News

MABC Event eyeing return after 2025 season

The Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic All-Star event is looking to return following the 2025 high school season. The target date for the event is Memorial Day, 2025. The MABC is a post season all-star event that features over 120 of the top players in Maryland, Northern Virginia, Eastern West Virginia and Southern Pennsylvania. The main obstacle will be finding a suitable venue for the event.

Questions/Inquiries can be directed to: midatlanticbaseballclassic@gmail.com

 


 



Clear Spring's Bender a star among stars

Clear Spring’s Eric Bender did it again, earning MVP honors in the Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic’s Diamond Stars game Tuesday, a day after he was named MVP of the Elite game.

In the 15th anniversary of the Classic, he became the fist player to ever win both MVP awards.

On Tuesday, Bender led the National team to an 8-5 victory over American, going 2-for-3 and driving in four runs. His four RBIs tied an event record.

The all-star games featured players from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Several local players contributed to Tuesday’s victory.

South Hagerstown’s Tyrese Collazo had two hits and an RBI, while fellow Rebel Prince Proctor drove in a run, stole a base and scored twice. Greencastle-Antrim’s Caiden Smith added an RBI.

On the mound, Grace Academy’s Toby Hollar pitched two scoreless innings, while Smithsburg’s Devin Bollinger and Davis Lowman, Clear Spring’s Brooks Aleshire, Chambersburg’s Blaine Wilson and Grace’s Ian Klick each pitched one shutout inning. Bollinger, Aleshire, Wilson and Klick each had two strikeouts.

For the American team, North Hagerstown’s Austin Dent had two hits, an RBI and two stolen bases, Jefferson’s Zach Rose had a double and an RBI, and North’s Ryan Talbert and Heritage Academy’s Will Oates each singled and scored a run.

North’s Craig Clark pitched a shutout inning with three strikeouts, while fellow Hub Cooper Strickland and Jefferson’s Riley Vadasz each worked a scoreless inning on the mound.

2021 Diamond Stars Boxscore


 


Clear Spring’s Eric Bender, right, poses for a photo with National all-star team coach Omar Enriquez after being named MVP of the Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic’s Elite Game on Monday at Municipal Stadium.

 

Clear Spring's Bender leads National past American in MABC Elite game

Clear Spring’s Eric Bender was named MVP of the Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic’s Elite Game after hitting a go-ahead, three-run triple in the fifth inning to give National the lead for good in its 9-5 victory over American in Monday’s high school all-star game at Municipal Stadium.

The game featured players from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Several local players contributed to the win. Smithsburg’s Josh Black had two hits and a stolen base, Williamsport’s Eddie Lough and Greencastle-Antrim’s Caiden Smith each singled, drove in a run and scored, Williamsport’s Andrew Kelbaugh singled, stole a base and scored, South Hagerstown’s Prince Proctor walked, stole a base and scored and South’s Tyrese Collazo singled.

St. Maria Goretti’s Cam Moats pitched two innings for the American team, tying the Elite Game record with four strikeouts. He also hit a double and scored a run.

Also for American, Jefferson’s Riley Vadasz doubled and drove in two runs, Goretti’s Jason Rivera singled, scored a run and pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts, Goretti’s John Hill had a hit, Jefferson’s Kamien Gonzalez and North Hagerstown’s C.J. Hart each had an RBI, Martinsburg’s Jack Reisenweber singled and pitched a scoreless inning and Martinsburg’s Shine Knotts also singled.

2021 MABC Elite Game Boxscore


 


2021 MABC American Elite Stars

2021 MABC National Elite Stars



 


 


South Hagerstown’s Kyle Adams, left, beats out a single as first baseman Max McDowell, of Greencastle, tries to corral a throw in the third inning of the Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic’s Diamond Stars Game on Monday at Frederick’s Harry Grove Stadium.
Boonsboro's Hartle goes out swinging with MABC award

FREDERICK, Md. — Aaron Hartle can finally say he had a perfect ending to his high school career.

After falling one game short of the Maryland Class 1A state final last week, the Boonsboro outfielder donned the Warriors’ blue and orange one more time and earned Elite game MVP honors in the 14th annual Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic at Harry Grove Stadium on Monday.

Hartle sealed his case for MVP in the top of the ninth inning of the National team’s 9-0 rout of American. With the bases loaded after three straight walks to open the frame, Hartle ripped a 1-0 pitch to center field, scoring Glenelg Country’s Tyler Russo and Saint James’ Lane Gay to highlight a five-run frame.

“I had a year where I hit the ball well, and to come out and win this MVP is a pretty great (ending) for me,” said Hartle, who finished with two hits, two RBIs and a stolen base. “I wish we could’ve went further in the playoffs, but when you play a team like Colonel Richardson who is pretty solid ... but coming out here and winning this after all that was great.”

The MABC is an annual high school all-star event that showcases some of the best the four-state region has to offer. Players are nominated by their coaches and assigned to a roster in either the Diamond or Elite game.

“For really only playing just one year on varsity, it was really exciting to be selected and play in this game,” Hartle said. “It was pretty cool to meet kids from schools that we’ve never seen before. I had never heard of some of these schools, so it was pretty cool to come out and meet some of them.”

The nightcap Elite game was one in which pitching dominated.

Saint James right-hander Chris Chaney worked around a leadoff walk in the bottom of the first inning, aided by a fielder’s choice turned by Boonsboro middle infielders Dalton Shank and Josh DeRocher.Zach Crampton followed his Saints teammate with a scoreless second inning, with Shank and DeRocher turning a double play behind him.

Boonsboro’s TJ Kalagher helped spark a National rally in the seventh. He drew a leadoff walk and reached second on an errant pickoff throw. Two batters later, Glenelg Country’s Kevin Gamble singled Kalagher home to make it 3-0.

The opening Diamond contest featured plenty of offense. The American squad prevailed 9-3 behind a solid day by Randallstown’s Mekhi Stevens, who took home MVP honors.

“I’ve been working all year with my team, so it feels great to be taking home something that you’ve been working for,” Stevens said. “I just came out here and played. I don’t take any of my opportunities for granted, so opportunities like this are amazing.”

Williamsport’s Maddux Grove fired a scoreless bottom of the second inning for the National squad. He worked around a one-out walk to Urbana’s Graham King — who reached third on a pair of stolen bases — by getting back-to-back swinging strikeouts.

National threatened in the third. Winters Mill’s Alex Barnes reached on an infield single and South Hagerstown’s Cade Shifflett hit a bloop single into right field. A walk by Greencastle-Antrim’s Trenton Shaffer loaded the bases, but Grace Academy’s Bradley Summers pitched his way out of the jam without any damage, inducing a flyout.

Randallstown’s Reggie Shaw doubled to lead off the bottom half for American. Three batters later, with Shaw on third after a passed ball, South’s Kyle Adams drove him in while reaching on a bobbled ball at first base.

South’s Michael Hawbaker worked a perfect fifth for American, fanning the first two to face him.

In the bottom half, American rallied. Linganore’s Dylan Miller walked, Grace’s Todd Stocks singled to shallow right and John Handley’s Tommy Downey reached on catcher’s interference to load the bases. Summers and Thomas Johnson's Collin Bitler each walked, forcing in runs, and Stevens capped the rally with a two-run single to right for a 6-0 lead.

 

In the seventh, National cracked the scoreboard — but its rally was killed almost as fast as it started. With a runner on, a single by Greencastle’s Jason Freeman quickly turned into the first out of the inning when Stocks nailed the lead runner going to third with a perfect throw from right field. A two-out single by Dominion’s Mark McElroy scored a run, but McElroy was thrown out trying for second on the throw home, with Broadfording’s Alex Kehr applying the tag after the throw back to second to end the inning.

 

2019 MABC Rosters
Click Here: MABC Elite Game Rosters

Click Here: MABC Diamond Stars Rosters


 


2019 MABC Event News

New Venue

The Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic have agreed with the Frederick Keys (Baltimore Orioles Class-A affiliate) to hold the 2019 event at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick, MD. Nymeo Field is one of the best minor league facilities in America. The MABC All-Star showcase event will be held on Memorial Day Monday, May 27, 2019. Game times are 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.


2018 Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic Rosters

Click Here: 2018 Diamond Stars Rosters

Click Here: 2018 MABC Elite Rosters

 


Nicholson leads National Stars in Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic

SCOTLAND, Pa. — The area’s best baseball players assembled for the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic at Greene Township Park on Monday.

In the feature game between the local elite players, National scored a 4-0 win over American.

Saint James’ Myles Nicholson earned MVP honors with two hits and two runs to lead National.

“I just tried to come out here and do the best I could,” said Nicholson. “It meant a lot to me that I could play in this game. My season didn’t end well so it was nice to come end high school like this.”

With National up 1-0 in the top of the eighth, Nicholson delivered a two-run single up the middle to extend the lead. Nicholson later scored on a wild pitch to make it 4-0.

“I had two strikes and I was just thinking that we needed these runs,” said Nicholson. “I just tried to make contact and it worked out for me.”

American was held hitless until the seventh inning when Williamsport’s Matt Harsh hit a long single. Harsh stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch, but was stranded by Walkersville’s Riley Grant.

“It was awesome being able to coach these kids,” said Walkersville coach Erick Greene, who managed National

“They pounded the strike zone, relied on the defense and they just did awesome,” Greene said. “It was an honor to be able to coach kids like this.”

Grant and Justin Coulter (Westminster) shut down American in the final two innings to close out the game.

Smithsburg’s Ryan Bywaters earned the win, tossing a scoreless third inning with one strikeout.

