On Deck Academy lost a dear supporter and friend with the passing of Mr. Carl Deen a few years ago. Carl believed in the values and teaching style on which On Deck Academy was founded. He was a powerful supporter of his son, Bryce, who was a member of the 2019 On Deck O’s, and every player on the field. Carl Deen was a loving husband, caring father, and wonderful friend. He lived his life in a way that taught, through small yet powerful gestures, the importance of earning one’s way and respecting those who do. Carl believed in the reward of success as a result of faith, hard work, commitment and perseverance. Carl loved the game of baseball, but more importantly, he valued the mental, physical and emotional investment players must make to enjoy success. We remain very appreciative of an anonymous donation that allows On Deck to honor Carl’s memory by selecting at least one player annually as the recipient of the Deen Award. The Deen Award is presented to a player who perseveres over challenging odds and makes the necessary investment to achieve his goals in the game.
Below is a list of previous Deen Award recipients:
2024 - Connor Longley
On March 2, 2023 (his sophomore year) he was warming up for pitching in his high school, South Meck's, baseball game and felt a "tweak" in his left pitching arm but still felt he could play.That night after he pitched, his left arm was numb and he could not flex his left bicep at all. That's when we knew something was wrong. He would sit out the rest of his sophomore spring season - it was a very rare injury, nothing textbook - lucky us.
He had EMGs and MRIs in April of 2023, and it felt like forever waiting for answers as to what was going on. Finally, he was informed that he had injured his musculocutaneous nerve and that there was not a surgery that could fix it. He would need to wait for it to slowly regenerate. This could take anywhere from 6-18 months. As you can imagine, this was VERY tough for him to hear. That meant no Summer 2023 travel ball and maybe a lot longer without baseball. In May he could finally flex his bicep again but complained about his shoulder and elbow not feeling good, so they ordered another MRI - it was deemed to look OK but that he needed physical therapy. That meant no Fall travel ball games, but he did go to Fall practices to try to keep his body from forgetting the muscle memory of pitching. Additionally, he had to have his appendix removed in December 2023. He had a good Spring and Summer of 2024; things were finally looking up. Wingate University had come to a few games and was interested in him. He thought he was finally out of the woods. He got an offer to play college ball from Wingate in July. Things were finally going his way, and his dreams were coming true.
Unfortunately, it was short-lived. September 2024 was one of his last-ever travel ball tournaments. He was pitching in Florida, and his right knee began to hurt significantly after the game. It was so painful he could barely withstand the 10-hour drive home. An MRI later showed a partial tear of his patella tendon. It caused him pain to simply walk. The month of October consisted of a lot of PT, but no progress was made. He was very discouraged. On November 7, 2024, doctors decided a PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injection into his tendon would be a good option. They drew blood, spun it in a machine to pull out all the good stuff, and injected it straight into his knee. Afterwards, he said it felt like someone took his knee off and sewed it back on. Dr Fennell gave him a very strict weekly process to follow and said he'd had great results with other athletes if Connor would follow the protocol. The first week was crutches and a complete straight leg brace. As of today, he has a lot of PT and follow-up appointments ahead of him, but he should recover and hopes to be on the mound Spring of 2025 for his senior year. Some days are better than others, he has days where he feels discouraged and days where he feels good. Through both injuries though, he never once thought about quitting baseball or giving up. He is the definition of perseverance.
2023 - David "DP" Krise
During the spring of David's sophomore high school baseball season, he experienced discomfort in his throwing shoulder. As a two-way player, he attempted to manage the pain by focusing solely on being a position player and participating in physical therapy. After two weeks of this plan, and resting as much as possible, there was no change in the discomfort. An MRI revealed a SLAP tear and the need to clean up the rotator cuff. Surgery was performed at OrthoCarolina in May of 2022 and seven months of physical therapy ensued at Architect Sports. DP was finally cleared to resume baseball activities right before Christmas 2022. The journey was long and arduous both physically and mentally. When most may have given up the dream of playing college baseball...DP recalibrated and adjusted!
