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Tennessee’s McWilliams making name for himself

Sam McWilliams and Ian McWilliams cast long shadows.

And that is not just because Sam is 6-foot-7 and Ian 6-3. Both pitchers have achieved big honors with Sam throwing in the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system and Ian, a senior right-hander, committing to play for Division I University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Obviously the bar was set high for Zach McWilliams, 13, the youngest of Dave McWilliams’ three sons. Now Zach is raising it even higher. The Goodlettsville, Tennessee, pitcher is making his own name, helping the Southeast champions reach the Little League Baseball World Series.

“It’s pretty magical,” Dave said. “It’s great because he’s had some big shoes to fill in baseball. He’s finally out of their shadow a little bit and getting some of the glory.”

As outstanding as Sam and Ian have been, Zach is the one dominating the headlines these days. Playing on Little League’s biggest stage can do that.

Zach nearly learned to swing and throw before he learned to walk. He was raised on a baseball field, watching his brothers’ baseball games from the baby stroller and as a young toddler. The baseball bug bit him hard and he has passionately played it as far back as his memory extends. He has played it mighty well too.

A 5-8 five-tool player, Zach has shined at every level up the baseball ladder. A hard-throwing right-hander who can throw 75 mph, Zach has thrown three no-hitters and a perfect game during Tennessee’s summer-long run. He went 2-0 with 18 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings at regionals and also hit .400 as Goodlettsville went undefeated.

“It was incredible getting to watch my baby brother get to do something that all baseball players dream of,” Sam said. “I was jumping up and down in the living room and screaming at the TV. He has been around baseball since before he could even walk and it shows.”

Sam and Ian both help mentor their youngest brother. Sam worked a lot with his mechanics throughout his offseason and text messages him before every game he pitches. Osmosis also has helped Zach. Watching all those games and listening to all the outstanding coaches his brothers have had, including former major leaguers Chet Lemon and Tom Gordon, has helped provide this youngster an elite baseball education.

Now, Zach is putting all the pieces together. In addition to being the team’s ace, McWilliams also features eye-popping power and has hit home runs estimated at 330 feet this summer. He is tall like his brothers but is more muscular than they were at his age and also faster.

“He’s the one in the family that can run. I told Sam and Ian they’re lucky they’re pitchers because they’re not fast,” Dave said. “They know how talented he is and Sam is thrilled and Ian is as well. They can’t believe it. They know how hard it is. They’re amazed they’ve gotten this far.”

Clarksville, Tennessee, players were amazed by Zach’s ability when they met Goodlettsville in the winner’s bracket final of the Tennessee state tournament. That night, Zach pitched another gem, but also crushed two mammoth home runs that traveled more than 300 feet. When they met again in the state championship, Clarksville wanted nothing to do with Zach and paid him quite the compliment.

“The next time we played the Clarksville kids are saying, ‘that’s him, that’s Babe Ruth,’ because he was killing them. They didn’t want to pitch to him because one of his home runs landed on the other field. It was a monster shot against a kid throwing in (the) 70s who was 6-1. He’s a talent. He hits tape-measure home runs and has that 75 mile per hour fastball. I’m glad he’s on my team.”

So are his teammates. Zach helped set the tone at regionals, throwing five brilliant innings in an opening-round comeback 5-3, seven-inning win over South Carolina. Zach struck out 10 and allowed only one run in relief as Goodlettsville rallied for the win. He then earned another win in the Southeast final, striking out eight in 3 2/3 innings as Goodlettsville romped to a 15-3 win.

“He’s one of the kids that everybody looks up to. He’s like an ace in the hole,” said Greg Dillard, father of second baseman Easton Dillard. “He has a lighting bolt of an arm and when he’s throwing, it gives you a little more swagger.”

Zach has the work ethic that matches his ability. He plays no other sports, altho

ugh Dave has encouraged him to try basketball to help with his footwork.

This is not a case of baseball overload either. Dave supports his sons whatever they play and never has pushed any of his three sons to play. They do it because they love it. Dave sometimes finds himself trying to relieve some of the burden Zach puts on himself.

“Zach sometimes feels pressure because of what they have accomplished and says, ‘what if I don’t get drafted?'” Dave said. “I tell him that’s not a problem. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I’ll support him whatever he does and be proud of him no matter what he does and wants to pursue.”

Zach should be able to breathe easier now. No matter where he goes or whatever he does, Zach always will have this moment when he achieved something so few baseball players ever do.

He has left that shadow far behind. Zach is his own young man with his own identity. And his own impressive achievements.

“Zach has gotten here all on his own, no one is forcing him into baseball or pressuring him to perform because he is in a ‘baseball family,'” Sam said. “He wants it for himself. He is a great kid and he deserves all the credit for the player he is and not me or Ian. Zach has a great career ahead of him no matter what he decides to do.”

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