For American coach David Warrenfeltz (Williamsport), the game gave him one last opportunity to coach four of his seniors.

“It’s really an honor to be on the field with these kids,” said Warrenfeltz. “Our senior class was really good group and we’ll miss them a lot.

“Also for the other county kids that we’ve watch come up throughout the years, it’s fun for them to have a day like this. It’s fun for them to get one last chance to wear their uniforms and play with teammates and other guys they’ve played against.”

Urbana’s Jack Stines was the only other player to get multiple hits in the game. Stines also scored the game’s first run in the top of the first on an RBI single from Mike Tylicki (Catoctin).

Harsh tossed a scoreless sixth inning for American, retiring all three batters and picking up a strikeout.

In the Buffalo Wild Wings Showcase, American beat National, 5-3.

American scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth to win.

St. Maria Goretti’s Brock Penn won MVP honors with two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored for American. Zach Crampton (Saint James) had two hits and an RBI for National.

In the Diamond Stars game, American beat National,11-2.

Boonsboro’s Josh Tibbs won MVP honors with three hits and an RBI, while Ryan Washabuagh (Urbana) added three RBIs for American. 

Click Here: 2017 MABC Event Rosters


Event Sponsors



National wins 11-0 in MABC Elite Showcase Game

In the 11th annual Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic, the National team shut out the American team 11-0 in the Elite game after inclement weather postponed the contest from Sunday to Monday evening at Hagerstown's Municipal Stadium.

"Our pitching was just awesome here today," said National coach Roger Dawson, who also serves as head coach of two-time defending Maryland 1A state champion Brunswick. "Those guys were shut down for nine innings. It's pretty incredible.

You must login to view the full content on this page.

"Defensively, we played a flawless game. When we needed to make plays, we did," he added.

Given the circumstances, American coach Mike Smith (Clarke County, Va.) thought his team played well.

"We saw good pitching. That's what you're usually going to see in these types of games," he said. "We squared up a couple balls really well. We hit well, and I think our pitching did well, so overall I'm pleased."

The National team got things going early in the first inning with Ryan Brown (Saint James) scoring on an outfield throwing error after stealing third base. Brown, who holds the Washington County record for career hits, finished 2-for-2 with two stolen bases and a run scored, earning him the game MVP award.

One of the biggest highlights of the game for him was hitting against his good friend Jordan Tapley (Smithsburg) in the third inning.

"He's always told me if he faces me he wasn't going to throw me a fastball, so I was looking for off-speed," Brown said. "He threw me a curveball, so I was able to sit back and put it up the middle."

Both players can easily laugh about their friendly rivalry.

"Any time (Brown) comes up, he starts like he's hitting a home run and I'm going to K him up," Tapley joked.

Tapley struck out two batters for the American team in his one inning of work.

The National team added to its lead in the fifth inning when Robert Walsh (Westminster) scored on a single by Mitch Wilson (Saint James).

They poured it on late in the game, scoring a total of nine runs in the seventh and eighth innings. Jacob Paulishak (Middletown), Chase Metz (North Hagerstown), and Jacob Wetzel (Walkersville) each had an RBI single in the seventh, while Ryan Bywaters (Smithsburg) added an RBI double to make the score 7-0.

Logan Willmoth (Williamsport) earned an RBI on a bases-loaded walk in the top of the eighth, immediately followed by a 2-run single from Patrick O'Connor (North Hagerstown). Metz added another RBI after reaching first on an error, which ended up being the final run of the game.

For the senior players, the MABC game provided a final opportunity to play in their high school uniforms.

"A big plus for them is to get out and show people what they're capable of doing on an all-star kind of platform," Dawson said.

"It was a lot of fun just to be here and be a part of it," Brown said.

It's also an honor for a coach to be selected for this game.

"It means a lot to be recognized at the end of a long season," Smith said. "This is the third time that I've had the opportunity to do this, and I've enjoyed it every time.

"For some of these kids, this will be their last time they'll put on a baseball uniform," he added. "I know it means a lot to them, too."


AMERICAN ELITE STARS                 NATIONAL ELITE STARS              
# PLAYER SCHOOL AB RUNS HITS RBI BB     # PLAYER SCHOOL AB RUNS HITS RBI BB  
1 Brent Breeden Tuscarora-VA 1 0 0 0 1     1 Brandon Martin Westminster 1 0 0 0 1  
1 Colton Bare Underclassmen 0 0 0 0 0     1 Jared Carr Saint James 3 1 0 0 0  
3 Jordon Turner Clarke County-VA 3 0 0 0 0     7 Ryan Brown Saint James 2 1 2 0 0  
3 Logan Saunders Underclassmen 2 0 0 0 0     8 Isaac Schlotterbeck Saint James 2 1 1 0 0  
5 Jordan Tapley Smithsburg 1 0 0 0 0     8 Patrick O'Connor North Hagerstown 3 1 2 0 0  
5 Paul Witt Jefferson-WV 3 0 0 0 0     8 Sean Carey Oakdale 2 0 1 0 0  
5 Brooks Keller Underclassmen 2 0 0 0 0     9 Colton Repp Saint James 2 0 0 0 0  
6 Andrew Mathias Underclassmen 2 0 0 0 0     11 Britton Lawrence Winters Mill 2 0 0 0 0  
8 Dominick Marinelli Tuscarora-VA 2 0 1 0 0     12 Steven Cook Winters Mill 2 0 1 0 0  
9 Myles Gayman Greencastle-Antrim 0 0 0 0 0     17 Mitch Wilson Saint James 1 0 1 1 0  
13 Brad Haas South Carroll 2 0 0 0 0     20 Francisco Maya Waynesboro 3 0 0 0 0  
15 Joey Skov Tuscarora-VA 2 0 0 0 0     27 A.J. Javitt St. John's Catholic 1 0 0 0 1  
15 Cameron Alveraz Jefferson-WV 2 0 0 0 0     14 Jacob Paulishak Underclassman 1 1 1 1 2  
15 Noah Allen Underclassmen 0 0 0 0 0     3 Josh Clegg Underclassman 2 0 0 0 0  
16 Robert Cross Washington-WV 1 0 0 0 0     2 Jacob Wetzel Underclassman 3 0 1 1 0  
20 Cole Gabriele Tuscarora-VA 1 0 0 0 0     10 Robby Walsh Westminster 2 1 1 0 0  
20 Timmy Joy Washington-WV 2 0 1 0 0     10 J.P. Melby Underclassman 2 0 0 0 0  
22 Quin Ambeault Greencastle-Antrim 2 0 0 0 0     9 Connor McCormick Underclassman 2 0 0 0 0  
34 Noah Lacy Tuscarora-VA 2 0 0 0 0     7 Logan Willmoth Underclassman 1 2 0 1 1  
35 Jordan Beans Jefferson-WV 0 0 0 0 0     11 Chase Metz Underclassman 2 1 1 1 0  
    Totals 30 0 2 0 1     13 Austin Moser Underclassman 2 0 1 0 0  
                    8 Ryan Bywaters Underclassman 2 1 1 2 0  
                    3 Justin Buberl Westminster 1 1 0 0 1  
                        Totals 44 11 14 7 6  
                                     
2B:                    2B: Ryan Brown, Jared Carr, Austin Moser.            
3B:                    3B:                 
SB:                    SB: Ryan Brown (2), Francisco Maya.            
SF:                   SF:                
ROE:                    ROE:                 
HBP:                    HBP:                 
                                     
      IP H R ER BB SO         IP H R ER BB SO
16 Robert Cross   L Washington-WV 1 1 1 0 0 1   12 Steven Cook   W Winters Mill 1 0 0 0 0 0
9 Myles Gayman Greencastle-Antrim 1 1 0 0 0 1   3 Josh Clegg Underclassman 1 0 0 0 0 1
5 Jordan Tapley Smithsburg 1 1 0 0 2 2   2 Jacob Wetzel Underclassman 1 0 0 0 0 0
20 Cole Gabriele Tuscarora-VA 1 0 0 0 1 1   8 Isaac Schlotterbeck Saint James 1 0 0 0 0 0
1 Colton Bare Underclassmen 1 2 1 1 1 0   3 Justin Buberl Westminster 1 0 0 0 0 0
15 Noah Allen Underclassmen 1 1 0 0 0 0   8 Ryan Bywaters Underclassman 1 1 0 0 0 0
20 Timmy Joy Washington-WV 1 6 5 5 0 0   1 Brandon Martin Westminster 1 0 0 0 1 1
15 Joey Skov Tuscarora-VA 1 1 4 0 3 0   17 Mitch Wilson Saint James 1 1 0 0 0 1
35 Jordan Beans Jefferson-WV 1 2 0 0 0 2   27 A.J. Javitt St. John's Catholic 1 0 0 0 0 1
    Totals 9 15 11 6 7 7       Totals 9 2 0 0 1 4
                                     

 

National Stars defeat Amercian Stars 7-2 in Diamond Stars Game

Advance weather forecasts predicted Sunday’s Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic at Municipal Stadium could turn into a wet adventure, and that’s exactly what happened.

Minutes after the Diamond Stars game ended, the overcast sky let loose and the MABC Elite game was postponed.

Subscription Required

You need an online service to view this article in its entirety.

Subscribe
 
 

 

You must login to view the full content on this page.

The showcase game tentatively is scheduled for Monday night at 6:30. The final decision on the status of the game will be made Monday morning.

“This is the first rainout in 11 years of the Classic,” said event director Dave Foltz. “It has always been held on Memorial Day. It wasn’t this year and that jinxed us.”

