By Katina Rice-Davis, Staff Writer
Many in Woodruff remember Marcus McBeth as a standout athlete whose talent on the baseball field helped put him on a path few ever experience. From his days at Woodruff High School to The University of South Carolina, the bright lights of Major League Baseball, McBeth has built a career rooted in hard work, discipline, and gratitude. Today, he continues to make a difference by helping the next generation of athletes pursue their dreams.
Marcus, a former resident of Cross Anchor, and 1998 graduate of Woodruff High School, McBeth says some of his favorite memories are not necessarily tied to wins and accomplishments, but to the friendships and relationships formed along the way.
“My favorite memories from Woodruff were the times I spent with my teammates on and off the field,” McBeth said. “We had fun competing, grew close as friends, and those are relationships I still think about often.”
Looking back on his journey from a small-town athlete to a Major League Baseball player with the Cincinnati Reds, McBeth describes the experience with three words: gratitude, excitement, and responsibility. “I was thankful for the opportunity, excited about what was happening, and felt a responsibility to do the right things and make my friends and family proud, especially my parents,” he said. Reaching the major leagues was the realization of a lifelong dream. “It’s hard to put into words,” McBeth said. “More than anything, I was thankful for the opportunity to do something I had dreamed about since I was a little boy. At times, it didn’t even seem real.”
While his playing days eventually came to an end, baseball continued to shape his life and career. The relationships he built throughout his journey opened doors to professional scouting and recruiting, allowing him to remain connected to the game he loves. Today, McBeth is the owner and founder of Pordl Recruiting, a company dedicated to helping athletes and their families navigate the often-complicated recruiting process. “We help athletes and families by giving them honest evaluations of where they currently stand academically and athletically, along with hands-on support throughout the entire process,” McBeth explained.
One of the biggest misconceptions he encounters is the belief that athletes from small towns don’t have opportunities to be recruited. “That’s simply not true,” he said. “If coaches know where players are and those players perform, coaches will come see them.
“As someone who has played professionally and evaluated talent, McBeth believes character is just as important as athletic ability. “Respect is paramount,” he said. “Players have to respect the game, coaches, umpires, parents, and most importantly, themselves. Confidence is also critical. If a player doesn’t believe they can get the job done, why should a coach?”
For young athletes from communities like Woodruff who dream of competing at the next level, his advice is simple. “Believe in yourself. That’s where it all starts. If you’re willing to put in the work, great things can happen. Don’t allow other people’s fears or doubts to discourage you from pursuing your dreams.”
Helping young athletes achieve their goals has become one of the most rewarding parts of his life. “It’s incredibly rewarding, but I also know it isn’t about me,” McBeth said. “I believe it is my purpose to help these young athletes, and I will continue doing that for as long as I’m able.”
While baseball remains an important part of his story, McBeth says family now serves as the foundation for everything he does. “My family is my world,” he said. “Everything I do is for them.” He and his family currently reside in Queens Creek, Arizona.
When reflecting on the lessons baseball has taught him, one stands above the rest. “Discipline is the most important lesson,” he said. “Without it, nothing happens. With discipline and faith, anything is possible.”
As for the legacy he hopes to leave behind, McBeth remains humble despite his accomplishments. “I want people to know it was never about me,” he said. “I simply wanted to make my family proud. I’m grateful for all the sacrifices my parents made that gave me the opportunity to accomplish the things I was blessed to achieve.”
For those in Woodruff who may not have heard from him in recent years, McBeth wants the community to know that at his core, he remains the same person they have always known. “I’m really no different than I’ve ever been, I’m just older and hopefully a little wiser,” he said. “I’m grateful for every person who has genuinely supported me and believed in me throughout my journey. To those people, I simply want to say thank you. The support I received from this community meant more than you may ever know, and I’ll always be proud to call Woodruff home.”
While baseball opened doors and took Marcus McBeth across the country, his roots remain firmly planted in the values he learned growing up. Today, he continues to use his experience, faith, and passion for helping others to make a difference in the lives of young athletes and their families.
