Deen Award Recipient: Connor Longley
January 1, 2024
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”
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.
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”
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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”
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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