The Diamond Stars National team was held in check early before breaking loose for a 7-2 win over the American squad.

Hunter Coppell (Eastern Tech) had a double, single and walk with two RBIs to earn most valuable player honors for the National team.

It was Coppell’s double in the decisive top of the sixth inning that brought life to National.

One-out walks to Ben Carr (Centennial) and Luca Tesselli (St. Maria Goretti) set the stage for Coppell’s big blast off Nick DeSimone (Middletown) which reached the wall in expansive left-center field. Coppell came around to score on a hustle double by Cody Cline (Waynesboro), giving National a 3-2 lead.

“It’s an honor to get the (MVP) award,” said Coppell, who plans on going to junior college at Dundalk. “It shows you just keep preparing, that hard work pays off.”

American claimed a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third without the benefit of a hit. Zac Kober (Waynesboro) walked two and hit a batter to load the bases, then issued a free pass to Dillon Morgan (Greencastle-Antrim) to force in a run. Derek Measell (Greencastle) added an RBI fielder’s choice grounder before Kober retired the side.

National scored an unearned run in the fourth. Chip Faust (Catoctin) led off with a single and Dalton Jeffries (Mountain Ridge) put down a perfect bunt.

American pitcher Jake Venko (Centennial) efficiently fielded the ball, but he fired the ball errantly down the right-field line, allowing Faust to score.

National put the game away with a three-run ninth, including a single by Coppell and back-to-back RBI triples by Cline and Joe Malagari (South Carroll).

“I came into this game just trying to stay relaxed,” said Cline. “All year I think I had one double. This was a special day.”

National pitchers allowed five hits and five walks. Seven hurlers combined for nine strikeouts. Coppell, Cline and Malgari each had two hits. Zach Shankle (Tuscarora) threw two innings of relieffor the win, allowing one hit with one strikeout.

American pitchers posted 11 strikeouts but also walked eight.

• In Sunday’s opener, two teams of local legends got together and North Hagerstown came away with a 9-7 victory over Williamsport.

Former North star Freddie Kreiger led the Hubs with three hits and two RBIs to gain most valuable player honors.

Six former North players — Orland Dean, C.J. Owings, Josh Barron, J.T. Root, Pete Grunberg and Earl Thompson — had two hits each. In relief, Jonathan Shipley picked up the victory.

Former Herald-Mail Hitter of the Year A.J. Jamison had two hits and two RBIs for Williamsport.



2016 Event News

Media Day
All selected players are asked to attend MABC Media Day.
Players will receive a free ticket to the Hagerstown Suns game this day.

Date: Sunday, May 15, 2016
Where: Hagerstown's Municipal Stadium
Time: 1:45 PM during the Hagerstown Suns game (2:05 first pitch)

 

2016 Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic
Date: Sunday, June 5
Where: Hagerstown's Municipal Stadium

9:00 AM Legends Game
12:00 PM Diamond Stars Game
3:00 PM MABC Elite Game


 


2015 MABC Elite Game MVP: Sinjin Shoop-Williamsport HS

2015 American Elite All-Stars

2015 National Elite All-Stars

2015 Diamond Stars MVP: J.J. Cooper-Clear Spring HS

2015 American Diamond Stars

2015 National Diamond Stars

2015 MABC Recap

Williamsport’s Sinjin Shoop and Clear Spring’s J.J. Cooper were more grateful than greedy.

Neither of the two seniors playing in the 10th annual Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic on Monday at Municipal Stadium took more than they were given, but they grabbed all they could get.

Shoop and Cooper took the most valuable player honors in the two games with very opportune hitting.

Shoop came out top of the heap in the MABC Elite Game, using his legs to get two hits and two RBIs to lead the American squad to an 8-7 victory over the National team in a game made up of players nominated for the contest. Most of the players already had their tickets punched to play in college.

“That’s my trademark,” said Shoop of his run-scoring triple and infield single. “I like to try and get out of the batter’s box fast and bring back all I can get.”

Cooper was named the top player in American’s 6-4 win over National in the Diamond Stars game, which had a vast number of players still looking to catch the eye of a college coach. Cooper entered the game in the sixth and capped American’s game-winning four-run rally with a tiebreaking two-run single to right.

“I haven’t had an experience like this since I’ve been in Little League All-Stars,” said Cooper, who also added a single. “It was good, but it was different. I didn’t get to start until the middle of the game. It was tough game to play but you have to stay focused.”

• Shoop was one of a group of players who shined in the Elite Game, as hitters ruled. Clear Spring’s Riley Lazich had two hits, a run scored and an RBI, while Linganore’s Grant Waxter drove in the game-winning run in American’s three-run seventh.

Shoop drove in American’s second run and scored the third to tie the game at 3 after two innings. He followed a leadoff double by Justin Mack (Eastern Tech) off Brunswick’s Doug Pearl. Shoop drove the ball to the center-field wall and hustled out the triple.

“It was a 2-1 pitch he got up on me,” Shoop said. “Then I got out and got what I could get.”

He scored on a single by Williamsport’s Colby Byers.

National controlled the game until the seventh.

Lazich gave American a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first with a single. He moved to second on single by Sarunas Matalavage (Manchester Valley) before stealing third and scoring on an errant throw.

National took a 3-1 lead in the top of the second on a two-run triple by Joey Nicastro (Oakdale), who later scored on a grounder by Danny Smith (Urbana).

After Shoop and Byers tied the game in the bottom of the second, National took a 5-3 in the third on an RBI single by Vaughn Parker (Thomas Johnson) and an RBI triple by Chris Wessels (Long Reach) off Josh Little (Catoctin). National led 6-4 after four, thanks to an American error.

American got a run back in the bottom of the fifth when Trent Douglas (Southern Fulton) doubled and scored on Lazich’s two-out ground-rule double to left off Noah Tucker (Mountain Ridge).

Shoop legged out an RBI infield single off Brady Farrell (Urbana) in the sixth to tie the game, before National took a 7-6 lead on a sacrifice fly by Brunswick’s Ryan Capstick.

The winning rally included a game-tying sacrifice fly by Connor Litton (Southern Fulton) before Waxter’s single.

The teams combined for 30 hits. Nick Stegman (Oakdale), Daustin Chen (Middletown) and Wessels had two hits each for National.

• In the Diamond Stars game, American trailed 4-2 heading into the bottom of the sixth before a trio of errors by National got pitcher Brad Younker (Hancock) in trouble.

With two outs, Patrick Roach (Martinsburg) was hit by a pitch and Hunter Stafford (Musselman) walked. The tying runs scored when Tyler Hickey (Middletown) reached on a double error. James Orlando (Martinsburg) drew a walk.

Then it was Cooper’s turn.

“It was a 3-2 pitch and I got it on the inner half,” Cooper said. “I just went with it.”

It became a drive to the fence in right-center, scoring Hickey and Orlando. It was a bit of a surprise.

“I usually go the other way,” Cooper said.

National took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first as Jacob Myers (Winters Mill) and Younker led off with singles off starting pitcher Tyler George (Saint James). Joe Rindone (Brunswick) hit a sacrifice fly and Alex Hejduk (Smithsburg) had an RBI single.

American cut the deficit to 2-1 in the second off pitcher Conner Henniges (Linganore) on an RBI single by Aaron Brooks (DeMatha). American tied the game in the fourth against Treyvon Jones (Northern Garrett) on an RBI single by Jeremy Younker (Williamsport).

National took a 4-2 lead in the sixth, highlighted by a double by Josh Hindle (Dominion, Va.). 

Myers led National with two hits and scored a run.


