Pirates Making Big Waves on Team USA and MLB
Pensacola State College's baseball program has a long, rich history of being a catalyst for great talent and the start of many successful careers ─ in the Major League and the business world.
That storied saga adds a new chapter this summer as four former PSC Pirates took to bigger stages to showcase their talents on the ballfield.
Infielder/outfielder Blaydon Plain and catcher Michael Young played in the Netherlands ─ representing the United States as part of the NJCAA Team USA during Honkbal (Baseball) Week in Haarlem held July 12-19.
Team USA finished second, behind Japan, in one of the most prestigious amateur tournaments in the world.
Former PSC standouts, first baseman Darrien McDowell and right-handed pitcher Jack Sokol, are moving on to the majors.
The San Diego Padres selected McDowell in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB Draft, while Sokol signed with the New York Yankees on July 19 following the draft's conclusion.
Plain and Young made their mark at PSC in the last two seasons. Both earned multiple "Players of the Week" accolades, Panhandle Conference team titles, and appearances at state tournaments. Plain also holds the record for home runs in a single season with the Pirates.
Young said playing in the Netherlands and competing against teams from other countries was fascinating.
"It means the world to play for and represent our country. I think it's the greatest honor to be able to play alongside some of the best JUCO players in the nation to try and win gold here," he said while in the Netherlands. "I was chosen for Team USA by going through a selection process throughout the season based on how I played."
He lauded PSC for improving his skills and opening the door to incredible opportunities.
"Coach (Bryan) Lewallyn (PSC Head Baseball Coach and Athletic Director) runs one of the top programs in the country. His program helps you develop as a player, but more importantly, it helps you grow and mature as a man," Young noted. "Coach Lew and his staff helped me grow into the person I am, and now I have the honor of representing the USA and PSC."
Playing on Team USA was a dream come true, Plain shared last week.
"It is a true blessing to play alongside some of the best JUCO players in the nation, but an even bigger honor to compete against all of the other countries," he said, noting the experience has been unforgettable and something he will cherish.
"But what makes this whole trip even more fun is being able to experience it with one of my best friends and former PSC teammates. Mike and I have had the opportunity of a lifetime to be here, but it certainly wasn't the easiest thing to accomplish."
Plain also acknowledged PSC with preparing them for the challenges of playing at the Team USA level.
"All of the things that we have learned and adopted into our habits and lifestyle have given us a chance to represent our country. Even though we are well over 4,000 miles from home, we will always be Pirates and thankful for the PSC community," he added.
Lewallyn said that the former Pirates were right in the middle of the action- noting that Young was the first Team USA member to score a run.
MLB Draftees
Former PSC standouts, first baseman Darrien McDowell and right-handed pitcher Jack Sokol, are moving on to the majors.
The San Diego Padres selected McDowell in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB Draft, while Sokol signed with the New York Yankees on July 19 following the draft's conclusion.
A native of the Pensacola area and Tate High School graduate, McDowell played two seasons for the Pirates, overlapping his last season with Plain and Young. McDowell then found a home across town with the University of West Florida Argos. Once there, he continued to sharpen his skills and became a top-performing athlete.
McDowell – the first Argo to be drafted since 2015 ─ said becoming an MLB player is something he has wished for since he was a young child.
" I didn't know at first who was going to draft me with having multiple calls. The Padres seemed the most interested and ultimately selected me," he shared. "It means a lot to me and my family because I have dreamed about this moment since I was 5. My family has helped me along this journey and kept me on track. They also love the game that I love to play, and I am so thankful for them."
McDowell attributes his time as a Pirate with helping prepare him for the next level.
"PSC taught me that baseball is a kid's game and that you don't have much time before you know it. It could be over with," he said. "I didn't start my freshman year right off the bat, but as soon as I got my opportunity to prove who I was and that my knee surgery wouldn't stop me from being the best player I could be. I want to thank all my supporters who have pushed me on this journey."
Lewallyn noted that McDowell was an excellent choice for the Padres.
"And we aren't just biased. McDowell was the 2024 Gulf South Conference Player of the Year and named All-American by NCBWA, D2Baseball and ABCA. Before finishing his career as an Argo, he took with him the UWF record for career home runs with 41, a slugging percentage of .769, and an on-base percentage of .517," Lewallyn added.
Sokol, a right-handed pitcher, started his collegiate career at Auburn University in 2021, following an outstanding prep career in Ohio. He played at PSC before moving to the University of Pittsburgh before the 2023 season.
Sokol said he met with the Yankees during the preseason and was invited to a pre-draft workout after the season ended.
"I had been in contact with them up until the draft. Then, on the last day of the draft, the scout who worked in my area called me and offered me an opportunity to sign with them and start a process career with the Yankees," he explained, adding he is beyond excited and grateful to be in this position.
"My parents have dedicated much time and money to getting me to where I am. I am truly blessed and thankful for them. Every day, I try to remind myself to play in God's name and remember how much my parents have sacrificed for me to be where I am. Although I have an amazing opportunity to play pro ball, I don't want to lose focus of what the end goal is – the MLB."
Sokol said he will never forget his time at PSC and Coach Lewallyn.
"Although I was given a great opportunity, nothing was given. I had to work hard and dig down to see what my goals were for my future," Sokol recalled.
"My time at Pensacola State helped me mentally and physically. Understanding I was uncommitted with only one season to play, as I transferred from Auburn to Pensacola over the winter of 2021-2022, was very unsettling at the time. Playing in the Panhandle Conference gave me opportunities to be seen, and it was also the best JUCO conference in the country. Ultimately, going the JUCO route was a huge step in discovering what I was made of and what type of player I could be."
Darrien McDowell