Elsewhere on today’s sports page is a story about three Bainbridge High School Bearcats baseball players, senior left-handed pitcher Marty Anderson, sophomore first baseman Blake Voyles and senior catcher Drew Kelley, being honored by the Region 1AAAA coaches for their outstanding seasons.

All three were named first-team All-Region 1AAAA and Anderson was named Region 1AAAA pitcher of the year.

In talking with BHS head baseball coach Scott Miller Monday, he praised all three of his players for their outstanding play and work ethic and talked about all those who have helped them along the way.

He talked about the strong positive influence of their parents and their coaches in youth baseball.

He also emphasized the strong work ethic that all three possess.

All of what coach Miller says is true, but in my mind, there is one more positive influence that has helped all three outstanding players develop their talents to the fullest.

While he is too modest and reluctant to talk about himself, Coach Scott Miller is a true positive influence on all his players.

A devout Christian, he imparts his positive values to his players on a daily basis.

Marty Anderson, Blake Voyles and Drew Kelley and many other Bearcats baseball players have benefited from Coach Miller’s strong influence during his eight years as Bearcats head baseball coach.

Before coming to Bainbridge, Coach Miller led the Marianna (Fla.) High School Bulldogs to the school’s first state baseball championship in 1999. Jeff Mathis, one of Miller’s players in Marianna, is now the starting catcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Marty and Drew have both earned college baseball scholarships under his leadership. Blake, although just a sophomore last season, has been selected to play in a very elite summer baseball program.

Marty will be playing for the Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College Stallions in Tifton, Ga., next season and Drew will be playing for the Valdosta State University Blazers in Valdosta, Ga.

Blake is playing with the Marucci Elite baseball organization of Baton Rouge, La.

Marucci Elite brings together strong players from as far away as California, New York and South Florida.

Next week, Coach Miller’ Bearcats varsity and junior varsity summer baseball teams will be hosting their annual summer Wood Bat Tournament.

While Georgia high school teams still use aluminum bats during the regular season, players who have aspirations to play professional baseball some day need to learn how to hit with a wooden bat.

The complete schedule of the tournament appears in today’s sports section.

Come on out, enjoy the games, and get a first hand look at Coach Millers 2012 Diamond Bearcats.