Oklahoma State University Athletics
Senior Duo Looks Forward to Successful Campaign
June 06, 2003 | Cowboy Baseball
Last year, the duo arrived in Stillwater via Indian River College with thoughts of leading the Cowboys to their second consecutive trip to the College World Series.
Instead the 2000 squad suffered through a 36-22 season in which the Cowboys failed to win 40 games for the first time since 1979 and did not reach the postseason for the first time since 1980. A distinction that does not sit well with the pair.
"After the disappointing season, I was embarrassed. I am still embarrassed, and I will be embarrassed until we do something special," Heal said.
A native of Staten Island, New York, Heal spent much of the season as a backup catcher and part-time designated hitter before finding his niche toward the end of the season as a relief pitcher.
Heal posted modest numbers in his three appearances on the mound last year, but showcased a fastball that reached the mid-90s on the radar gun. His velocity turned more than a few heads in the professional ranks and was enough to merit his selection in the 12th round of the draft by Baltimore.
Despite a six-figure offer from the Orioles, there was something that the pro ranks could not offer - a trip to Omaha and the CWS.
"I expected to come here and do something special. Money aside, draft aside, that is something (missing the postseason) that you have to live with the rest of your life," Heal explained. "I want to experience what those guys felt when they went to the College World Series, their run through regionals and all those close games they won."
Instead of signing on the dotted line, Heal, as well as Scott and Cowboy infielder Nebasett Brown, headed to the Cape Cod League summer league to hone their skills and prepare for a run at college baseball's top prize.
"The mentality coming out of junior college is to sign, but we hadn't experienced a season here. This is big and we didn't realize how big a deal it is. College baseball is a great experience," Heal said.
Competing for the Falmouth Commodores, Heal pitched in 11 games, winning twice and bolstering his velocity to 97 mph.
Scott was expected to fill the void left in the outfield by the departure All-American Lamont Matthews. However, an injured right elbow caused a change in plans.
Because of the need for a left-handed bat in the lineup, Scott was forced to move to first base. It was a move that was thought to be temporary, but lasted the entire season.
"Progress was minimal and my arm was not improving. Some days it was getting worse and the recovery process was just not fast enough," Scott said.
The injury not only affected Scott physically, but mentally as well.
"It took away from me as a player because I like to be thought of as a complete player - someone who can run, throw and hit. I was hoping for the arm injury to get better and it never did, so it really started to drag on me," Scott said.
In the first 13 games of the year, Scott failed to provide the offensive punch the Cowboys needed, producing only two home runs and 12 RBIs.
Scott showed signs of regaining his form during a six-game stretch that began against Nebraska. The DeLand, Fla., native collected seven hits, including two home runs, in 15 plate appearances while driving in eight runs.
Just as he was starting to show signs of life offensively, the injury bug bit once again. In a game against Kansas, Scott suffered another setback when he injured his wrist sliding into home plate.
The pain in Scott's wrist made it difficult for the slugger to drive through the ball, resulting in a loss of power and, more importantly, his confidence.
"I had to learn to take a walk because my confidence dipped in my hitting. I went up there trying to work a walk so I could help the team since I wasn't 100 percent with the bat," Scott said.
Scott's batting average plummeted to .268 on the season before finishing the year with a 20-for-47 effort in the Cowboys' final 14 contests. Nonetheless, his .312 batting average, 12 home runs and 59 RBIs were deemed sub-par by the slugger's standards and helped decide his future plans.
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays selected Scott in the 45th round of the draft, but were unable to entice him to forgo his senior campaign.
"They drafted my in the 45th round, but offered me 12th-round money. I had my heart set on coming back because I didn't want to go out as a member of the team that was the first in 20 years to not make a regional," Scott said. "It would have left a bad taste in my mouth and would have haunted me if I had signed."
The 210-pound slugger believes that the Cowboys' success will take care of his future in the game.
"If you put everything into the team and do everything to help the team win, the draft will take care of itself."
With the future in mind, Scott packed his bags and headed east to regain the form that made him one of the most highly-recruited hitters in the junior college ranks two seasons ago.
He did just that in a league that uses wooden bats and a collection of some of the best players college baseball has to offer.
In 44 games, Scott clubbed a league-best 11 home runs and drove in 27 runs, good for third in the league.
"It was a good experience and I think we got a lot out of going against some of the best players in college baseball," Scott said.
With the 2001 season just around the corner, the tandem has their sights clearly set on the task at hand.
"I am ten times the pitcher that I was. I am more confident that I can throw strikes with three pitches and I think I can help this team out," Heal said.
The strong-armed closer with the bulldog attitude feels this team can return the Cowboys to national prominence.
"I want to play for the national championship. It is going to be a different attitude out there and we are going to take each game seriously."
As for Scott, he looks to enter the season injury free and welcomes the opportunity to assume his duties in right field once again.
"I like playing right field for a reason because there is an attitude in right field. Your right fielder is one of your exceptional hitters and he has good speed and a really good arm," Scott said.
"I thrive not only on hitting, but defense as well. I want to be that guy with the all-around defense that is a five-tool player."
Scott looks to the Cowboys' storied past to help this year's team achieve their goals.
"Look at the 1999 team. They are a good example because of the leadership they had. Those guys never gave up."
With the attitude and talent we have this year we have a chance to do something special."