2015 Rosters

MABC Elite Game
Monday, 5/25 3:00 PM @ Municipal Stadium Hagerstown, MD

AMERICAN Pri Pos Sec Pos T B SCHOOL COLLEGE   NATIONAL Prim Pos Sec Pos T B SCHOOL COLLEGE
Jack Alkire RHP SS R R DeMatha VCU   Colson Kirchner RHP 1B R R Middletown Undecided
Dalton Morgan RHP   R R Clear Spring Undecided   Doug Pearl LHP OF L L Brunswick Frederick CC
Andy Rozylowicz LHP 1B R L DeMatha UMBC   Chris Devine LHP 1B L L Urbana Hood
Jimmy Cain RHP SS/3B R R Howard Millersville   Michael Bealmear RHP SS/1B R R St. Johns Catholic Undecided
Josh Little RHP SS R R Catoctin Mount St Mary's   Tristan Daywalt RHP OF R L Chambersburg-PA Bridgewater
Colin Osborne LHP   L L Williamsport Stevenson   Brady Farrell RHP   R R Urbana Undecided
Justin Smith LHP OF L L Smithsburg Hagerstown CC   Noah Tucker RHP OF R R Tuscarora Concord
Colby Smith RHP 3B R R Catoctin Chesapeake   Ryan Capstick RHP 1B R R Brunswick Frederick CC
Kenny Daniels RHP 1B R R North Hagerstown Hagerstown CC   Danny Finn RHP 3B R R Middletown Coast Guard Acd
Colby Byers C RHP R L Williamsport Hagerstown CC   Nicholas Gardner C 1B R R Huntingtown Chesapeake
Jeremiah Blake C RHP/2B R R Perry Hall Undecided   Eric Scheller C OF/1B R R Century Hood
Connor Stephenson C 1B R R Sherando-VA Emory & Henry   Alex Cartner C   R R Middletown Undecided
Brooks Carr 1B RHP R L Northern Garrett Fairmont State   Vaughn Parker 1B 3B R R Thomas Johnson Mount St Mary's
Hunter Martin 2B 3B/SS R R North Hagerstown Hagerstown CC   Taylor Itnyre 2B SS R L Brunswick Charleston
Sinjin Shoop SS 3B R R Williamsport Hagerstown CC   Danny Smith SS OF R R Urbana UMBC
Sarunas Matalavage 3B 1B R L Manchester Valley Mount St Mary's   Evan Pettyjohn 3B C R R Boonsboro Frederick CC
Justin Mack 3B 1B/OF R R Eastern Tech Undecided   Kevin Gibson  SS 3B R R Middletown Undecided
Andrew Yu SS RHP R R Perry Hall US Naval Academy   C.J. Mackinson SS RHP R R Century Frederick CC
Anthony Millington SS RHP/2B R R Manchester Valley Stevenson   Cameron Sydnor 1B 3B R L Huntingtown Chesapeake
Mitchell Henson IF RHP R R Martinsburg-WV Undecided   Daustin Chen 1B OF R R Middletown Frederick CC
Grant Waxter SS RHP/2B R R Linganore William&Mary (FB)   Matthew Schug SS 2B R R Huntingtown Towson
Connor Litton SS 2B/RHP R R Southern Fulton-PA Cowley College   Mike Strietbeck 3B/C   R R Mountain Ridge Undecided
Tristan Douglas 2B 1B/OF R R Southern Fulton-PA Undecided   Chris Wessels OF   R R Long Reach Mount St Mary's
Riley Lazich OF   L R Clear Spring Radford   Joey Nicastro OF 2B R L Oakdale UMES
Andrew Keith OF   R L DeMatha Wesylan   Brooks Ryan OF   R R Winters Mill Wilmington
Frankie Anderson OF   R R Catoctin Mount St Mary's   Luke Harsh OF C R L Boonsboro Hagerstown CC
Adam Whitacre OF LHP L L Sherando-VA Radford   Jack Duffy OF   R R Urbana Undecided
Garrett Spinks OF 1B L R Smithsburg Salisbury   Jalen Washington OF RHP R L Mountain Ridge Potomac State
Jeremy Madon OF   L L Martinsburg-WV Fairmont   Matt Lynch OF RHP R R Middletown Frederick CC
Dillan Lashley OF   R R Southern Fulton-PA Allegany CC                

 

 

 

Diamond Stars Game
Monday, 5/25 12:00 PM @ Municipal Stadium Hagerstown, MD

AMERICAN Pri Pos Sec Pos T B SCHOOL COLLEGE   NATIONAL Prim Pos Secd Pos T B SCHOOL COLLEGE
Zach Andrews LHP OF L L Williamsport Undecided   Dylan Ellis LHP OF L L Brunswick Undecided
Ty Michaud RHP SS/OF R R Sherando-VA Chesapeake   Connor Henniges RHP 3B R R Linganore Undecided
Zayne Blickenstaff RHP 3B R R Boonsboro Undecided   Ryan Brown LHP OF L L Tuscarora Undecided
Zach Stultz RHP   R R Waynesboro-PA Undecided   Trevon Jones RHP SS R R Northern Garrett Undecided
Tyler George RHP 1B/3B R R Saint James Roanoke   Jordan Ritter RHP 1B R R Oakdale Undecided
Aaron Lamp RHP 1B/3B R R Martinsburg-WV Undecided   Alex Enriquez RHP IF/OF R S Frederick Undecided
Patrick Roach RHP 1B/2B R R Martinsburg-WV Undecided   Brad Younker RHP SS R R Hancock Undecided
Tim Stoner RHP   R R Clear Spring Undecided   Justin Traenkle  RHP IF R R Dominion-VA Undecided
Austin Golden RHP 3B R R Williamsport Undecided   Joe Rindone C RHP R R Brunswick Undecided
Andrew Fiery C 1B R R North Hagerstown Undecided   Jake Kucharski C RHP R R Westminster Baldwin Wallace
Luca Tesselli C OF R R St. Maria Goretti Frederick CC   Bryce Slack C OF R R Dominion-VA Undecided
J.J. Cooper C OF R R Clear Spring Undecided   Chaz Christy C 1B R R Oakdale Undecided
Brad Thaxton 1B RHP R R DeMatha Undecided   Luke Allen 1B OF L L Tuscarora Undecided
Dylan Bickford 2B C R R South Hagerstown Methodist   Connor Wills 2B RHP R R Urbana Undecided
Sawyer Duffey SS 2B R L Waynesboro-PA Penn St-Altoona   Neal Roberts SS 2B R R Linganore Undecided
George Delinski 3B SS/RHP R R Musselman-WV Undecided   Cody Ryan 3B 2B R R Tuscarora Undecided
Jacob Orlando 1B OF R R Martinsburg-WV Undecided   Chris Masser SS 2B/RHP R R Tuscarora Frostburg
Christian Minus 3B/2B RHP R R DeMatha Undecided   Justin Hindle 2B RHP/SS R R Dominion-VA Undecided
Austin Hanshew 2B   R R Waynesboro-PA Undecided   Jacob Barr 1B OF R L Smithsburg Undecided
Chris Jeletic 3B   R R DeMatha RIT   Alec Hejduk 2B 3B R R Smithsburg Undecided
Caleb Goodie SS 3B/RHP R R Saint James Colgate   Devin Conley SS RHP R R Walkersville Undecided
Nick Blake 2B RHP R R St. Maria Goretti Undecided   Brett Oates C 2B R R Northern Garrett Undecided
Aaron Brooks OF   R R DeMatha Undecided   Sedale Patton OF   R L Frederick Undecided
Jerimiah Younker OF   R R Williamsport Stevenson   Jacob Myers OF   R R Winters Mill Eastern (Soccer)
Kurt Hansen OF   R R Greencastle-PA York   Jordan Crites OF   R R Urbana Frederick CC
Hunter Stafford OF RHP R R Musselman-WV Undecided   Zach Scott OF   R R Manchester Valley Stevenson
Michael Brechbill OF 2B R R North Hagerstown Undecided   Brody Coleman OF RHP R R Manchester Valley Stevenson
Quentin Rohrbaugh OF LHP L R Sherando-VA Prince Georges CC   Kyle Brodt OF C R R Linganore Undecided
Mason Machak OF   R R Middletown Undecided   Alex Rychwalski OF   R R Century Undecided
Tyler Hickey OF 3B R R Middletown Undecided   Matt Orr OF   R R Thomas Johnson Chesapeake
Ryan Bartoli DH RHP R R Middletown Undecided   Tommy McCarthy OF LHP/1B L L Brunswick Undecided

 

 

2015 Event Info

Media Day: Sunday, May 3, 2015 @ Municipal Stadium, 2-4 PM

Event Date: Monday, May 25, 2015

Games:
Legends Classic: Williamsport vs Clear Spring, 9AM
Diamond Stars Game: American vs National, 12PM
MABC Elite Game: American vs National, 3PM
Legends Classic: North Hagerstown vs South Hagerstown , 6PM


 





2014 Elite Game MVP: Garett Blank-Saint James

2014 American Elite All-Stars

2014 National Elite All-Stars


 

2014 Diamond Stars MVP: Tim Kitchen-South Hagerstown

2014 American Diamond Stars

2014 National Diamond Stars


 

 


2014 MABC Recap

 by Jack Hill, Herald-Mail Media

The 2014 Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic featured an interesting doubleheader of all-star games that separated the Tri-State area talent, along with players from the region, onto four different teams.

The first game was the Diamond Stars Game, where American snapped a 6-6 tie by scoring three runs in the bottom of the eighth and two more in the ninth to defeat National, 11-6.

Larry Lopez hit an infield single and Gabe Maymon singled to center to start the eighth. Colby Messersmith (Smithsburg) hit an RBI single to right and stole second. Jamie Naill followed with an RBI single to right. Messersmith scored on a groundout to third by Daniel Rauch.

Jesse Beeler (Greencastle-Antrim) retired the side in order in the ninth to pick up the save for American.

Tim Kitchen (South Hagerstown) was named the MVP of the Diamond Stars Game. He was 2-for-2 with two RBIs for American.

National was leading 6-3 when American scored three runs in the seventh. With one out, Ryan Howard singled to center and Steven Hunsberger walked. One out later, Brandon Jackson (South Hagerstown) reached on a dropped third strike to load the bases. Christian Kehr (Broadfording) laid down an RBI bunt single to third. Kitchen then ripped a two-run single to center to tie the game.

“I think it’s great to come out here and get a ‘W,’” Kitchen said. “It was also great that I got to contribute. Just to be in that position and come through for my team, it is a great feeling.”

National went in front 1-0 in the second when Geraghty Showe (Williamsport) doubled to left and scored on a single to center by Jack Schombert.

American took a 3-1 lead when David Larason hit a two-run triple to left and scored on a single to center by Maymon.

National tied the score at 3 in the fifth on a two-run single to left by Wyatt Scriever (Williamsport).

National went on top 6-3 with three runs in the sixth on a wild pitch, an RBI single to center by Jake Moats (St. Maria Goretti) and a sacrifice fly by Blake Smith.

• The second game was the MABC Elite Game and American led from the start to get a 7-3 win.

Garett Blank (Saint James) was named MVP, stealing three bases and scoring two runs for American.

“I was just trying to read what the pitchers were throwing,” Blank said. “I studied them a little bit. I just got a good jump.”

Mark Grunberg (North Hagerstown) came home on a double to center to give American its first run in the first inning. Ashtin Byers (Greencastle) hit a two-out single to center and later scored on a wild pitch for a 2-0 lead in the second.