David "DP" Krise was awarded the Deen Award because he never quit on his dream and he found the right fit for his continued involvement in the game at the collegiate level. The work ethic exuded to continue the dream and not give up are core values of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where he is committed to play and be an ambassador for the school in their class of 2028. DP embodies the ideals, commitment, perseverance and hard work that On Deck Academy strives to model for all of its athletes!
2022 - Bryson Austin
In the fall of 2021, while practicing, Bryson suffered a double jawbone fracture that required two surgeries. Bryson endured weeks of no solid food, constant face pain, endless medication, and no physical activity. He was mentally tested in a way he'd never imagined and had to find the courage to carry on and be an example of leadership not only for his teammates, but for his younger siblings as well. Bryson committed himself to a rigorous routine with schoolwork, baseball, weightlifting, running, and recovery. He lost twenty pounds and two months of baseball. Thankfully, he had a great support system. Bryson's support group helped him to become mentally tougher. Following the second surgery, the doctor finally confirmed Bryson could un-band his mouth, eat real food, and return to activity. He soon competed with the 4X200 and 4X400 4A state qualifying relay teams. He also earned a starting position on his varsity baseball team, and proceeded to help lead them to the second round of the playoffs.
In the winter of 2022, Bryson dealt with another series of injuries. A stress fracture in my fibula left him sidelined. Bryson rehabbed relentlessly, never giving up, and at eight weeks, started to run again. Immediately after, he sustained a four-week hip flexor issue. Bryson's hard work, bravery, and persistence, along with great patience and support from his athletic trainer and coaches led him to the a-ha moment of hearing his name called for the starting line-up, under the lights, at the WHS baseball field. Bryson is the epitome of a relentless spirit who lets nothing get in his way of success.
2021 - Delaney Powell
Delaney came to On Deck Academy during the fall of his junior year after playing several seasons of American Legion and Metro League through his high school. His first weekend with 2022 On Deck O's, coached by Jason Hill, was attended by Coach Bresnahan of UNC Asheville and culminated with a campus visit and an official offer to join the Bulldogs, which he accepted. The very next weekend was WWBA in Atlanta and on the first pitch of the first game, Delaney fractured his leg while running through a wet first base on a bunt attempt. Delaney attempted to play through the unknown injury and had several hits while DH'ing or pinch-hitting. When X-rays revealed his injury Delaney was shut down for the remaining portion of the summer. Delaney remained with the team through every single practice, hitting session, team meeting, and game despite being unable to participate. He was a model teammate and remained a positive influence on those around him until he was able to return to action in the fall of his senior year.
Delaney went on to have a successful senior season at Hickory Ridge High School and then played in the Southern Collegiate Baseball League (SCBL) during the summer before reporting to UNCA where he earned All-League honors. Delaney red-shirted his first year in Asheville but was able to play summer ball in the Futures League near Boston where he led the Pittsfield Suns with a .343 batting average and was a finalist for the Fans Choice All-Star Team. Delaney did not allow this significant injury to end his career or even change the way he played the game. He is the first one on the field and he approaches every moment with passion and maximum effort. His love for competition and his desire to help his team win is infectious and on display for all to see and enjoy!
2021 - Lamar Briggs
Lamar Briggs spent his high school years (2011-2014) playing at Davidson Day School and On Deck Academy. At Davidson Day, he was an All-State and All-Conference player every year in baseball and football. Lamar was also a very important member of the 2014 On Deck O's who originally accepted a baseball scholarship to attend Temple University. However, later that year, Temple University folded many of their sports programs, including baseball. As a result, Lamar chose to commit to Jackson State University where he quickly made an impact at the DI level. He played 4 years at Jackson State University 2014-2018. While at JSU, he collected three All-Conference awards, was named Black College Nines All-American, and voted best utility player by my coaches and teammates.
