David Haversitck Interview
Coach Haverstick is one of the bright young minds in college baseball. He's a relentless recruiter and one of the most fascinating guys to be around on the recruiting trail.
We are pleased Coach Haverstick took some time to answer a few questions for IMPACT SCOUT.
Learn more about Coach Haverstick and the Catamounts by visiting www.catamountsports.com.
The FACTS...
Name: David Haversitck
School: Western Carolina University
Job Title & Responsibilities: Associate Head Coach/Pitching Coach
Number of Years at College: 2
Hobbies: Fishing, Hunting, Grilling Out, Golf
Favorite Movie: Hoosiers
Favorite Book: Shantung Compound, Langdon Gilkey
Favorite Website: ESPN.com
Favorite Actor: Robert De Niro
Favorite Actress: Angelina Jolie
Favorite Food: Italian
The GOODS...
Andy Partin: You were an All-American and you won a National Championship in basketball in college. You were also drafted in the 16th round by the D-backs... Were you better in hoops or hardball? Why did you choose coaching baseball over basketball?
David Haversitck: I might have been a little better in hoops, although I think I was pretty much at my ceiling of basketball ability. Baseball gave me the whole upside/potential dimension. I can honestly say I was never going to make a career in the NBA. The only chance I had at a Lottery Pick was at the local gas station. Baseball was always different; I had some ability and was fortunate to have the opportunity to play beyond college and then take those experiences and begin a coaching career.
Partin: There are a lot of different pitching philosophies, what makes pitching for the Catamounts and yourself unique?
Haversitck: Our system is designed to push the envelope in ways that traditional philosophies of pitching will not allow for, especially in the areas of training and development. Our focus is at the personal level, getting guys in a high energy environment, developing them on an individual basis. We do not clone pitchers. Our velocity, strength, long toss and arm care routines allow our guys to train the most crucial elements of a powerful, athletic delivery.
Partin: What do you look for most when recruiting a player?
Haversitck: The best player available that fits our university and program. Of course we are grading the player's skill, their ability, evaluating academics, getting to know the player and their family; ultimately trying to build a roster and fill roles with guys that we feel can win championships. It really isn't cliché; it is about the "student-person-player".
Partin: What seems to have changed the most in high school baseball and the players since you have been playing and coaching?
Haversitck: Exposure. The opportunity for players to get in front of coaches and scouts is seemingly endless these days.
Partin: What is your opinion on the difference between having 'control' and having 'command?' Is there a difference?
Haversitck: I do think there is a difference. Control is having enough skill to throw general strikes, to keep the game moving, for better or worse. Command elicits the deepest level of skill - having a pitch at your complete disposal. I'll tell our guys control is like renting a pitch and command is owning it.
Partin: "He's real physical on the mound." I hear that term thrown around a lot. How would you describe a "physical" pitcher?
Haversitck: A strong-looking kid with mound presence.
Partin: What is your "TOP Pitching Tip" for High School Players?
Haversitck: I watch so many kids who are seemingly locked into their ideal mechanics ... out there trying to find the Holy Grail of pitching through their delivery ...my TOP Tip is to compete harder! Be as athletic and explosive as possible and get after the hitter ... Throwing and therefore pitching is an extremely complex, dynamic movement that requires a high level of energy transfer from feet to fingertips. Stop being vanilla ... stop sacrificing your stuff at the plate ... bring back the freedom and athleticism to the mound. Remember, as a pitcher, you will forever be judged by how the ball exits your hand.
Partin: If there was one exercise you would tell pitchers to stay away from, what would it be?
Haversitck: I don't have an evil exercise. My advice is to weigh each exercise's risk and reward, then develop a routine that promotes well balanced/symmetrical strength gains. You must build a workout that gives you a high level of transfer from the gym to the mound.
Partin: What exercise would you say is the best exercise for a pitcher?
Haversitck: I would say exercises that build scapular strength. Most pitchers undervalue the role these muscles play in supporting the throwing motion.
The Madcap...
Partin: If you could watch a baseball game with 1 person, who would it be and why:
Haversitck: My Dad. He loves the game and introduced it to me as a kid.
Partin: If you could have dinner with 3 people, who would they be:
Haversitck: Johnny Cash, Albert Pujols, Will Ferrell
Partin: Back to hoops... I'm 5'-10" and I once touched the rim in high school... Can you dunk? Did you have a signature move on the hardwood?
Haversitck: Yes, I can dunk. As far as a signature move, it's a toss up. The baby hook and the lay-up always served me well. In case you are wondering, I never developed the sky hook, tried it once though, bad idea.
Partin: Can a fastball really rise?
Haversitck: No.
Partin: Who is the hardest working recruiter (other than yourself) you know in college baseball?
Haversitck: Our state has several great programs and recruiters ... several come to mind. However, I would have to give the nod to our recruiting coordinator Alan Beck. We went through a staff change mid-summer, right in the middle of the recruiting season. Needless to say we had our work cut out for us, trying not to lose ground in the recruiting battle plus hire a new assistant. Alan came on board and hasn't slowed down since. He has done a great job!
Partin: If you could be the Head Coach at any University in the USA, where would you choose?
Haversitck: 3-Way Tie: Texas, Georgia and North Carolina
Partin: I was a huge Scott Erickson fan growing up, who was the Major League player you idolized growing up?
Haversitck: Nolan Ryan
Partin: Outside of baseball, who's your favorite athlete to follow?
Haversitck: Peyton Manning
Partin: You and I have something wonderful in common... I just learned you are a Duke basketball fan. What makes you pull for the Blue Devils on the hardwood?
Haversitck: 1. Coach K is from the Bobby Knight coaching tree. 2. I like their style of play. 3. They win.
Partin: We've talked about golf in the past together... You seem pretty modest about your skills on the links, but I have heard 300 yards off the tee is no biggie for you. How's your putting? Can you break 80?
Haversitck: 300 yards isn't a problem for me at all ... the direction of flight however is a problem. My putting is PGA caliber from 1 ft and in. It would be tough for me to pick up the bag, head out and break 80.
Partin: Who would you like to see us interview in college coaching for IMPACTSCOUT.com?
Haversitck: Tommy Smith, UNC-Asheville. Coach Smith was a high school coach for 28 years, a legendary coach at that ... now he's coaching today's college player. He would have to be a great interview.
Partin: In closing, is there any advice you would like to offer our high school baseball athletes and/or parents reading this?
Haversitck: Truly decide on what you want out of your college experience - make a list - then do your research, do your homework during the recruiting process to find a place that meets your needs. Don't be afraid to ask the tough questions and dig into these programs to uncover exactly where you fit ... where your expectations meet the crossroads of reality.
