Local Sports
Woodard trying to get back into MLB
By Justin GravesSteve Woodard knows that second chances don’t come around often — especially in Major League Baseball.
So when the former Hartselle High pitcher got an opportunity to resurrect his professional baseball career, he wasn’t going to take it for granted.
Early last week, Woodard — whose professional baseball career ended with Oakland in 2004 — signed with the Florida Marlins organization.
Woodard is currently going through an extended spring training session in Florida, but hopes to join the Marlins’ Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque, N.M. in the next few weeks.
“I really didn’t realize how much I loved baseball until my career was over,” Woodard said during a phone interview Wednesday. “So I’m grateful for this opportunity, and I intend on making the most of it.”
When Woodard retired in 2004, he had no intentions of making a comeback. But that changed after Woodard met former Vinemont High baseball coach Mike Cupp, who introduced the Hartselle native to Triple Play Sports Academy strength and conditioning coach Steve Johnson.
“I became friends with Coach Cupp, and he introduced me to Steve,” Woodard said. “If I hadn’t been for Coach Cupp, I probably never would have tried to make a comeback. But after he introduced me to Steve, I started working out at TPSA.
“That’s why I’ve been able to get to this point.”
According to Woodard, he worked out with Johnson five days a week starting in the summer of ’07. During that time, he also threw at least three bullpen sessions a week.
“It was an intense program,” Woodard said. “Steve really pushed me hard. I even threw up a couple of times. But that’s what I wanted. I wanted to be pushed.
“Before I started working out at TPSA, I weighed 280. I’m down to 220 now, and I feel great. This is probably the best shape I’ve ever been in.”
While working out at TPSA, Woodard said he got to know several local baseball players. In fact, Woodard said he used Cullman High junior Kyle Haga as his catcher during the summer months.
“When I would be at TPSA working out in the morning, some of Cullman’s baseball players would be in there working out,” Woodard said. “Watching those young players workout — seeing how much baseball means to them — really motivated me.
“Kyle Haga caught me a lot during the summer months, and A.J. Johnson helped catch me some after Wallace State finished playing. I really appreciate all the help those guys gave me.”
Now that Woodard has received his second chance, he doesn’t intend to let it go to waste. Woodard said his two bullpen sessions in Florida have gone well, and he was solid during a simulated game earlier this week.
Woodard said if all goes well during his first start this weekend, he could be with the Albuquerque Isotopes by as early as next week.
“Before I left, Steve and (TPSA director) Brent Bowen helped me put together a workout program,” Woodard said. “I really appreciate everything those guys did. If it wasn’t for them, I probably wouldn’t have gotten a second chance.”
- Local Sports
-
- WALLACE STATE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Lions grab win in season opener
- PREP FOOTBALL: Tigers end Fairview’s season with rout
-
PREP FOOTBALL: EARLY WAKE-UP CALL
There were no postgame celebrations. Just handshakes and somber faces as the players made their way off the field.
Cullman High had just defeated Wenonah 21-6 in the opening round of the Class 5A playoffs, but the postgame vibe felt more like a Bearcats loss. -
PREP FOOTBALL: Red Devils ambush Eagles
ELKMONT — The Vinemont Eagles were ambushed Friday night at Boss Hill Stadium. With the game tied 7-7, Elkmont High exploded for five touchdowns in less than six minutes late in the first half en route to a 56-7 victory in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs.
- More than 40 local runners qualify for state cross country meet
-
PREP VOLLEYBALL: Addison senior inks scholarship with Wallace St.
ADDISON — For the last couple years, Kaydi Langley knew exactly where she wanted to go to college.
After Thursday, Langley’s wish is now reality. -
PREP FOOTBALL: Postseason deja vu
Wenonah High versus Cullman. Sound familiar?
It should. These two teams played in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs last year.
And they’ll meet again tonight in the exact same scenario. -
TALKIN' PREPS: Playoff-bound Aggies keep moving in the right direction
FAIRVIEW — Outside the home locker room at Fairview High, the celebration was loud enough that you almost thought you were part of the team.
-
RECLASS SHAKES UP AREA
No one at West Point High was surprised when the Alabama High School Athletic Association released its reclassification numbers for the 2010-12 school years.
West Point’s return to Class 4A was short-lived. When the ’10 football season begins next fall, the Warriors will be playing in Class 5A, Region 6 alongside Cullman, Hartselle and Walker.
-
PREP BASKETBALL: Cullman uses late push to beat Clay-Chalkville
CULLMAN — Morgan Smith didn’t deliver a freshman performance in her second varsity basketball game.
- More Local Sports Headlines
