Coach Samples is a local product having graduated from Sequoyah High School in 1994 as a four year letterman. During his high school playing days he also played Summer and Fall ball with the East Cobb Program. In 1995, he played for Gordon Junior College as a First Baseman and Closer. He led the southeast with a .435 battting average and was named a Second Team All-American. In 1996, he played for Lake City Community College as a Pitcher and First Baseman and was named Mid Florida All Conference. He played in the Minor Leagues until his career was cut short by an injury. He volunteered as a summer team coach for high school age teams in the area and served as an Assistant Baseball Coach for Sequoyah High School before becoming an Associate Scout with the Kansas City Royals organization in 2001. Since 2004 he has been a Scout for the Cincinnati Reds. For the last several years he has also given Pitching and Hitting Lessons in the area.