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McPherson Hopes To Continue Turning Heads

Dallas McPherson has been recognized nationally as one of the country’s top two position players. He is a right-handed pitcher, who hits from the left side. He has the arm strength to make the throw across the diamond and to go well into the game from the mound. Last year he lead the Coastal Plains League with a .349 average at the plate. He was at the top of the list with 58 singles and four triples. He was second in doubles with 17 and second in slugging percentage with a .554 average. On the mound he had four complete games with 83 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.19

Going into his junior year at The Citadel, he lists hitting for the cycle last April in a game against Davidson College and collecting seven RBI as one of several career highlights.

You were rated a top prospect in the Southern Conference by Baseball America last season and are considered one of the best two position players in that league and possibly the country. You pitch and play third base. Do you have a preference?

I like playing third and hitting. That way you get to play everyday. But, I love to pitch.

You were the MVP last summer in the Coastal Plain League for the Ashboro Copperheads. How would you compare that league with the Cape League?

The pitching here is much better. The guys are smarter. They change speeds and mix their pitches. And the hitters here are stronger and more disciplined. Physically and mentally the players here are more mature.

After playing with an aluminum bat, how tough is it to adjust to a wooden one?

Its definitely a major adjustment. Wood is heavier and the ball doesn’t travel as well off the bat. Aluminum its much easier to get through the strike zone.

Last summer you pitched a 16 strikeout no hitter. At what point did you think you had a chance to get the no hitter and how did it effect the way you pitched?

About the seventh inning I noticed that no one was sitting with me and no one was talking to me. That’s when I started thinking I’ve got a no hitter going. But, knowing that didn’t really effect the way I pitched.

The Atlanta Braves drafted you in 1998 the 44th round. Why didn’t you sign?

My education has always been important to me and my parents. Going to college has been something I’ve always wanted to do. I got drafted by the Braves as a pitcher and I didn’t want to give up hitting.

How many different pitches do you throw?

Three. A fastball, a slider and a change. I’m working on a sinker. My fastball runs around 89-91, but I have hit as high as 93. My slider is my out pitch.

Describe yourself as a pitcher?

I like to challenge guys and come in on a hitter. Especially with the wooden bat.

You’ve had some physical problems this summer, how has that effected your game?

In April I pulled a lat muscle and was out for four weeks. I tried pitching at the end of the season, but it still bothered me. Then I got tendonitis. I feel good now.

Things can get pretty hot at third base. What’s the toughest play to make?

For me its the hard hit back handed play going toward the line. I’m moving away from first base. It’s a difficult angle.

What kind of a hitter are you?

I’m a fastball hitter. I like the gaps. When things are going good I’ll hit a lot of doubles. Usually I am a lot more patient at the plate than I have been this summer.

Who has taught you the most about baseball?

My dad, Mitchell, has taught me everything I know about the game. He has worked with me since I was five and has taught me the basics and given me a good mental approach.

What is the best baseball advice anyone has every given you?

That its a game of ups and downs and you can’t hang your head when things aren’t going well for you.

If given the opportunity would you return to the Cape League next summer?

Yes, if nothing works out in the draft. It helps to play against this caliber of player.

What major league player would you like to model your career after?

Chipper Jones. I like the way he plays. He has a great attitude.