CLEVELAND HIGH BASEBALL standout Jeb Scoggins, seated second from left, has signed to play for the Cleveland State Community College Cougars. Joining the young athlete at a signing ceremony this week were, seated from left, his father Brian Scoggins, mother Kelly and sister Jenna. Standing at the rear are, from left, Cleveland High Athletic Director Mike Collier, Cleveland Middle coach Mike Conley, CSCC baseball coach Mike Poliscastro, Jeb’s grandparents Jim Scoggins and Stacy and Sharon Bowen, and coaches Scott Carroll, Dave Altopp, Danny Carson and Ted Carson. Banner photo, LARRY C. BOWERS
“We’re looking at him predominantly as a pitcher,” said Policastro. “We feel this is his best opportunity, but he can play at several positions.”
The Cleveland State coach said Scoggins pitched a number of good games this season for the Raiders, “and he developed a lot.”
Coach Carson, who has had Scoggins for the past four years, said his star hurler posted a 5-3 record in 59 innings with approximately 100 strikeouts. His ERA was only 1.42.
“He’s a great team player, versatile, has great character, a good work ethic and good grades,” said Scoggins’ high school coach.
Carson indicated the coaching staff may have hindered Scoggins’ development somewhat because they used him in so many positions ... pitching, catching and on the infield.
Policastro and Carson attended a signing ceremony in the Cleveland High library Thursday which was attended by Scoggins’ family, friends and coaches from all his years in the Cleveland school system.
His parents, Brian and Kelly Scoggins, are pleased with their son’s decision to attend CSCC. Scoggins’ father also played baseball at Cleveland State, so his son is following in his footsteps.
His grandfather, Jim Scoggins, has long been involved in baseball, coaching all his sons — including Jeb’s father.
Jeb’s younger sister Jenna was a standout athlete at Cleveland Middle and is expected to join coach Rachel Moore’s Cleveland High basketball program next year.
Scoggins said he has been playing baseball since he was 2, and started competitively in T-ball at 3. He was a starter for the Raiders all four years in high school, mostly on the mound or behind the plate.
“I enjoy pitching the most,” he said, “because I like to be in control of the game.”
Scoggins said he really enjoyed his years at Cleveland Middle and at Cleveland High. “The coaches all treated me like I was their son,” he said.
Scoggins said he looked at some other colleges and opportunities before deciding to attend Cleveland State. “I received an offer from Lincoln Memorial University (in Harrogate), but feel like I need to go to Cleveland State,” he said.
“My options are big at CSCC,” he added. “I will receive a good education, and after two years I can attend a four-year program (perhaps LMU) or I might even be considered for the college baseball draft,” and a chance to possibly play professionally, he said.
