Senior accepts chance to earn team captaincy

Disher looks to end career as leader who takes Gamecocks back to College World Series

Drew Lattier

Issue date: 2/26/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Juan Blas, The Daily Gamecock

USC designated hitter Phil Disher (shown in a game last season) hit two home runs in last weekend's season-opening series against No. 22 East Carolina.

In the spring of 2004, an 18-year-old Phil Disher watched his first game as a member of the Carolina baseball team. Redshirting his freshman year, the young ballplayer dreamed of being out on the field starting someday for USC.

Fast-forward four years to last weekend's opening game against Eastern Carolina.

The kid who had dreamed of being a baseball star opened up the season this year hitting two home runs and tallying five RBIs in Carolina's 22-5 dismantling of ECU. If it sounds like Disher has come a long way since that red-shirt season in '04, it's because he has.

In 2005, Disher got his first chance to play. Starting seven games in the season, the second-year player put up two home runs, two doubles and 11 RBIs on the year. Disher worked hard the summer after that season playing in the Valley League and was selected to the Valley All-Star team.

2006 brought 15 starts for the improving player, splitting the starts between catcher and designated hitter. Disher had a solid year that culminated in being named MVP of the NCAA Charlottesville Regional.

Playing summer ball again in 2006, Disher elevated his level of play enough to become a regular starter in the 2007 season.

"You've just got to be patient and stick it out, I came out every day ready to give my best those first two years," Disher said.

A senior in the classroom but junior on the field, Disher had a breakout year in '07, hitting .328 with 15 home runs and 63 RBIs. Disher was selected as an All-American that season as well as receiving All-SEC honors as a designated hitter.

With this year's baseball season starting last weekend, it's apparent that Disher is going to be a major factor on the team. He will continue to play either designated hitter or catcher, sharing the duties behind the plate with Kyle Enders.

Rising as a leader among his teammates, the senior was named player of the fall and also one of the three captains for this season.

"Guys look to the captains for advice and leadership on and off the field and I'm going to step up to that position this year," Disher said.

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