Some of Hillsborough's best players had the privilege of playing on a major-league field.
By ANTHONY GAGLIANO
Published June 22, 2004
ST. PETERSBURG - Freedom's Sean Baumann was just thrilled to play on the same field as the Devil Rays. But, the Patriots catcher had other goals at this weekend's Perfect Game National Showcase.
More than 160 of the best players from around the country, plus a few from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic attended the three-day exhibition, and Baumann was one of six players from Hillsborough County invited to play at Tropicana Field.
When the high school seasons wrap up, showcases like this one offer a chance for juniors to play before the scouts and make a name for themselves heading into next season. Joining Baumann was the Gaither duo of Caleb Graham and Mario Duarte; Bloomingdale first baseman Brett Morris; Armwood outfielder R.J. Anderson; and Hillsborough pitcher Bradley Clark.
Unfortunately for Baumann and the rest of the hitters, they found out how difficult hitting with a wood bat can be. The players were divided up into eight teams, with each squad playing two games. Morris, Baumann and Anderson all played on the Royal team that went through a 10-inning, 0-0 game that had a combined three hits.
"I wanted to show my hitting and my ability to catch," Baumann said. "But that one guy was throwing 93 (mph) with a disgusting curve. It was fun to see high level pitchers and catch them."
While the Hillsborough stars failed to shine hitting, they stood out in other areas. Anderson, in addition to coming up with one of the Royal's three infield singles, pulled down a running, over-the-shoulder catch in right field to end the game. He also flashed some of the best speed, recording an electronically timed 6.5 seconds in the 60-yard dash. Duarte also played a steady outfield and his 90-mph arm ranked among the 10 best at the event.
Clark entered the showcase boasting a ranking in the top 10 prospects of the Class of 2005, according to Perfect Game. He pitched two innings Friday, displaying a hard, 92-mph fastball and a biting curve that clocked in between 77-80. Because walks weren't allowed, Clark allowed just one base runner on a single.
The showcase scene wasn't unfamiliar to most. Perfect Game's National Showcase was Duarte's fourth event in the past two years with the organization, and Baumann just returned two days earlier from their academic showcase in Fort Myers for players with at least a 3.3 GPA or an 1100 SAT score.
And the summer season is just starting for some. Baumann's jam-packed schedule includes a tournament hosted by East Cobb, the defending Connie Mack World Series champions, another Perfect Game event and Duke University's camp, one of his college preferences because his brother goes there.
