REDWOLVES NOTEBOOK: Davis enjoys success in first season as ORU assistant

FLORENCE — Wes Davis’ first year in Division I baseball turned out to be better than perhaps he expected.
Serving as an assistant coach at Oral Roberts, the 27-year-old Florence RedWolves skipper helped the Golden Eagles to an NCAA regional appearance in Tempe, Ariz., May 29-31.
The Golden Eagles went 2-2 in the regional and were eliminated by Arizona State.
“We lost a lot of players we weren’t expecting to lose in the (Major League Baseball) draft last year,” Davis said. “The guys we had come back played hard, though, and really overachieved a little bit.
“Being part of the NCAA Tournament at that level was a really good time and a good learning experience. It was a lot of fun.”
Before landing the Oral Roberts job, Davis worked as an assistant at the University of Texas-Tyler.
The Oklahoma native also has served as a hitting coach for the Wilson Tobs of the Coastal Plain league and the Kenai Peninsula Oilers of the Alaskan League.
Davis played college ball at Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kan., and Oklahoma Baptist.
“I think I had a pretty good idea early on that I didn’t have what it takes to play professionally,” Davis said. “While I was still playing junior college ball, I started coaching some American Legion teams and things like that back in Oklahoma.
“I just want to stay in the game of baseball as long as the Lord will let me. I don’t have a set dream, per say. I just want to be in the game, enjoy it, learn from it and have an impact on the lives of young men.”
Davis’ brother, Stockton, played at Oral Roberts and pitched three seasons in the minor leagues for the Montreal Expos. He’s now training to be a police officer.

Undrafted, undeterred
Not being selected in this week’s MLB draft has not diminished Barrett Kleinknecht’s love for the game.
In fact, the snub has fueled his passion.
“I can’t control anything other than just to work even harder and bust it for next year,” said Kleinknecht, the RedWolves’ shortstop out of Francis Marion. “Who knows? Two weeks from now, there might be some guys who don’t sign and a free agent contract might come my way.”
Kleinknecht says he might try to attend a pro tryout, something he hasn’t done since trying out with the Atlanta Braves in Myrtle Beach during his junior year at West Florence High School.
“You run the 60, take some ground balls and throw across the infield,” Kleinknecht said of his tryout with the Braves. “Out of about 60 guys there, I was one of a handful they asked to stick around and hit.
“I guess I did all right, but I wasn’t anywhere near where I’m at now physically. I didn’t have the pop or the speed then that I have now.”
In 15 games with the RedWolves this summer, Kleinknecht is batting a team-high .347 (17-for-49) with a double, a home run and eight RBI.

In good shape
Other than second baseman Herman Petzold (groin) and pitcher Matt Jebb (arm fatigue), the RedWolves have been able to stay healthy through the first three weeks of the season.
“One of the battles you fight in summer baseball is trying to keep these guys healthy,” Davis said. “They’re not used to playing six or seven games a week.
“They’re working hard and taking care of business in the weight room and nutritionally.”
Petzold was scratched from the starting lineup in Florence’s win over Wilson Friday night, but he struck out pinch-hitting in the bottom of the eighth inning and played third base in the ninth.
In nine games, Petzold is batting .192 (5-for-26) with two doubles and four RBI.
“He didn’t feel good with the lateral movements at second base (before Friday’s game),” Davis said. “He can hit and run in a straight line, but side-to-side is a little tough.
“He’s day to day. We’ll probably rest him again (Saturday night at Columbia) and we’re off Sunday, so he’ll have another day there to get ready for Monday’s game.”
Jebb is 1-2 with a 1.80 ERA, which is second best among RedWolves starters. In 15 innings, he’s given up eight hits, walked three and struck out 10.
“Jebb’s arm is a little tired. He threw a lot of innings at (the University of Maine) in the spring. He’s going to miss a start next week, but he’ll probably be available out of the bullpen.)