American made it 3-0 in the third. Blank drew a leadoff walk, stole two bases and scored on a wild pitch.

American scored a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth when Tim Ingram (Waynesboro) doubled to left and scored on a single to center by Isaiah Pasteur, who came home on a double to center by Brandon Toloso (Williamsport).

American scored its last run in the seventh. Blank singled to left, went to second on a throwing error, stole third and scored on a single by Austin Main.

AMERICAN DIAMOND STARS               NATIONAL DIAMOND STARS            
# PLAYER SCHOOL AB RUNS HITS RBI BB     # PLAYER SCHOOL AB RUNS HITS RBI BB  
1 Clay Eberhart Waynesboro-PA 2 0 0 0 0     1 Tristan Baker Williamsport 2 0 2 0 0  
3 Gabe Maymon Walkersville 2 1 2 1 0     2 Bryan Reich Sherwood 0 0 0 0 0  
4 Larry Lopez DeMatha 2 1 1 0 0     3 Alec Wingerd St. James 2 0 0 0 0  
4 Colby Messersmith Smithsburg 2 1 1 1 0     4 Nick Gange Manchester Valley 0 0 0 0 0  
5 Tim Kitchen South Hagerstown 2 1 2 2 0     5 Joe Grabowski Long Reach 2 0 2 0 0  
5 Taylor Shank North Hagerstown 2 1 1 0 0     5 Tim Schumacher Middletown 2 0 1 0 0  
6 Daniel Rauch Linganore 2 0 0 1 0     5 Dakota Berry Urbana 1 0 0 0 0  
7 Joe Forti South Hagerstown 0 0 0 0 0     6 Evan Rogers Martinsburg-WV 2 1 0 0 0  
7 Ryan Robertson Walkersville 2 0 1 0 0     7 Daniel Patterson Brunswick 1 0 0 0 1  
8 Brock Antognoni Oakdale 3 0 1 0 0     7 Jake Moats St. Maria Goretti 2 0 1 1 0  
8 Jamie Naill Winters Mill 1 0 1 1 1     8 Ryan Abbott St. James 1 0 1 0 0  
8 Jordan Edlund North Hagerstown 2 0 0 0 0     8 Mitch Sgrignoli Middletown 1 0 0 0 1  
9 David Larason Thomas Johnson 2 1 1 1 0     8 Jack Schombert Urbana 2 0 1 1 0  
10 Tyler Hoffman Walkersville 0 0 0 0 0     9 Sam Bryan Urbana 0 0 0 0 0  
11 Ryan Howard Walkersville 2 1 1 0 0     9 Hunter Maloy Williamsport 2 0 0 0 0  
11 Timmy Hartsock North Hagerstown 2 0 1 0 0     10 Michael Dorsch Marriotts Ridge 0 1 0 0 1  
12 Tyler Sadowski North Carroll 2 0 1 0 0     10 Tom Slaysman Manchester Valley 0 0 0 0 0  
14 Jesse Beeler Greencastle-PA 0 0 0 0 0     11 J.D. Huffman Long Reach 2 0 0 0 0  
14 Wade Groupp North Carroll 1 0 0 0 1     11 Connor Ails Oakdale 0 0 0 0 0  
15 Chase Eichelberger South Hagerstown 2 0 0 0 0     12 Geraghty Showe Williamsport 2 1 1 0 0  
16 Cameron Fitzgerald DeMatha 0 0 0 0 0     13 Christian Worch Urbana 1 0 0 0 1  
16 Brandon Jackson South Hagerstown 2 1 0 0 0     14 Kyle Collins Urbana 2 0 0 0 0  
17 Steven Hunsberger Linganore 0 1 0 0 2     15 Casey Bartholomew St. Maria Goretti 2 0 1 0 0  
17 Brandon Haupt Clear Spring 2 0 0 0 0     15 Blake Smith Tuscarora 0 0 0 1 1  
22 Trenton Eirich Allegany 2 0 0 0 0     16 Blake Harne Williamsport 2 0 1 0 0  
23 Zach Blessing Winters Mill 1 1 0 0 1     20 Nick Winpigler Tuscarora 1 0 0 0 1  
23 Garrett Wiles Linganore 0 0 0 0 0     21 Wyatt Scriever Williamsport 1 0 1 2 0  
23 Ryan Garber Century 2 0 0 0 0     21 Jack Ricker Oakdale 2 0 1 0 0  
23 Cody Reifel Smithsburg 0 0 0 0 0     22 Casey Elbin Southern Fulton-PA 2 0 0 0 0  
26 Matt Oleksik Allegany 1 0 0 0 1     22 Hunter Hill Northern Garrett 1 0 0 0 1  
34 Christian Kehr Broadfording CA 2 1 1 1 0     25 Tyler Heffner Brunswick 0 0 0 0 0  
    Totals 45 11 15 8 6         Totals 38 3 13 5 7  
                                     
2B:                    2B: Showe.              
3B: Larson                 3B:                 
SB: Antongnoni                 SB: Abbott.              
SF:                   SF: Smith.              
ROE: Eichelberger, Kehr.                 ROE: Rogers.              
HBP: Edlund.                 HBP:                 
      IP H R ER BB SO         IP H R ER BB SO
10 Tyler Hoffman Walkersville 1 1 0 0 0 2   11 Connor Ails Oakdale 1 1 0 0 0 2
23 Ryan Garber Century 1 1 0 0 1 1   11 J.D. Huffman Long Reach 1 1 0 0 2 2
23 Cody Reifel Smithsburg 1 3 1 1 0 1   25 Tyler Heffner Brunswick 1 3 3 2 1 0
7 Joe Forti South Hagerstown 1 2 0 0 0 0   16 Blake Harne Williamsport 1 2 0 0 0 1
23 Garrett Wiles Linganore 1 2 2 0 1 1   6 Evan Rogers Martinsburg-WV 1 0 0 0 0 0
16 Cameron Fitzgerald DeMatha 1 3 3 3 0 2   2 Bryan Reich Sherwood 1 0 0 0 0 1
26 Matt Oleksik Allegany 1 0 0 0 3 2   21 Wyatt Scriever Williamsport 1 3 3 3 1 2
23 Zach Blessing Winters Mill 1 1 0 0 3 0   10 Michael Dorsch Marriotts Ridge 1 4 3 3 0 1
14 Jesse Beeler Greencastle-PA 1 0 0 0 0 1   4 Nick Gange Manchester Valley 1 1 2 1 2 0
    Totals 9 13 6 4 8 10       Totals 9 15 11 9 6 9
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
AMERICAN ELITE ALL-STARS               NATIONAL ELITE ALL-STARS              
# PLAYER SCHOOL AB RUNS HITS RBI BB     # PLAYER SCHOOL AB RUNS HITS RBI BB  
2 Brandon Toloso Williamsport 2 0 1 1 0     2 Thayer Seely Poolesville 3 0 1 0 0  
2 Mark Grunberg North Hagerstown 3 1 0 0 0     2 Tyler Morris Centennial 1 1 0 0 1  
2 Josh Gontarek Linganore 0 0 0 0 0     5 Chris Schleuss Musselman-WV 0 0 0 0 0  
3 Austin Main Middletown 2 0 1 1 0     6 Jarin Jenkins Musselman-WV 2 0 2 1 0  
3 Antonio Rosanova DeMatha 2 0 0 0 0     7 Ryan Franceschina Oakdale 0 0 0 0 0  
3 Zach Hossler Brunswick 2 0 1 0 0     7 Derek Nadeau Centennial 2 0 1 1 0  
4 Alex Calvert LaPlata 2 0 1 0 0     8 Angelo Hronis Chambersburg-PA 3 0 1 0 0  
4 Tim Ingram Waynesboro-PA 2 1 1 0 0     8 Jake Bender Marriotts Ridge 1 0 0 0 0  
4 Justin Hovey Greencastle-PA 1 0 0 0 1     9 Jonathan Brown Chambersburg-PA 1 0 0 0 1  
5 Josh Miller Smithsburg 2 0 0 0 0     9 David Stauffer Walkersville 2 0 0 0 0  
6 Jake Crist Greencastle-PA 2 0 1 0 0     9 Peyton Laramore Catoctin 2 0 0 0 0  
7 Mickey Rhodes South Carroll 2 1 1 0 0     9 Jamal Wade St. Pauls 1 0 0 0 1  
9 Brady Adam Sherwood 0 0 0 0 0     9 Peter Solomon Mount St. Josephs 2 0 0 0 0  
10 Riley Arnone Williamsport 1 0 0 0 1     10 Heath Shultz Urbana 2 0 1 0 0  
10 Jake Hafer Mountain Ridge 1 0 0 0 1     12 Daniel Sterenberg Centennial 2 0 0 0 0  
12 Ryan Ricci Greencastle-PA 0 0 0 0 0     12 Brady Acker Atholton 2 1 1 0 0  
12 Colton Sivic Allegany 2 0 2 1 0     13 Adam Blenckstone St. Maria Goretti 1 0 0 0 0  
12 Alex Cline Waynesboro-PA 2 0 1 0 0     14 Tyler Mason Martinsburg-WV 0 0 0 0 0  
13 Airin Martin South Hagerstown 0 0 0 0 0     15 Chris Convers  Poolesville 2 0 1 1 0  
13 Ashtin Byers Greencastle-PA 2 1 1 0 0     18 Wes Carson Marriotts Ridge 2 0 0 0 0  
13 Matt Kraeger South Carroll 2 0 0 0 0     20 Robbie Metz Poolesville 2 0 2 0 0  
14 Garett Blank St. James 1 2 1 0 1     20 Mark Smith Catoctin 2 0 0 0 0  
17 Isaiah Pasteur Winters Mill 2 1 2 1 0     23 Michael Catlin Oakdale 0 0 0 0 0  
17 Austin Stone North Hagerstown 1 0 0 0 1     23 Hunter Pearre Poolesville 1 0 0 0 1  
24 Chase Hoffman Middletown 1 0 0 0 0     24 Tyler Gross Musselman-WV 2 1 1 0 0  
25 John Barr Waynesboro-PA 0 0 0 0 0     34 Jordan Clingerman Southern Fulton-PA 0 0 0 0 0  
35 Cody Gwinn Eastern Tech 2 0 0 0 0         Totals 38 3 11 3 4  
42 Bryce Nightengale Allegany 0 0 0 0 0                      
44 Andy Szamski Eastern Tech 1 0 1 1 1                      
    Totals 40 7 15 5 6                      
                                     
