“THE HOT CORNER” with Ken Leidheiser

In the coming weeks, ASBA will highlight several of our popular instructors who are starring in the minor leagues or independent leagues across the country.  This second feature spotlights Scott Grimes, who has given instruction at the Downingtown facility over his off-seasons.

ASBA INSTRUCTOR SCOTT GRIMES STARRING

FOR YORK IN THE ATLANTIC LEAGUE

           

                           Scott Grimes, Leading Off                                    Scott Grimes, York

Now in his 6^th pro baseball season, Scott Grimes of Kennett Square is having one of his best years yet.  Playing centerfield and leading off for the York (PA) Revolution in the Atlantic League, Grimes is hitting for both average and power, with a .310 batting average and a .491 slugging percentage.

Grimes, a popular instructor at All Star Baseball’s Downingtown facility in the off-season, has worked hard on his game and it is paying nice dividends in 2010.

“This has been a very good year so far and I really enjoy playing in York in a competitive Independent League,” said Scott.  “York finished dead last in the Atlantic League last year, but changed the roster a lot.  Now the team is much better and we’re playing hard and sitting in first place.  This is my first year in York and it’s going great so far.”

Grimes played high school ball for Kennett HS before taking his skills to Keystone College in Scranton, where he starred as a middle infielder and an outfielder.  He was undrafted out of high school and college but wanted to continue to pursue his dream of playing pro baseball.

“I made the move to the outfield before my senior year in college and it has paid off,” noted Grimes.  “I’m now playing centerfield and leading off for York.  I’m getting a lot of at bats and I’m able to use my speed at the top of the order.”

In 2008, Grimes was named Player of the Year in the independent Can-Am League, as he hit .365 for Worcester with 21 HR’s and 17 steals.  He was then signed by the Mets organization and played for Brooklyn (Class A) and for the Mets’ rookie team in the Gulf Coast League before being released.  York was happy to sign him to a contract for 2010.

The York squad leads the Atlantic League’s Freedom Division with a 34-25 record and is 7-3 in its last 10 games.  Grimes, a 6-0, 200 pounder, has been a spark for the Revolution with 14 doubles, 2 triples, and 7 homers.  He also has scored 57 runs in just 57 games.

“I take pride in being a well-rounded player and I try to be a 5-tool player,” said Scott.  “That’s what everybody is looking for.  I work hard at all aspects of my game, offense, defense and base running, and try to make myself better in each of those areas.”

In a recent 20-2 romp over the Lancaster Barnstomers, Grimes went 6-7 with 2 homers, a double and 6 RBI’s.  He has been on a hot streak of late.  In Tuesday’s win over Somerset, he went 3-5 with a triple and another HR.

“I’m finding the holes,” chuckled Grimes.  “I’m working hard at improving my game and things are working out well right now.  There’s a long way to go in our season but we are enjoying a successful year so far and I’m excited about our team and how we’re doing.”

Grimes also hopes that the major league scouts are keeping on him with the type of year he is producing.  For now, his family is enjoying the trips to York, Lancaster, and Camden to watch him star in the Atlantic League, as he sparks the York Revolution night after night.

 To follow Scott Grimes this season, go to:  www.yorkrevolution.com

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