When Winthrop coaches told Patrick Gamblin they wanted him to improve his curveball, the Harlem senior knew where to turn.

The hard-throwing left-hander got in touch with former Greenbrier standout Nolan Belcher, a freshman at South Carolina who dominated area hitters with his curveball during his high school career.

Belcher, also a lefty, gave Gamblin pointers on his grip and release point. Gamblin's new-look pitch.

The Eagles made him an offer and Gamblin faxed his letter of intent Nov. 12. He held a ceremony at Harlem on Monday.

"I certainly appreciated it," Gamblin said of his meetings with Belcher. "It kind of earned me that scholarship, really.

Winthrop was prepared to offer Gamblin a 50 percent scholarship after the showcase. But when coaches saw him again in October, they upped their offer to 65 percent. Gamblin had an offer from Presbyterian College, a potential full ride to a school where annual tuition is nearly $30,000.

But Gamblin was more impressed with Winthrop's facilities and didn't like that the Blue Hose, new to Division I baseball, don't compete in conference tournaments.

"It's a great relief," Gamblin said. "I'm really excited to go to Winthrop."

Harlem coach Jimmie Lewis said Gamblin, who was used mainly as a closer last season in addition to playing right field, could see more innings as a starter.

Gamblin's fastball has been clocked in the high 80s, but he's also a threat with his bat. He hit .485 for Lewis as a sophomore and .465 last season.

"He's one of the hardest working kids we've had," Lewis said.

Gamblin's work schedule has included marathon sessions in the batting cage with his father, Billy Gamblin, since he was about 10 years old. It paid off with a Division I offer.

"I'm overjoyed by it," Patrick Gamblin said. "It's always been a goal. Now it's come true."

Reach Stephen Fastenau at (706) 863-6165 ext. 116 or stephen.fastenau@augustachronicle.com.