2B: Toloso, Ingram, Rhodes, Szamski.                2B: Convers.              
3B:                    3B:                 
SB: Blank 3.                 SB: B                
SF:                   SF:                
ROE:                    ROE: Stauffer, Sterenberg.              
HBP:                    HBP:                 
                                     
      IP H R ER BB SO         IP H R ER BB SO
4 Alex Calvert LaPlata 1 2 0 0 0 2   2 Thayer Seely Poolesville 1 3 1 1 0 0
42 Bryce Nightengale Allegany 1 0 0 0 0 0   23 Michael Catlin Oakdale 1 2 1 1 2 1
13 Airin Martin South Hagerstown 1 0 0 0 2 0   7 Ryan Franceschina Oakdale 1 0 0 0 1 3
10 Riley Arnone Williamsport 1 3 1 1 0 1   9 Jonathan Brown Chambersburg-PA 1 3 1 1 0 2
25 John Barr Waynesboro-PA 1 3 2 2 1 0   34 Jordan Clingerman Southern Fulton-PA 1 3 2 2 1 0
17 Isaiah Pasteur Winters Mill 1 1 0 0 0 1   5 Chris Schleuss Musselman-WV 1 1 0 0 0 0
3 Austin Main Middletown 1 1 0 0 0 2   9 David Stauffer Walkersville 1 2 1 1 1 0
24 Chase Hoffman Middletown 1 1 0 0 0 1   10 Heath Shultz Urbana 1 1 0 0 0 3
12 Ryan Ricci Greencastle-PA 1 0 0 0 1 0   13 Adam Blenckstone St. Maria Goretti 1 0 0 0 1 1
    Totals 9 11 3 3 4 7       Totals 9 15 6 6 6 10

 


Visit our Facebook page for MABC photos

 


 


Devin Beverley - DeMatha 2013 Elite Game MVP

2013 National Elite All-Stars

2013 American Elite All-Stars

 

Ryan Aaron -Clear Spring - 2013 Diamond Stars MVP

2013 National Diamond Stars

2013 American Diamond Stars



2013 Elite Game Boxscore

AMERICAN  (1)                 NATIONAL (3)              
PLAYER SCHOOL AB Runs Hits RBI BB     PLAYER SCHOOL AB Runs Hits RBI BB  
Nicolas Fahs Seneca Valley 2 0 0 0 0     Josh Kutchey Walkersville 0 0 0 0 0  
Ian Peters Middletown 1 0 0 0 0     Mike Ogle Century 2 0 0 0 0  
Sean Wenner Middletown 1 0 0 0 0     Matt Connelly South Carroll 1 0 0 0 0  
Tim Anderson Liberty 1 0 0 0 0     Devin Beverly DeMatha 3 0 1 1 0  
Matt Daley North Hagerstown 2 0 0 0 0     Jacob Whitmore Musselman-WV 2 0 1 0 0  
John Britton North Hagerstown 0 0 0 0 1     Matt Maiers Hampshire-WV 1 0 1 0 0  
Zach Piazza Huntingtown 1 0 0 0 0     Collin Nusbaum Brunswick 0 0 0 0 0  
Shane Sweeney Liberty 1 0 0 0 0     Carl Colbert DeMatha 2 0 1 0 0  
Cole Warrenfeltz Waynesboro-PA 1 0 0 0 0     Brady Policelli Walkersville 3 1 1 0 0  
Gene Barrett Westminster 1 0 0 0 0     Darin Zombro Musselman-WV 2 0 0 0 0  
Logan Appel Clear Spring 1 0 0 0 1     Bradley Keith DeMatha 1 0 0 0 1  
Bobby Summersgill Liberty 1 0 1 0 0     Jerel English Frederick 0 2 0 0 2  
Hunter McKinley Hancock 1 0 0 0 0     Joey Johnson Catoctin 2 0 0 0 0  
Colby Johnson South Hagerstown 1 0 0 0 0     Gary Barrett Brunswick 2 0 1 0 0  
Jared Brant Clear Spring 2 0 1 0 0     Alex Kennedy Catoctin 2 0 1 0 0  
Curtis Miller Martinsburg-WV 1 0 1 0 0     Seth Shubert Catoctin 0 0 0 0 0  
Zane Schreiber North Hagerstown 1 0 0 0 1     B.Humbertson Walkersville 0 0 0 0 0  
Dylan Stouffer Clear Spring 2 0 0 0 0     Josh VanMeter Mountain Ridge 2 0 0 0 0  
Andrew Yacyk North Hagerstown 2 0 0 0 0     Chance Smith Brunswick 1 0 0 0 1  
Forrest Williamson Clear Spring 1 0 0 0 0     Chuckie Trentler Eastern Tech 2 0 0 0 0  
Bailey McAuliffe Tuscarora 1 0 0 1 0     Alex Eckenrode Francis Scott Key 0 0 0 0 0  
Tommy Labriola Huntingtown 1 0 0 0 0     Tyler Magaha Poolesville 1 0 0 0 0  
Trevor Houck Westminster 1 0 0 0 0     Jake Kyle Mountain Ridge 1 0 0 0 1  
Travis Ott Shippensburg-PA 0 0 0 0 0     Ryan Gough DeMatha 1 0 0 0 0  
Dallas Ducote Westminster 1 0 1 0 0     Connor Cool Catoctin 2 0 0 0 0  
Chris Longdo Martinsburg-WV 1 0 0 0 0       Totals 33 3 7 1 5  
Howie Kalamets Middletown 1 0 0 0 0                    
  Totals 30 0 4 1 3                    
2B: Brant                 2B: Kennedy              
                  3B: Policelli              
                                 
PLAYER SCHOOL IP H R ER BB SO   PLAYER SCHOOL IP H R ER BB SO
John Britton, L North Hagerstown 1 2 1 1 1 1   Alex Eckenrode, W Francis Scott Key 1 0 0 0 0 0
Jared Brant Clear Spring 1 0 1 0 2 1   Ryan Gough DeMatha 1 0 0 0 1 1
Forrest Williamson Clear Spring 1 0 0 0 0 0   Josh Kutchey Walkersville 1 1 0 0 0 0
Travis Ott Shippensburg-PA 1 0 0 0 0 3   Seth Shubert Catoctin 1 1 0 0 1 2
Chris Longdo Martinsburg-WV 1 1 0 0 0 0   Matt Maiers Hampshire-WV 1 0 0 0 0 0
Hunter McKinley Hancock 1 1 1 0 1 0   Collin Nusbaum Brunswick 1 1 1 0 0 0
Shane Sweeney Liberty 1 2 0 0 1 0   Connor Cool Catoctin 1 1 0 0 0 0
Trevor Houck Westminster 1 0 0 0 0 0   B.Humbertson Walkersville 1 0 0 0 0 0
Andrew Yacyk North Hagerstown 1 1 0 0 0 3   Darin Zombro, Sv Musselman-WV 1 0 0 0 1 0
  Totals 9 7 3 1 5 8     Totals 9 4 1 0 3 3

