April 19, 2010
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Decker takes turn in pro
batter's box By Kurt Duryea Many boys grow up following a baseball team they've declared their favorite. Many youngsters can recall statistics and personal information about their favorite players from storage bins in their minds that parents wish they would use to file math or history facts, instead.From time to time, a child might be lucky enough to get to a major league game and see his idol in action. (Let's call that a single to center.) Better yet is a chance to catch a personal glimpse of that top player up close. (Cool, a double off the left field wall!) And maybe, just maybe, a scant few are lucky enough to get a cherished signature on their cap, ball or bat. (Home Run!) But, when a young man gets the opportunity to receive personal instruction from his baseball idol. plus a chance to sit down for some “one-on-one” time, that, baseball fans, is a grand slam. Josh Decker, a fifth grader at Piedmont Middle School, had just such an opportunity recently when he attended Windward Baseball Academy in Alpharetta, Ga. The Academy, managed by Howie McCann, offers comprehensive skill instruction in hitting, pitching, catching and fielding. Decker's chance-of-a-lifetime was set up by his uncle, Jamie Crane, who serves as an associate scout for the Atlanta Braves. A Gaylesville graduate and college baseball player, Crane has since sent over 70 players into the collegiate or professional ranks. Decker was part of a group of 50 ballplayers age 6-15 who took part in one of Windward Academy's recent sessions. As Josh prepared for the camp he knew that one of Howie's sons, former pro baseball player Brad McCann, was going to be an instructor. Decker had outside hopes that his all-time favorite player, Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann – another son of Howie's – would also be to be at the camp. Josh first met Brian McCann when he got his start with the Rome Braves. Though he was quite young then, Josh still remembers getting a card signed by McCann and he has followed his hero's career ever since. Josh's hopes of meeting his idol became reality when it was announced that Brian would be at the camp to serve as an instructor. Josh spent time with the instructors, including McCann, at each station and picked up some great tips he hopes to use on the ball field. McCann seemed to pick up on Decker's insight into the game, which led to a personal meeting where Josh received a few private tips, along with a few words of inspiration. McCann also signed Josh's bat and shirt. On the diamond, Josh enjoys being involved in every play and staying aware of the game situation at all times. “You've got to know where the runners are, how many outs, see the entire field, and just be aware of everything that is going on,” Decker said. It's apparent that Decker is a leader and wants to model his play on the positive traits he has picked up from McCann. In a few more years, Braves fans might hear the name Josh Decker come blasting out of their radio during WEIS-AM's Atlanta Braves broadcasts. But even if that never happens, Josh has already hit a grand slam. |