Despite all of his success at the college level, Lamar was not drafted or signed as a free agent. Even though he was disappointed, he refused to give up on his dream of playing professionally. Between 2018 and 2020, he continued to train and attended a number of affiliated and independent tryouts looking to get picked up. Midway through the 2020 professional baseball season, Lamar was offered and signed his first contract, two years after the completion of his college career . The Westside Woolly Mammoths of the United Shores Professional League signed him and that decision paid off. Lamar spent a year and a half in the USPBL and recently won the batting title and was named league MVP (2021). Lamar Briggs continues to work at the game he loves and coming off his MVP season, signed a new contract with the Lake Country DockHounds in the American Association.
2020 - Eli Shenise
In May of 2014, at the age of 12, Eli Shenise was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a type of blood-born cancer. Eli spent the summer undergoing 4 rounds of chemotherapy, a few surgeries, and several minor procedures. Shortly after completion of his final round of chemotherapy, the doctors discovered he had developed a blood clot in his heart because of the treatment therapy. Eli then spent the fall and part of the winter in a 6-month treatment protocol to dissolve most of the blood clots. Needless to say, all these events caused him to miss the summer and fall seasons of travel baseball. Throughout his treatments, Eli never lost his love for the game of baseball and was determined to fight his way back onto the field once he was cleared to fully participate. After a check-up with his doctors on a Friday morning in February, they agreed to clear him to return to baseball in full, just in time for middle school tryouts on the following Monday. His drive and perseverance paid off as he made the Community House Middle School baseball team as a 7thgrader. His hard work and determination have continued to pay off as he made the team as an 8th grader and all 4 years at South Mecklenburg High School. Eli is currently a baseball student-athlete at Erskine College where he is studying Biology.
2019 - John Demas
John Demas was a talented standout in both baseball and football during his amatuer sports career. Unfortunately, he was sidelined several times during his middle school and high school years due to injuries. In 2012, John underwent ulnar nerve transposition on his throwing arm. In 2013, he had to have a procedure to remove scar tissue. Then, in 2015, a procedure was required to remove bone chips and microfracture to encourage the development of fibrocartilage. After a difficult recovery, John made the varsity baseball team at Charlotte Country Day as a freshman , but had to have another surgery and was unable to play. Despite all of these setbacks, John played baseball sophomore through senior year (2016-2019) as a primary catcher and first baseman. He was also named Captain of the State Champion football team and nominated as Charlotte Linebacker of the Year his senior year.
2018 - Thomas Umphlett
During his sophomore year at South Mecklenburg High School, Thomas experienced discomfort in his right shoulder. He attempted to play through it as best he could and in hopes it was not anything too serious. However, early in the summer season, while playing for the 2019 On Deck O's, an MRI discovered a SLAP tear in his labrum. In July of 2017, he underwent surgery and months of rehab at Architech Sports. Through a lot of hard work and determination, Thomas returned as a position player for both his junior and senior year and did not miss a season for the Sabres or On Deck O’s. He was named a SOMECK Conference Tournament MVP during his junior year and was a vital member of a highly successful 2019 On Deck O's team during the summer and fall. Thomas signed with Francis Marion University.
2017 - Carson Jones
In the fall of 2016, while playing for the 2019 O’s, Carson began to feel some discomfort in his lower back. Thinking it was just sore, he continued to play and finished out the fall season. After taking some time off he began to prepare for his sophomore season at Fort Mill High School. During this time, the pain returned and made it hard for him to run and perform normal baseball activities. After an MRI, it was determined that Carson had sustained an overuse injury known as a Pars Defect. Due to this injury, Carson’s sophomore season ended before it started. After some extensive time off and a lot of rest, he followed the recommendation to see a chiropractor and Carson was able to return in time for the 2017 Summer and Fall Season at On Deck (Thank you, Dr. Kuchmaner). Carson still sees Dr. Kuchmaner on an "as needed" basis and feels he has really helped him stay healthy. Carson has now graduated the O's program and signed to continue his education and playing career at Francis Marion University.