2013 Diamond Stars Boxscore

AMERICAN (13)                 NATIONAL (4)              
PLAYER SCHOOL AB Runs Hits RBI BB     PLAYER SCHOOL AB Runs Hits RBI BB  
Kevin Proctor St. Maria Goretti 1 2 1 0 0     Paul Walter Eastern Tech 3 0 0 0 0  
Ryan Dougall Martinsburg-WV 2 1 0 0 0     Maverick Keller Musselman-WV 1 0 1 0 1  
Hunter Williams North Hagerstown 2 0 1 2 0     Nick Tucker Walkersville 2 0 0 0 0  
Sam Shyman Linganore 2 0 0 0 0     Brad Enfield Boonsboro 2 0 0 0 0  
Jack Tintle DeMatha 2 0 0 0 0     Zach Krall Smithsburg 2 0 0 0 0  
Matthew Clemons Tuscarora 1 2 1 0 1     Cody Wenner Brunswick 1 1 0 0 0  
Dylan Appel Clear Spring 2 0 0 0 0     Joe Fawley Brunswick 2 0 0 0 0  
Josh Moats St. Maria Goretti 2 1 1 1 0     Mike Miller Urbana 2 0 0 0 0  
Drew Hetzel Washington-WV 1 1 0 0 1     Spenser Ricks Century 0 0 0 0 0  
Seth Campbell Washington-WV 2 1 1 0 0     Ben Dohm Urbana 1 0 1 0 1  
John Kominars Linganore 2 1 1 1 0     Zach Sines South Hagerstown 0 0 0 0 0  
Troy Carbaugh North Hagerstown 1 1 1 2 1     Sean Counterman Manchester Valley 1 0 0 0 1  
Ryan Aaron Clear Spring 2 1 2 1 0     Ryan Mallinger Poolesville 1 0 0 0 1  
Matt Machak Middletown 2 0 1 2 0     J.R. Rinehart Smithsburg 1 1 1 2 1  
Ryan Boward Williamsport 2 0 0 0 0     Scott Hessler Berkeley Springs 2 0 0 0 0  
Jackson Roth St. Maria Goretti 2 0 0 0 0     Cam Pullen Eastern Tech 2 0 0 0 0  
Brandon Allen Williamsport 2 0 0 0 0     Scott Bennett Boonsboro 1 0 1 0 0  
Tyler Shindle North Hagerstown 2 0 0 0 0     Dylan Bryan Waynesboro-PA 0 0 0 0 0  
Anthony DiAmario Jefferson-WV 1 0 1 0 0     Aaron Roby South Hagerstown 0 0 0 0 0  
Nick Williams Williamsport 2 1 1 0 0     Troy Schumann Eastern Tech 2 0 0 0 0  
C.J. Elwood Clear Spring 2 1 1 0 0     Cody Dorsey Poolesville 2 1 1 0 0  
Michael Reavis DeMatha 2 0 2 1 0     Connor Thomas Century 0 0 0 0 0  
Nick Sauble Williamsport 1 0 0 0 0     Scott Meredith Manchester Valley 1 0 0 0 1  
David Moser Clear Spring 2 0 1 1 0     Shane Mizelle Eastern Tech 2 0 0 0 0  
Bryce Nigh Heritage Acd 1 0 0 0 0     Thomas Presley Musselman-WV 2 0 1 0 0  
Jordan Lewis St. Frances 1 0 0 0 0     Kyle Dinterman Smithsburg 2 0 0 0 0  
Bubba Kriner Heritage Acd 1 0 1 0 0     Matt Evans Eastern Tech 1 1 0 0 1  
  Totals 45 13 17 11 3       Totals 36 4 6 2 7  
2B: Williams.                 2B: Rinehart.              
                                 
PLAYER SCHOOL IP H R ER BB SO   PLAYER SCHOOL IP H R ER BB SO
Ryan Boward, W Williamsport 1 0 0 0 0 1   J.R. Rinehart, L Smithsburg 1 1 3 2 1 2
Michael Reavis DeMatha 1 0 0 0 1 0   Troy Schumann Eastern Tech 1 3 4 4 2 1
David Moser Clear Spring 1 1 1 0 1 2   Brad Enfield Boonsboro 1 0 0 0 0 3
Bryce Nigh Heritage Acd 1 0 0 0 0 0   Zach Sines South Hagerstown 1 4 2 2 0 0
John Kominars Linganore 1 0 0 0 1 1   Matt Evans Eastern Tech 1 2 0 0 0 0
Sam Shyman Linganore 1 1 3 3 3 3   Dylan Bryan Waynesboro-PA 1 1 1 1 0 2
Drew Hetzel Washington-WV 1 2 0 0 0 2   Aaron Roby South Hagerstown 1 5 3 3 0 2
Nick Sauble Williamsport 1 1 0 0 1 1   Connor Thomas Century 1 0 0 0 0 1
Tyler Shindle North Hagerstown 1 1 0 0 0 1   Scott Bennett Boonsboro 1 1 0 0 0 0
  Totals 9 6 4 3 7 11     Totals 9 17 13 12 3 11

MABC stars only get fitted for ties

By JACK HILL III, Staff Correspondent May 28, 2012

HAGERSTOWN — Players came to the Mid Atlantic Baseball Classic loose and ready to play.

But the four teams left Municipal Stadium fit to be tied.

No one won and no one lost as both games in the all-star exhibition were finished dead even on Monday as the Diamond Stars game ended in a 7-7 deadlock before the MABC Elite Game ended a 4-4 draw, both after nine innings.

“This is the first time that we have ever had a tied game and we had two of them today,” MABC director Dave Foltz said. “Nobody left unhappy because there were no losers today.”

North Hagerstown’s Alex Courtney had two hits and three RBIs for the American team to win won Most Valuable Player trophy in the Diamond Stars game.

National led 7-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning until Courtney started a comeback by ripping a two-run single to left to reduce the deficit to two runs.

“I knew that we were down big and we couldn’t get any momentum going during the game,” Courtney said. “It was a changeup inside and I pulled it down the line.”

American scored with the help of an outfield error before Courtney crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly to right by Rob Ricciuti to tie the game.

Courtney added an RBI double in the third.

American’s Tyler Byers, of Williamsport, and National’s Brad Spickler, of Smithsburg, each pitched a scoreless ninth to secure the tie.

“I thought that all day we were one or two hits away from getting back into the ballgame,” American coach David Warrenfeltz said. “We finally got some big hits there in the eighth.”

Middletown’s Conner Myers led the National had two hits and three stolen bases to earn MVP honors in the MABC Elite game.

National led 3-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth until American rallied.

Clear Spring’s Nick Hill reached on a throwing error and stole second before North Hagerstown’s Phillip Pietro walked. North’s Charles Cvijanovich hit a one-out single to left to score Hill.

Pietro scored the tying run on a two-out wild pitch before Smithsburg’s Brock Heiston singled to center to bring in Cvijanovich for th 4-3 lead.

But National scored one run in the top of the ninth to force the game-ending tie.

“It was good for us that we rallied late, because their pitchers threw zeroes during the first six innings,” American manager Drew Crawford said. “I was really impressed with the pitching arms for both teams today.”

Chad Colliflower threw out the ceremonial first pitch, throwing to Williamsport’s Zach Lucas, before the second game in a tribute to his son Brendon, the Wildcats pitcher who died in an auto accident earlier this month.

Honorary First Pitch
Brendon Colliflower's dad, Chad, throwing out the honorary first pitch.


Conner Myers-Middletown
2012 Elite Game MVP


Alex Courtney-North Hagerstown
2012 Diamond Stars MVP


2012 American Elite All-Stars


2012 National Elite All-Stars


2012 Amercian Diamond Stars


MABC All-Star Binford signs with Royals

By TIM KOELBLE, Herald-Mail

HAGERSTOWN — A few years down the road, maybe we’ll see Hagerstown’s Christian Binford pitching for the Kansas City Royals at Camden Yards against the Baltimore Orioles.

The 18-year-old Binford signed a contract Friday with Kansas City and the ink on the pact officially dried Monday.

Already, Binford is in Surprise, Ariz., with the Royals’ Rookie League team and will stay there until the season is completed Aug. 28. He then will participate in the Fall Instructional League.

Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed, but it covers seven years and also includes a college tuition package.

“It’s surreal signing the contract,” said Binford. “Baseball is something I have loved all of my life. I want to be on the field every day.

“This is a dream come true,” he said. “I collected baseball cards when I was a kid, and when we’d go to Iowa to see my mom’s family, we’d go to the ballpark to watch major leaguers on rehab.”

Binford does not expect to pitch during the remainder of the Rookie League season. He’s just getting his arm back in shape since he’s not pitched regularly following the completion of his senior season at Mercersburg (Pa.) Academy.

“I’ll probably get active in games in the Instructional League, three or four innings an outing,” said Binford, who stands 6 feet 7 inches tall and tips the scales at 200 pounds. He said the Royals also want him to put 20 pounds on his frame.

He was the 906th player taken in the 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, going in Round 30 on June 7.

Shortly after the draft, Binford had a workout in front of Kansas City personnel at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium.

In the time since the workout in Kansas City, Binford looked forward to the day his name would be on a professional baseball contract.

“I was pretty much confident in our conversations with one another,” he said.

Coming off Tommy John surgery in 2009 for a torn ulnar collateral ligament, Binford made it all the way back into top form this season at Mercersburg with a 9-2 record, a 0.57 earned run average, walked only seven and struck out 83 batters in 61 innings pitched. Opponents managed only 25 hits and he fashioned a no-hitter against Peddie School.

“For the first full year back, I didn’t think much about being drafted, but things worked out and suddenly there was a tidal wave of scouts,” Binford said. “As the season progressed, I knew (the scouts) were there to see what I could do and I knew they were dead serious, not just talking.”

Binford was signed by Kansas City scout Jim Farr and also had plenty of praise for Clear Spring coach Mark Shives, a former pitcher.

“(Coach Shives) helped me back from surgery from day one,” Binford said. “He tweaked my windup and helped get me back on their radar.”

Had Binford not signed, he would be making final preparations to head to the University of Virginia, where he had a baseball scholarship.

As the Royals’ organization stands now, Binford’s progression upward through the minors would be Idaho Falls, Idaho, or Burlington, N.C., in rookie ball; Kane County, Ill., in low Class A; Wilmington, N.C., in advanced Class A; Northwest Arkansas in Class AA; and Omaha, Neb., in Class AAA.


Willard leads American All-Stars to thrilling 14-13 victory in MABC Elite Game

By JACK HILL III, Staff Correspondent

HAGERSTOWN — Smithsburg’s Ryne Willard drove in the winning run with a single in the bottom of the ninth inning to lead the American All-Stars to a 14-13 victory over the National All-Stars in the Elite Game during the Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic on Monday at Municipal Stadium.

American trailed National 13-11 going into the bottom of the ninth before putting together a three-run rally for a thrilling win.

With one out, Westminster's Brandon Nelson doubled to right and moved to third when Walkersville's Ricky Pardo reached on an infield error. After Pardo stole second, both Catoctin's Austin Carter and Linganore's Zach Davies walked to bring Nelson home. With the bases loaded, everybody advanced one base on a wild pitch as Pardo came home with the tying run.

