12/28/2025
Today was one of those days that reminds you exactly why we do this and why the 740 Vipers travel baseball organization continues to grow and move in the right direction. We had the opportunity to host a hitting and baseball IQ clinic, and it was nothing short of special. From the moment it started, the energy in the facility was high, the focus was real, and the love for the game was evident in every drill, conversation, and teaching moment.
First and foremost, I want to thank Coach Heath Watton for leading the day and sharing his hitting excellence with our players. Coach Watton brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion, and he has a way of connecting with players that truly makes an impact. The attention to detail, the breakdown of mechanics, and the emphasis on approach and mindset were invaluable. Our players didn’t just get reps today, they gained understanding, and that is what separates good instruction from great instruction.
A huge thank you also goes to Coach John Hamilton. Coach Hamilton has dedicated countless hours to this game and to developing young athletes the right way. I was fortunate enough to play both against Coach Watton and Coach Hamilton, and even more fortunate to play for Coach Hamilton. Having been on the field with and under the guidance of these two men gives me a deep appreciation for what they bring to the table. They are not just coaches, they are teachers of the game and mentors who genuinely care about the players they work with.
Both Coach Watton and Coach Hamilton continue to dedicate their time to helping coach the game they love, and that dedication does not go unnoticed. Their willingness to pour into local athletes speaks volumes about who they are and what they stand for. We cannot thank them enough for investing in our organization and our players.
I also want to thank Coach Stoneburner for creating the opportunity that lies ahead for the 740 Vipers. We knew this day would come, but I can’t express enough how much effort he has put in to get us to where we are at this point, especially so early on. Behind the scenes, the planning, the conversations, and the vision have all been leading to moments like today. Coach Stoneburner truly cares about local baseball and about creating real opportunities for local baseball players to grow, learn, and compete.
Today was a perfect example of what can happen when the right people come together for the right reasons. These coaches show, through their actions, how much they care about the future of the game in our area. They are building more than baseball players, they are helping shape confident, knowledgeable young athletes who understand the game at a deeper level.
Coach Stoneburner put it best today when he said, “Once a Viper, always a Viper.” When he told me that, it all made sense. The Vipers have always played with the utmost energy and excitement. It’s more than a name or a logo, it’s a culture. It’s a bond that connects past players, current players, and future players through a shared love for the game and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Days like today reinforce that culture. They remind us that this organization is about opportunity, development, and passion. Thank you to everyone who made today possible, and thank you to the coaches who continue to give back to the game and to our kids. The future of 740 Vipers baseball is bright, and today was another strong step forward!