2016 - Matthew Helms
After experiencing some discomfort in his throwing arm, Matthew Helms went to the doctor in September 2015 and discovered he needed Tommy John Surgery.
On September 30, 2015 he had the infamous surgery to repair /reconstruct the UCL and remove a bone chip. Matthew’s surgery was performed by Dr. James E. Fleischli at OrthoCarolina. The procedure and recovery process would require him to miss the 2015 Fall Season with On Deck and the 2016 Spring Season with Marvin Ridge High School.
Matthew began an intense physical therapy regiment with Alan Tyson at Architech Sports in October 2015 to present. In February 2016, he started his throwing program and was able to return to competition with the O’s in June 2016, but was not yet allowed to get on the mound. He stepped back on the mound in a live game for the first time in September 2016 and threw 25 pitches. He finished the fall season as the shutdown arm on the 2018 O’s pitching staff and was up to a pitch count of 65 and featured a fastball that was sitting in the mid 80’s and climbing! Thanks to a phenomenal team of doctors, physical therapists, and a lot of hard work, Matthew’s future on the field is once again very bright.
2015 - Kyle Cliff
Kyle Cliff was a member of the 2013 On Deck O’s and graduated from Central Cabarrus High School in 2013. He signed with Limestone College, out of high school, but decided to transfer to a junior college in order to make an attempt to achieve his goal of playing DI baseball.
While pitching in the Fall of 2014 for Roane State Community College (TN), he realized he could not grip the baseball and his hand was cramping and turned blue.
Immediately, Kyle went to see a doctor in TN to see what was going on and the medical staff quickly became concerned when they could not record a blood pressure in his left arm (throwing arm). They were finally able to record it and it was over 80 points different than his right arm. An ultra sound revealed a blood clot in Kyle’s axillary artery and he was immediately placed on bed rest.
Kyle was immediately admitted and spend 4 days in the hospital and went through 3 angioplasty procedures to get the clot removed.
He came to Charlotte and made an appointment with the Sanger Clinic. The medical staff determined his hand was in really bad shape and needed immediate attention. He was admitted and had a catheter inserted that was used to open up and increase the blood flow to the hand. He spent 3 days in intensive care due to the risk of bleeding out because of the high dosages of blood thinner he was on.
During the procedure it was determined that Kyle needed bypass surgery of the axillary artery in order to not only pitch again, but to just function.
On November 24, 2014 he had axillary bypass surgery which took a vein from his leg to be used in his chest.
The doctor cleared Kyle to pitch again, but since he had not completed this surgery on anyone under 65 years of age, did not know what kind of rehab to put me on, so he created one with the assistance of all of his former baseball coaches.
Kyle was not enrolled in school for spring 2015, because he was working himself back from the surgery. He spent that time getting back into shape, and was able to gain the attention of Elgin Community College in Elgin, IL. They offered him a scholarship, so he enrolled there in fall of 2015.
He started the season throwing pretty well and had a great fall campaign. UNCG saw him in September and began the recruiting process.
On November 24, 2015, exactly one year removed from bypass surgery he was sitting in the offices of the UNCG baseball staff where Head Coach Link Jarrett told Kyle he wanted him to play for UNCG and offered him a spot. The journey and dream continue…!
2014 - Charles Kennedy
Charles Kennedy was a member of our 10U On Deck team a few years ago, and he had to overcome some unimaginable physical and emotional challenges to get back on the field. Charles continues to be an inspiration to us all. For those of you who do not know his story, Charles woke up at 6 o'clock in the morning on August 9, 2014 and couldn't move his left side. He was taken by ambulance to Levine Emergency Room where they found that he had and a VM which is an arteriovenous malformation. They performed an emergency surgery that day and another one on August 27, 2014. He spent three weeks in the ICU with a title two-month hospitalization at Levine.
Doctors were unsure of Charles prognosis from day one. They weren't even sure he would live through the first few days of his hospitalization. He walked and played with a brace for a while, but he was determined to get back on the baseball field, and he did!