Neal Cotts

"College junior who can pitch and compete-average or better stuff now with sound feel of the zone. Like this guy's approach and will be tough to beat. Arm action is a slight concern, but stuff isn't. He repeated and baffled hitters with 75% use of fastball. Wants ball and is an excellent competitor. He has superior mound presence, good agility and held velocity late in to the game. Definite second or third round consideration."

This is part of a college free agent report on Illinois State's lefthander, Neal Cotts, from April 9, 2001, as he matched up against Missouri State's John Rheinecker in one of college baseball's memorable games.
Neal Cotts was a second round pick in 2001, made his major league debut in 2003, and was a key factor in the Chicago White Sox's World Championship in 2005.

The twenty-five-year-old was at the top of the world until a series of injuries and illnesses brought his career to a complete stop. He did not throw a pitch in a major league game for almost four years.
The man who is constantly described as humble, determined, genuine, focused, great worker, ultracompetitor with tremendous perspective refused to let an inordinate number of setbacks deter him from his goal. Simply, he wanted to finish his career on the mound, at any level.
Neal's career and his incredible journey back from the depths of a too-soon retirement is more than a baseball story. It is an inspirational tale for all ages and a tribute to one of baseball's admired performers.