DP Spotlight: Alex Cunningham
DP Spotlight - Alex Cunningham, Byrnes High School: With his final season as a Rebel on the horizon, Alex Cunningham has a lot to look forward to in the coming years. However, before the recent Coastal Carolina commit becomes a Chanticleer, he will look to finish his campaign at Byrnes High School with a state title. The 6'1/170 shortstop took the time with DP to elaborate on his future expectations and what makes Alex the player and person he is today.
Diamond Prospects-You have committed to Coastal Carolina, what factors led to that decision? What other schools did you select them over?
Alex Cunningham-I selected them over Clemson, College of Charleston, and other small schools. I loved everything about Coastal and felt it was the best fit for me.
DP-Why do you think they recruited you?
AC-Hopefully because I'm a good player and have a chance to make an impact right away
DP-What is your greatest high school thrill?
AC-Going to state
DP-Where does your love for baseball come from?
AC-My dad, but also because I feel powerful on the field
DP-What has travel ball done for your baseball career?
AC-It really got me on scout's radar
DP-Who are the three toughest pitchers/hitters you have faced?
AC-Hitters: Hunter Cole, Steven Duggar, and Taylor McCuen; Pitchers: Daniel Gossett, Madison Younginer, Jordan Montgomery
DP-What do you think your teammates thoughts are on the attention from colleges that you've gotten?
AC-I hope they're happy for me and I hope they show out when the scouts are there for me
DP-A successful 2012 for your high school team is:
AC-State!!
DP-Who are the three best underclassmen in South Carolina that you know of?
AC-Reed Rholman (Byrnes, OF); Adam Renwick (Dorman, INF)
DP-What anxieties do you have about entering college?
AC-I'm scared I'm going to get lost and be overwhelmed with work
DP-What is the toughest adjustment you expect after high school on and off the field?
AC-Off the field I worry about how I'm going to spend my time; on the field the competition is going to be a lot better
DP-Tell us why you believe you'll succeed beyond high school in this game:
AC-Because I have good work ethic and will do whatever it takes to succeed
DP-What areas of your game do you need to work on the most to improve before you hit the college practice field?
AC-Hitting
DP-What is the biggest crowd you've ever performed in front of and where?
AC-State game at White Knoll
DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a person and why?
AC-My parents, they've molded me into who I am today
DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball player and why?
AC-Dad, he is always willing to work with me and instilled in me how to play the game
DP-What does the term "student-athlete" mean to you?
AC-Have to balance school and ball to where I make good grades and succeed on the field
DP-What do you intend to major in?
AC-Pre-pharmacy
DP-What MLB feat in history do you wish you'd been inside the stadium to witness and why?
AC-I wish I could have seen Derek's 3000th
DP-Who is your favorite athlete outside of baseball and why?
AC-Peyton Manning; he's just an all around good guy and amazing QB
DP-Who is your favorite MLB pitcher and position player and why?
AC-Position player: Jose Reyes
DP-Who is your favorite MLB team?
AC-Braves
DP-What do you think about the Designated Hitter in MLB?
AC-I think it's a great position
DP-What is your favorite sport to play other than baseball?
AC-Football
DP-What is your favorite sport to watch other than baseball?
AC-Football
DP-What are some of your hobbies?
AC-Fishing and hanging out w friends
DP-Use three words to describe yourself:
AC-Loyal, Calm, Smart
DP-Do you have a Twitter account? If so, who's your favorite person to follow?
AC-No
DP-Who is your favorite actor and actress?
AC-Actor: Ryan Reynolds; Actress: Tara Reid
DP-What is your favorite movie?
AC-The Breakfast Club
DP-What is your favorite thing to watch on television?
AC-Baseball
DP-What type of music do you prefer?
AC-Country or Rap
DP-What is (or would be) your ‘intro' song?
AC-Rap
DP-What is your favorite video game?
AC-Slugfest
DP-What is your favorite meal?
AC-Turkey and dressing with mac and cheese
DP-What goals do you have for yourself in and out of baseball?
AC-I hope to make it to the major leagues one day
DP-If you could have dinner with three people in history, who would they be and why?
AC-Bo Jackson because he's the best all-time athlete, Bob Marley because he's cool, and Bill Dance to ask him his fishing secrets
DP-Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
AC-Hopefully still playing ball
DP-You have been a participant in the Palmetto Games, in what way has that added to your high school baseball experience?
AC-I have met a lot of good ball players and became friends with them, its all about relationships
DP-What are your thoughts on what Diamond Prospects has done for kids in the state of South Carolina?
AC-I think it's a great way for kids to get exposure
DP-Give a young high school player who is reading this article one piece of advice:
AC-Always work hard to achieve your goals, and go after your dream; do whatever it takes.
