -
Last week the Millers acquired 24 year old outfielder, Robby McGowan in a deal with the Death Valley Scorpions. On the surface, it seems like a deal where a team that's looking to play young players, would make.
However...
There is one aspect to the player which slides greatly under the radar.
Jamie O'Hearn and Robby McGowan, have been life-long teammates growing up in New York City. Starting from little league in through the 12th grade, these two players had been the "bat-man and robin" against New York City's youth.
"The 2011 year, when we went undefeated and won state, was the best year of my life. It was special. Watching how Robby and Jamie just demolished the high school pitching was a sight to see. They're easily the two best hitters to have ever come through my tenure." Fondly remarked Poly Prep Country Day School Coach Matt Roventini.
Poly Prep, the private school these two players played HS ball, has won 7 HS titles in a row heading into this year.
This streak dates back to that 'special' year in 2011 when McGowan and O'Hearn led the school to the Ivy Prep League crown and NYSAISAA title.
The two played in 32 games total that season when it was all said and done.
2011: O'Hearn (Sr. Committed to CL) .477 with 19 HR, 32 SB
2011: McGowan (Sr. Committed to CLE) .509 with 21 HR 60 runs batted in
Those numbers landed both players in division I baseball. The first time in their lives where they were not teammates to begin the season.
O'Hearn had some pretty good things to say about the team's new LF.
"I'll be honest, Robby was always as good-if not better than I was. He's always been taller and thicker so when he made contact the ball just exploded. I loved being on his team." Jamie O'Hearn said. "What makes this even better is that we've been great friends for our entire lives. We talk all the time anyway. I'm excited he's here now with me, because the direction the Millers are going in. We have a lot of young, hungry players - so I know he'll fit right in."
McGowan had a slightly different interpretation about his game.
"He said what? That's nice of him to say but there isn't another hitter in the world thats as good as he is. I'm just pumped to see the dude rake again in person, with him in the lineup I'm going to have a good chance to see some pitches. It's on me to capatalize and do what I've always done. "
While O'Hearn came into the BLB with fanfare and a lot of interest, McGowan has quietly risen from a 5th rounder, to a 24 year old with almost a half season of BLB experience under his belt. There's reason for optimism, and the Millers are counting on it.
"I'm excited to add another young guy to the mix - but it don't mean he's the starting left fielder now," Manager Jerry Russell said with his usual stoic personality showing through. "Far as I'm concerned there's open competition at every position. Couple Vets like Shooky know they're gonna play but the rest of these young guys will earn it."
So they're great friends, that means they agree on everything, right?
"Giants! That's where I don't understand Jame at, somehow he likes the Jets." McGowan said when quizzed on their NFL allegiances.
"Jets all day. My man Hack is gonna play real well this year. It's his time. and when we picked up Marshawn with two years off, are you kidding? He's going to be fresh and he'll be ready for the playoffs." O'Hearn said. [Editorial Note: The Jets play the Steelers at some point this year at Heinz field. Schedule to be announced in April.]
Regardless of who they root for, they both agree, this isn't going to be your typical 'rebuilding' year.
"It's kind of crazy to think about the Millers 'rebuilding', I guess." McGowan said puzzlingly. "I've been following them since middle school and they're always in the playoffs."
"Losing, in the playoffs you mean?" Remarked a snarky middle - aged reporter, much to the surprise to the young McGowan.
"Yeah, sure. I don't know man, I just don't really see any team Jamie's on not being good, you know?"
O'Hearn, calmly, and with a devilish smirk remarked, "Rebuilding? I guess we'll see. People can say whatever they want, write whatever than want. It doesn't matter until we get between the lines. I'll take my guys against anyone."
"All I know is, if a pitcher makes a 2-1 mistake, we got a bunch of dudes that are gonna be taking a jog around the bases."
We do know and we eagerly agree, but with the departure of some really talented players, Pittsburgh's "Bat-Man" had bette hope that he has added a new robin to help the team win games, because they sure need it.
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Off-Season Spot light: Pat Vickers
Last year, we discussed the offseason plans of Pat Vickers and Jamie O'Hearn, let's check in with Pat to see how it's going.
"Intense man. A bunch of us actually stayed in Pittsburgh this offseason and just hit in the park and used the weight room. We've been grinding every day. It's almost like in high school when a bunch of guys would just hit in the cages after school or something. Yeah, you wanna take your cuts but its just a place to hang with the boys. We've got a good group of guys here that just want to win."
On how he played last season and what he's doing in preparation for next season?
There are so many things that I need to work on, so I've been doing a ton of rapid fire to try and get better with the glove, and I really want to use the other side of the field more, I feel like sometimes I can get too pull happy."
Thoughts on the departures of veterans Taylor, McKay, Santana, Flores, Zurita, Nara and Gerlach?
"It's going to be different, that's for sure. It sucks seeing those guys go, but now it's on the rest of us that have been here to step into more leadership roles.
On O'Hearn's and his infamous 'Tinder' game revealed last year?
- I prefer not to answer!! (with audible laughter)
The immedaite follow up to that question: His thoughts on whistleblower Cy Mock?
- He's lucky he rakes and his .300!! Otherwise we might actually have a problem! (again, laughing)
On his first ever Bobble head night?
- I'm excited to see who looks better me or the doll!
I'm not a gambling man, and I won't say that the doll looks better just yet...but I am willing to bet that Vickers, the real Vickers, is the better hitter.
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