I had the unique experience of visiting a baseball recruiting event last weekend. I’ve spent the last eight years attending numerous softball nationals and showcases but this was definitely different.

Softball events are jammed packed with families (including grandparents) requiring plenty of stands to hold the spectators. College coaches have their own area where they cannot be bothered by family members trying to make contact on behalf of their children – all for a partial scholarship.

The baseball event had numerous scouts (college and pro) not afraid to hoist their radar pitching guns at a moments notice. At any time one of these kids could find themselves set for life.

Although there were a few families present, it was mostly dads and scouts.

I wish I had the time to watch a local team but I was busy watching my daughter play at a different park that weekend at the exact same times.

I feel grateful for Dr. Penaflor for keeping us updated on this important event that didn’t get much local publicity.

Here is a link to a video he took of his son Ryan who plays for Salpointe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCpW4lJ8jcQ

Ryan Penaflor: #3 playing 3rd base for Perfect Game Gold vs. Cangelosi Baseball ‘11 (17U WWBA Champs) Perfect Game National Championships Sept 25, 2009 Tucson, AZ. His line was 2/3, TC6, 5A,1PO.

TEAM: USA SELECT (Phoenix)
Head Coach: Ryan Dyer
Local Players:
Javi Avalos: Pitcher Marana
Danny Gallegos: Pitcher/MIF Marana
CJ Rodriguez: Outfield Sahuaro

TEAM: DIAMONDBACKS SCOUT TEAM
Head Coach: Rodney Davis
Local Player:
Jack Hale: OF Salpointe

TEAM: ROYALS SCOUT TEAM
Head Coach: Don Lovett
Local Players:
Marc Gavre: C Salpointe
Alex Brown: P Amphi
Lucas Leifeld: C Sabino

Aaron Vaughn: P  Pusch Ridge
Matt Cook: P Cat Foothills

TEAM: A-O ACES (Tucson)
Head Coach: Paul Ortega
Local Players:
Adam Alexander: OF/3B Salpointe
Mark Harris: 2B/OF Tanque Verde
Reid Hunter: 3B/P Cat Foothills
Preston Jamison: P/1B Cat Foothills
Scott Laughlin: P/3B Tucson
Pedro Morghen: P/OF Tucson
Bryant Munoz: OF/P Tucson
Brian Ortega: C/OF Pueblo
Patrick Ortega: 1B/3B Tucson
Joseph Serrano: 3B/MIF Salpointe

TEAM: TUCSON CRUSH (Tucson)
Head Coach Rick Dorame
Local Players:
Tyler Alex: 3B/2B Cat Foothills
Trveor Beck: P/C/MIF Desert Christian
Alec Beyersdorf: C/1B Cat Foothills
Kevin Brice: OF/P Salpointe
Forest Chapman: OF/P Rincon
Benny Garcia: 1B/C Sunnyside
Trevor Griffin: P/C Cat Foothills
Tyler Kimbrough: SS/2B Salpointe
Troy Kunow: OF/P Cat Foothills
Manny Lopez: P/MIF Cat Foothills
Hunter Miller: P/3B Salpointe
Pen Nakazato: 2B/P/SS Cat Foothills
Zach Smutzer: P/1B University High
Kelton Vieux: 1B/OF Cat Foothills

TEAM: PERFECT GAME USA GOLD (California)
Local Player: Ryan Penaflor: 3B/P Salpointe