Trojans' Hatley hits milestone

Tom Hatley never dreamed of playing in the major leagues.

"By the eighth grade, all I wanted to do was coach high school baseball and be an athletic director," said Hatley, who does both at James Island. "That's all I wanted to do"

Hatley chose baseball and he's watched the milestones pass by. He gained his 400th career victory Wednesday night, a 10-0 decision over Colleton County. He gives all the credit to his assistant coaches and players.

"I've never had an original thought or idea as a coach. I saw what worked for other coaches, what made them successful, and I copied it. It's as simple as that," Hatley said. "We've had wonderful kids, great support from the community and school. That's where it all starts."

Hatley, who became the 13th baseball coach in state history to reach 400 victories, grew up in North Carolina and attended East Mecklenburg High. The school's athletic director was Dick Williams, a man who would become Hatley's role model and mentor. Hatley attended The Citadel and served two stints there as an assistant coach from 1981-83 and from 1989-91. The 1990 team reached the College World Series. The memories of that magical season still remain.

"The College World Series was everything I thought it would be," Hatley said. "It was eight days of being on top of the world."

Hatley was an assistant under Chal Port, the legendary Citadel coach.

"That's where I learned everything about baseball and coaching," Hatley said.

He learned his lessons well.

He landed the job at James Island and has spent 21 years as the coach. He's won seven region titles and two state championships. The Trojans won the 1994 Class AAA state championship over Fort Mill and repeated the feat in '96, topping Riverside for the crown.

"We had great pitching on both teams," he said. "Every kid on that team loved playing baseball. Neither team was the best one I coached. The '99 team was the best team I ever coached. We won 31 games in a row. That will get you to 400 really fast."

The Trojans were 33-1 heading into the Class AAAA state championship series against Lexington, which was 30-2 and No. 18 in the USA Today Super 25 poll. Lexington won the series and state championship, two games to one.

The Trojans haven't been back to the state championship series since, but they are off to another promising season with a 7-0 record.

There are three seniors on the team who have provided the correct blend of chemistry and leadership: Matt Porter, Trey Walter and Joe Boudolf.

The team has young players who have produced. Junior first baseman John Fissel went 1 for 1 with two walks and an RBI in the win over Colleton County, while junior shortstop Joey Wilson went 2 for 4 with an RBI. Sophomore pitcher Josh Escoffier pitched a one-hitter, striking out eight batters to push his record to 2-0.

After the game, the James Island Athletic Booster Club presented Hatley with a sign to commemorate the milestone. The booster club presented his wife, Joyce, a necklace for all her sacrifices and support throughout the years.

"We play Summerville (tonight) and Stratford Monday, and both games are on the road. Both teams are in the top 10. We'll see if they are still applauding Monday night," Hatley said with a laugh.