Willard followed with a shot to the gap in right center to drive in Carter with the winning run.

“It was great,” Willard said. “It was a 3-0 count. Since it was an all-star game, the coach said to just go up there swinging. I hit a fastball on the outside corner. When I hit it, I knew it was in the gap. I just watched it.”

Willard went 4-for-5 with three RBIs to win the Elite Game MVP award.

American rallied from a 10-5 deficit by scoring six runs in the seventh for an 11-10 lead. Willard ignited that rally with a two-run homer to right.

“He threw me a good pitch,” said Willard, who has signed to play at Towson next spring. “It was on the outside part of the plate again. I was thinking it would hit off the wall, to be honest, but it carried over.”

Catoctin’s Landon Routzahn had two hits and three RBIs for American.

Williamsport’s Connor Arnone hit an RBI double for National.

“The other team had some pitching that was pretty solid,” American coach Steve Myers said. “We just kind of hung in there. I knew we could hit. It just eventually started working out.”




Haupt leads American stars to 5-2 victory in Diamond Stars contest

In the Diamond Stars Game, the American All-Stars defeated the National All-Stars, 5-2. South Hagerstown’s Trevor Haupt won MVP honors with hits in both innings that American scored.

American scored three runs in the third on a two-run double by Westminster's Nick Sohn and an RBI single by Haupt.

Haupt started American’s two-run rally in the eighth with a double to left. An RBI single by Westminster's Ryan Robinson and a sacrifice fly by Liberty's D.J. Bennett plated the runs.

“I was seeing the ball real good,” said Haupt, who will play for Hagerstown Community College next spring. “I was looking at some good pitches, so I knew that I had to focus and hit the ball.”

North Hagerstown’s Jake Bachtell added two hits for American.

The American bullpen shut out National over the final four innings. Northern Garrett's Cody Humberson, Williamsport's Tyson Cline, and Smithsburg's Dylan Eyler and Dylan Ianaro pitched one inning apiece for American.

“Our last four relievers did a good job of pounding the strike zone and making the defense do the work for them,” American coach Trey Cobb said. “All of them came in and shut the door. We got timely hitting. That is part of the game. That was really big to get the two insurance runs in the eighth. That gave us a little cushion. It was a great day.”


Senior stars get final chance to shine

By JACK HILL III/Staff Correspondent

June 6, 2010

HAGERSTOWN — Martinsburg coach John Lowery Jr. had his American all-stars ready to go as they got their offense going early to defeat the National all-stars 8-3 in the Mid-Atlantic Baseball Classic Elite Game on Sunday afternoon, the second game of a doubleheader at Municipal Stadium.

American was able to get out to an early lead and build on it.

“If you can do that in any game on any level, it’s a positive thing,” Lowery said. “That gives you a little bit of extra energy in a game when you get out to an early lead. We certainly had a lot of good players that swung the bat well. I liked the way that they played hard. They ran the balls out. We got some hits in a row and we had the big inning.”

Kevin Kean of Old Mill High School was selected as the MABC Elite Game MVP after ripping two triples for American.

American scored single runs in each of the first three innings.

Kean led off the bottom of the second with a triple to right and scored on a wild pitch.

American added four runs in the bottom of the fourth to expand its lead to 7-0. Kean capped the rally with an RBI triple to left.

American added one more run in the fifth to boost its lead to 8-0. With one out, Martinsburg’s T.J. Weisenburg doubled to left. Another out later, South Hagerstown’s Tyeler Presgraves singled to center to knock in Weisenburg.

American banged out a total of 16 hits.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to coach them,” Lowery added. “It was a very nice event.”

Earlier in the day, the National all-stars beat the American all-stars 13-3 in the Diamond Stars Game.

Drew Karlin of Poolesville High School was selected as the Diamond Stars Game MVP after stroking a pair of two-run doubles to center for National.

Karlin’s first two-run double came in the top of the fifth to enable National to extend its lead to 4-1.

National exploded with five runs in the top of the sixth to raise its lead to 9-1. Karlin capped the rally with his second two-run double.

Williamsport’s Blake Bandeff slugged a solo homer for American.

“I thought we showcased the top talent in the Tri-State area as well as the Mid-Atlantic Region,” executive director Dave Foltz said. “It is good to see the top players from the Tri-State area play together with the top players from other areas in the Mid-Atlantic Region. We had a lot of talent and a lot of smiles today out of all four teams. Everybody got to play today and everybody was happy.”

Red Sox draft MABC All-Star Branden Kline

Greg Swantek, Frederick News-Post Staff

Recent Thomas Johnson graduate and MABC all-star Branden Kline joined an elite Frederick County list on Wednesday, when he became a low-round draft pick (sixth round, No. 198) of the Boston Red Sox. The 17-year-old must now decide whether to sign a contract or head to the University of Virginia.

Shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday, with her cell phone pressed against her ear, Linda Kline started "bawling like a baby."
Kline was on the phone with her 17-year-old son, Branden, who had just told her he had been selected in the sixth round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Boston Red Sox.

"He had to say it three times," Kline said. "I knew what he said. I just wanted to make sure I heard him right."

Once her son's words began to sink in, Kline pulled the phone away from her ear and turned to her own mother, Martha, who was out running errands with her.

She tried to relay the good news, but it was very difficult with her emotions overtaking her.

"It was very exciting," Linda said.

Taken by Boston near the end of the sixth round as the 198th overall pick, Branden Kline is the first Thomas Johnson baseball player to be selected that high.

The pitcher is also one of the few players in the history of Frederick County baseball that was claimed in a single-digit round.

Frederick High School's Petey Cooper was chosen in the fifth round, 108th overall, of the 1969 draft by the Cincinnati Reds.

"We don't have too many kids around here who can say they were drafted right out of high school," longtime TJ coach Jim Foit said.

Now comes the tough part for the 6-foot-3, 185-pound Kline, who must decide whether to sign a contract with the Red Sox prior to the Aug. 15 deadline or play for his dream school, the University of Virginia, on a full scholarship.

Leading up to the draft, Kline had given strong indications to the professional scouts he spoke with that he was leaning toward going to college.

Nobody in his family has ever attended a university before and it's important to Kline to change that.

But the Red Sox, notoriously one of baseball's highest-spending teams, might present Kline with a contract that is hard to turn down.

"There's a handful of teams that money really doesn't matter that much," Foit said. "Boston clearly wasn't swayed by his preference to go to college. I think they could make him an offer that could cause him to squirm a little bit."

Kline is in Ocean City this week, celebrating his recent high school graduation with friends.

After following the first three rounds of the draft Tuesday night, his phone started chirping around 9 a.m. Wednesday.

"It was a couple of scouts wanting to know what I was thinking," he said. "At the time, the Red Sox and Royals were the teams that seemed most interested in me."

Around 12:30 p.m., after his friends had already taken off for the beach, Kline took a call from the Red Sox and was told they had selected him.

"I was jumping up and down," he said.

When he hung up the phone, he immediately started thinking about the money he might be offered, which will be the major factor in determining whether he turns pro right away or goes to college.

"I talked with some people and they told me sixth-round picks last year got something like a $2 million signing bonus," he said.

Kline admitted money like that would be very difficult to turn down, but he could see himself doing it.

To those that say he should turn pro right away, invest the money and perhaps attend college later, Kline's response is: "Those people are not in my shoes and they don't know why I am thinking a certain way. If it was just about the money, I'd say, 'Where do I sign?' But it's about more than that to me. I think about things before making big decisions. I don't just rush into them."

Short of very high draft pick and a major signing bonus, Kline was certain he'd be off to college. But he admitted the decision became tougher after a big-spending team like the Red Sox drafted him.

If there is a way to attend classes at Virginia during the offseason, he will strongly consider turning pro right away.

Even Linda Kline, who would prefer to see her son attend college, knows the complexity of her son's decision.

"I know it will be a very difficult decision," she said. "I just want Branden to know he has all the support from his family and friends. He is not going through this alone."

The Red Sox, no doubt, were enticed by the velocity of Kline's fastball, which is consistently clocked in the low 90s and has topped out at 95 mph, as well as the potential of him packing 20 to 25 pounds onto his frame.

A wiry right-hander, Kline was 6-1 for TJ this past season. In 41 innings, he allowed only three earned runs and 16 hits. His 79 strikeouts led the county.

In the last year, he is the third high-profile draft pick from the county.

Linganore graduate Joe Alexander was selected in the NBA draft lottery (No. 8 overall) by the Milwaukee Bucks last June.

Then, on April 28, Walkersville graduate Tony Fiammetta was chosen in the fourth round of the NFL Draft (128th overall) by the Carolina Panthers.

At the start of the season, Kline wasn't sure he'd be joining that kind of company. But he's learned that things change quickly.

The Red Sox have invited Kline and his family to Philadelphia this weekend for their interleague series with the Phillies.

"I'll get a chance to meet some of the big executives with the team and they'll get a chance to learn more about me," he said.

Contract negotiations could begin anytime.

After he was drafted, Kline ran to the beach to tell his friends. Later, they all went to watch the national telecast of the Red Sox-Yankees game.

"I was pretty pumped up and so were they because a lot of my friends are Red Sox fans," he said.

Linda Kline is on board with the idea of Kline going into professional baseball right away, as long as he eventually attends college.

"It would be great if he got his dream and I got mine," she said.

After she regained control of her emotions, Linda placed a phone call to Branden's father, Gary Bowens, to share her excitement.

And Bowens had to tell her, "There's no crying in baseball."