The next level: Former TRM Tiger Darby Black now playing baseball at ASCC
Published 12:00 pm Wednesday, September 4, 2013
After four years of being a T.R. Miller Tiger baseball player in high school, former Tiger Darby Black will be an Eagle at the college level as he has accepted a walk-on position with the Alabama Southern Community College baseball team in Monroeville.
“I’m walking on as of now with a possible scholarship for winter quarter,” Black said. “I truly feel blessed and excited about this opportunity. From the time I tried out I knew ASCC was where I wanted to be. I really felt at home. I just turned 18 so being able to go off to school without being too far away works well. ASCC has an impressive program that I can’t wait to be part of.”
While Black just turned 18 and is a new college freshman, he has set some priorities for himself.
“My first priority will be my education, but to be able to do that while playing the game I love only makes it better,” Black said. “I hope to grow mentally and physically while I’m here. My plans after ASCC are uncertain at this time but as of now I want to focus and commit myself completely to ASCC and give it my all. If something comes up after this, I am sure it will be great, but I’m not focused on that now.”
While college will be new to Black, he will have a friend from the Brewton area with him in Monroeville. Former W.S. Neal Eagle baseball player Brian Settle is also at ASCC and on the baseball team.
“Not only will I be playing with Brian, but I will also be sharing an apartment with him,” Black said. “We have played together during Babe Ruth and I have a lot of respect for him. Brian is a great guy and ballplayer. We may have grown up as opponents, but we still grew up together. I hope to be great friends and maybe we can learn from each other.”
Black pitched in nine games for T.R. Miller during his senior season of 2013.
He went 45 innings and walked 10 batters while striking out 43. Black finished with a 6-3 record for the Tigers who went 14-9 this past season. Black had an ERA of 1.24.
“I am truly thankful to be given this opportunity and hope I will be an asset to the team,” Black said. “I am here willing to do whatever they ask of me. I hope to learn lots and strengthen my skills. Although I will miss my Miller teammates, I am excited about my new team.
“I want to thank (ASCC head baseball) coach (Daniel) Head for this opportunity and I am proud to be an Eagle.”