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More Kudos for Coaching Staff
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July 8, 2010
2:18 p.m.
CHARLOTTESVILLE – If you’ve read the story I posted last night about UVa pitcher Scott Silverstein, you know that his father, Steve, is a huge fan of Brian O’Connor and the rest of the coaching staff.
In seven seasons at Virginia, O’Connor has a record of 316-118-1, with seven trips to the NCAA tournament. The Cavaliers reached the College World Series in 2009 and the deciding game of an NCAA super regional this year.
In Steve Silverstein’s opinion, O’Connor’s success is due in large part to the UVa skipper’s refusal to compromise in recruiting.
“I’ve learned so much from O’Connor these last two years, watching him,” the elder Silverstein said.
“When he recruits a kid, he’s also recruiting how they’re going to fit into the team, and he also looks at the parents, whether the parents are going to be obnoxious or overbearing. I think he’s looking for team chemistry as much as he’s looking for talent. He sets the stage in terms of integrity and commitment, and he’s just making sure that a kid that comes on the team can easily be molded to fit his program.”
Injuries have marred the college career of Scott Silverstein, who graduated from high school in 2008. He has yet to pitch for the Wahoos, and he had to take a medical redshirt this season after having his left shoulder operated on for the second time.
Still, Silverstein said, the “coaches have stuck with me. It might have been real easy for them to just say, ‘You know what, we’re going to move on, and go home and go to community college.’ And I’m just thankful they helped me.”
O’Connor’s assistants are Kevin McMullan, Karl Kuhn and Eddie Smith. Kuhn, the Cavaliers’ pitching coach, works regularly with Silverstein, as does athletic trainer Brian McGuire.