News Summary

The Turner Ashby High School baseball program in Bridgewater, Virginia, has established a rich tradition since its inception in 1956. With seven state championships and notable alumni, including three Major League Baseball players, the program continues to thrive. Celebrating its 1,000th win in March 2023, Turner Ashby remains a beacon of excellence, fostering community pride and inspiring young athletes with its legacy of success.

Bridgewater, Virginia: A Baseball Legacy at Turner Ashby High School

If you’re from the friendly town of Bridgewater, you know that baseball isn’t just a sport—it’s a deep-rooted tradition that the community holds near and dear. At the heart of this legacy is the Turner Ashby High School baseball program, which has been creating magic on the diamond since it opened in 1956. Located in Dayton initially and moving to Bridgewater in 1989, this program has not only garnered respect but has built a legacy that shines brightly in the Virginia high school baseball scene.

A Triumph of Champions

Let’s rewind to 1971, when the Knights’ baseball team clinched their very first state title. Since that monumental victory, the Knights have continued to enjoy a successful streak, proudly claiming a total of seven state championships. This impressive achievement ties them for second place in Virginia with J.J. Kelly High School, who holds bragging rights with nine titles. Now that’s a baseball rivalry worth cheering for!

In late March 2023, the Turner Ashby baseball program celebrated a remarkable milestone: their 1,000th win. Achieving this feat showcases not only talent but also a commitment to excellence that resonates through the years.

Major League Dreams

Ever wonder how many players a high school can send to the big leagues? Turner Ashby can proudly boast about producing three Major League Baseball alumni: Alan Knicley, Brian Bocock, and Brenan Hanifee. While these three are on the grand stage of MLB, numerous other alumni have made their mark at college and minor league levels. The Rockingham County Baseball League Hall of Fame has welcomed nearly 20 members from Turner Ashby. Talk about making a name for yourself!

A Beacon of Excellence

Currently, Turner Ashby stands tall as one of Virginia’s top three high school baseball programs. Former head coach Ray Heatwole played a significant role in that success, steering the Knights to over 300 wins and three state titles. His legacy doesn’t end there; he’s a proud member of multiple Halls of Fame and even coached the Dukes of James Madison University where he trained a squad boasting four future MLB pitchers. You could say he has an eye for talent!

Former players aren’t just resting on their laurels either. Mike Bocock, a Turner Ashby alumni, has built a noteworthy coaching career in the Valley Baseball League, earning his spot in that league’s Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, the current coach, Daniel Bowman, not only played at Coastal Carolina but also reached the Double-A level in his professional career. He’s continuing the strong tradition of excellence that Turner Ashby has worked hard to establish.

Impressive Records

The VHSL record book is teeming with impressive performances from Turner Ashby players. Who could forget Mike Estes and his extraordinary 13 wins in 1975, which ties him for the most wins in a single season among Virginia public high school pitchers? The program’s dominion over pitching is further highlighted by the top three career ERA leaders in Virginia, all emerging from Turner Ashby: Fred Hill (0.17), J.D. McCurdy (0.32), and Mike Estes (0.42)! That’s some serious pitching prowess!

Moreover, the program has achieved the remarkable feat of not allowing any runs in an entire season by three incredible pitchers: Dave Lineweaver (1967), Doug Heatwole (1969), and Fred Hill (1970). Turner Ashby’s legacy of championships spans across three decades: the 1970s, the 2000s, and the 2010s. Impressive, right?

A Community Proud of Its Heritage

The combined count of state titles and MLB alumni for both Turner Ashby and Madison High School stands at an impressive 10. With Madison contributing six state titles and four MLB alumni, baseball isn’t just a game; it’s a community affair. Just take a peek at the success from other Virginia schools, particularly those from the Tidewater region, which have churned out MLB talent as well!

For the residents of Bridgewater, Turner Ashby High School’s baseball program is more than just a collection of players and records. It’s a passion that has united communities, created legacies, and inspired countless young players to dream big. Here’s to the Knights and the thrilling journey yet to come!

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