Posted on Tue, Apr. 29, 2008

HATTIESBURG -- When Tyler Conn takes the mound in a closer for Southern Miss, his competitive nature comes out.

The Ocean Springs native is the nation's best Division I stopper this season.

Heading into today's game against New Orleans at Pete Taylor Park, the former Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College standout leads the nation in saves with 15, the single-season record for Southern Miss. He's also a save away from tying the Conference-USA single-record of 16, set by Tulane Brandon Belanger in 1999..

"I never saw this coming," Conn said. "When the season started, I was going to split time with J.R. Ballinger (former East Central standout) as the closer and see who was the best man.

"I was more worried about splitting time and getting wins rather than records."

Not bad for a young man who didn't receive a college scholarship out of high school. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Conn earned his due through grit, determination and the will to prove others wrong, especially the two other Division I in-state rivals.

"Ole Miss and Mississippi State told me I would never play," Conn said. "I didn't get a scholarship out of high school and walked on at Gulf Coast. Nobody gave me a chance and that has driven me.

"I am not mad at anyone, but I would like to thank them because they drove me to get this far. When Ole Miss and Mississippi State told me I would be nothing more than a junior-college pitcher, it became a challenge."

With 12 regular season games left, the Conference USA Tournament and a regional appearance, Conn has a shot at setting an NCAA record of 24 saves.

Former USC closer Jack Karwczy set the current record of 23 saves in the final game of the 1998 College World Series.

"We signed Tyler as a left-handed pitcher," USM coach Corky Palmer said. "I guess it's safe to say that Tyler didn't want to split time with Ballinger. Our players will tell you that he has earned their respect.

"He is one of the top closers in the country and hopefully, he will break the national record."

This season, Conn supports a 0.33 ERA thanks to an 88-90 mph fast ball, a slow-breaking curve ball and perhaps, his best pitch, a 70 mph change-up.

In 21 games, the former All-South Mississippi baseball standout has allowed one earned run, one double, no home runs or triples.

"Most of the time, I try to get a head of the hitter with my fast ball," he said. "I don't throw it hard so I am not a traditional closer. My change up is my best pitch. My change comes in at 71 and that's a huge difference. If you don't slow your arm down and give yourself away, the change is pretty effective.

"I fell like I will never lose a game when I'm out there. I might not have the best stuff, but I am confident."

Conn has allowed 22 hits in 27.1 innings of work with eight walks and 38 strikeouts to go with an opponents batting average of .214.

"Being a reliever is more mental,"Conn said. "As a starter, you get to warm up 40 minutes before the game. A reliever gets eight to 10 pitches and you have to be ready for the guy on deck.

"It's being cocky, it's being competitive. If our staring pitcher can do his job, I can go out there for one inning and get the win for the team."

As a junior, Conn picked up five saves and allowed a run or less in 19 outings, including five appearances in which he didn't allow a hit.

That led to the Arizona Diamondbacks drafting him in the 36th round.

He opted to return to Southern Miss, but his name will go back into the June draft.

"I was hurt when schools didn't believe in me, but I never gave up," Conn said. "We are 31-13 and we could be hosting a regional in a month or so if we keep playing like we are. It's amazing how things seem to work out for the best."

Game plan
Who: Southern Miss at Southeastern Louisiana

When: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Alumni Field, Hammond, La.

Game plan

Who: Southern Miss at Southeastern Louisiana

When: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Alumni Field, Hammond, La.

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Al Jones can be reached at 896-2351 or at afjones@sunherald.com