Scott Berry, first-year head baseball coach at the University of Southern Mississippi, address a large gathering of East Central Community College baseball supporters at the College’s annual First-Pitch Dinner held February 5, 2010, on the Decatur campus. During his remarks, Coach Berry challenged the Diamond Warriors “to take advantage of the opportunity” they have to play baseball at the community/junior college level.  Berry related to his junior college days as a baseball player in Missouri, describing the experience “as the most important years of my life.” It was during this time, Berry said, when he learned to excel through “hard work and discipline…making sacrifices…and making the right choices.” Berry told the ECCC squad that “a team of discipline…and one that has the right chemistry…wins on the field.” Berry served nine years as an assistant to USM head baseball Coach Corky Palmer. During this period, the Golden Eagles amassed a 346-197 record, highlight by last year’s appearance in the College World Series. Prior to joining Palmer’s staff, Berry was head coach at Meridian Community College, compiling a 186-57 record, including two NJCAA World Series appearances, three Region 23 titles and four Mississippi/Louisiana championships. He also received numerous coaching honors. Also shown (from left) are Chris Harris, ECCC athletic director, and Neal Holliman, Diamond Warrior head coach. The fourth annual program also included introduction of team members and Diamond Darlings for the 2010 campaign.