Published: April 07, 2006 10:12 am      

1-on-1 Coach David Fletcher

He’s a former Red Devil himself and this season he’ll step on the diamond as the Red Devils’ new Head Baseball Coach. As a player he was a winner and in his senior year at Jackson High School in 1987 was a part of one of the best Red Devil baseball teams in school history. You can catch him at Wallace Field making sure the field is ready for action almost any time any day. Or, at least that’s how we found him. This week we posted up at the end of the bench in the Red Devils’ dugout to go 1 on 1 with the Red Devils’ new Head Baseball Coach, David Fletcher.



C.F.: If you could live anywhere other than the United Sates, where would it be? Why?

D.F.: Australia because it has a lot of beaches and they speak English.

What is your favorite song, and movie?

My favorite song is Tin Cup Chalice by Jimmy Buffett and my favorite movie is Jaws.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Mickey Mantle. He is my dad’s favorite so I read a lot about him growing up. Coach Eakin is a close second, though.

Who is your favorite sports team or franchise?

Georgia Tech anything and the Atlanta Braves.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

When I was teaching at Upson-Lee High School I slipped and busted my tail in the lunch room in front of 800 plus kids.

What cartoon character would you compare yourself to? Why?

Foghorn Longforn. He speaks like a southern gentlemen but he’s also a bit mischievous.

Where is your favorite place to eat and what is your favorite dish?

Longhorn’s ribeye steak. I’m a steak guy.

Other than family and friends, if you were stuck on an island and could only have three things with you what would they be?

My cell phone, a television and a computer.

What is your greatest athletic achievement?

Winning the South Georgia baseball championship and playing in the state finals my senior year in 1987.

What is the biggest difference at JHS today from when you attended?

Honestly, the school. That’s it. Kids are going to be kids. I wasn’t any different.

Other than a Wal-Mart, what is something that you would like to see come to Jackson?

Longhorns restaurant.

If you could compete against any professional athlete, in any sport, who would it be and what would you play?

Tiger Woods at golf because I’m not going to get hurt and I get embarrassed every time I play anyway.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Christmas. When you have kids it’s the greatest.

What is your biggest fear?

That’s a toss up between trains and spiders. I’ve always had a fear of getting hit by a train. Go figure.

What was your favorite and least favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject was history. My least favorite was math. Sorry, Mrs. Lunsford.

What do think future athletes of Butts County need in order to help them properly prepare for sports at a young age?

To continue playing at the recreation department. That’s really the only place that they can play sports all year long at in Butts County.

Looking back, can you choose a favorite coach who has helped you in your career?

I’m choosing two: Gary Sharpe, Head Coach at Upson-Lee. He gave me my first coaching job and taught me a lot. More importantly though, Coach [Bill] Nelson. He’s one of the best coaches that I’ve ever seen. His record speaks for itself. He’s a great friend and mentor.

What is your favorite television show?

E.R.

What is the best quote or saying that you’ve ever heard and who said it?

If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you keep getting what you always got. I don’t know who said it but I like it.

You coach football and baseball at JHS – which one do you look forward to more?

Baseball. I’m a true baseball person, but ask me again in August so I can get back on Coach Parris’ good side.