Area high school baseball players were given the opportunity Saturday to showcase their talent in front of coaches and scouts while also getting valuable advice from important figures.
Matt Childers’ Complete Game indoor baseball facility was the site for a strong turnout of area players to hit, pitch and catch in front of several college coaches and professional scouts.
The players went through rounds of hitting in the cages, and each player threw off a mound as coaches and scouts watched and took notes.
“We had a good turnout with the coaches and pro scouts that were here,” Childers said. “The coaches and scouts understand it’s Jan. 9 and they’re not in midseason form, but it gives them a good chance to look at them and gives the players a good experience.”
Several stood out at the pro day event, including Grovetown’s Jose Nogueras, who showed his strong catching ability. The senior said he was pleased with the event.
“I felt like I got a lot out of it,” Nogueras said. “I learned some new stuff from the college coaches and I appreciate their time being here to watch us. It was really fun being here today. I felt I learned a lot.”
Lakeside freshman Jared Szabo was among a group of younger players who showed potential. Szabo had one of the better fastballs during the event and displayed a quick arm.
Grovetown junior Kyle James was one of the more impressive hitters, showing a strong, quick swing that should produce good power for the Warriors this season.
The players gathered in huddles with a coach and scout during the day, and each offered advice and information to those in attendance at the end of the event.
One scout focused on carrying yourself as a professional and having the desire to improve on and off the field. A coach spoke on the importance of choosing the right college and how the college years can shape a person’s future.
“This being our second year doing it, that’s actually my favorite part,” Childers said. “The question and answer at the end and some of the information they’re letting these players know, they’re letting them know ahead of time what they need to be doing and how important their academics are and their character is.”
