Phil Finding Success at the Dish

TROY, N.Y. - Tri-City ValleyCats first baseman Phil Disher has enjoyed a tremendous first week as a professional baseball player. Disher currently stands atop the New York-Penn League with three homeruns and twelve runs batted in. Disher's offensive streak should surprise no one who is familiar with the first baseman's college career, however. In four seasons for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, Disher blasted 42 homeruns including 19 this year.

Disher is a second generation Gamecock, following in the footsteps of his father who also went to South Carolina and is now an electrical engineer. In the four years he spent on the Gamecocks' baseball team, Disher compiled a lengthy list of accolades including a 3rd team All-American selection in 2007 and 2 All-SEC selections. This year, the right-hander was one of only four Gamecocks to play in all 63 of South Carolina's games. Over those 63 games, Disher put together a .297 batting average along with 34 runs, 70 hits, 57 RBI, and 29 walks.

After spending his college career as a designated hitter and a catcher, Disher has been navigating uncharted waters as a first baseman for the ValleyCats this year. As the season carries on, Disher will undoubtedly become more comfortable at his new position and will continue to add to his offensive numbers at the plate.