A few thoughts from the 2007 Aflac All American Classic

Jack Armstrong was the winning pitcher for the East as he struck out the final two West hitters leaving the tying run stranded in scoring position.  After the game, A happy Armstrong said “This is the greatest event I’ve ever been to”.  That same quote was repeated by many during the post game ceremonies.  Clark Murphy told Perfect Game officials “Thank you, for selecting me, this is the most fun I’ve ever had in baseball”.  Destin Hood, co champion in the Homerun Derby, said “This was great, unbelievable, I had so much fun”.

Manny Hermisillo, head coach of the West, said “I don’t ever want to miss another one of these”.  Mike Sheppard Jr., head coach of the East, has had a great year.  His Seton hall Prep high school team was named the unofficial national champions and now he breaks the West’s three game winning streak in the Aflac Classic.  These two coaches along with all the assistants are not only great when it comes to baseball, they’re all outstanding caring individuals that understand this game is about the players and the cause.  It was a pleasure working with this group all week.

Aflac officials Jeff Herbert, Al Johnson and Tim Turner all had big smiles on their faces after the game.  Even Ozzie Smith said “Thank you so much for allowing me to take part in this”.  Ozzie, was outstanding as this year’s spokesman.  He gladly signed gloves, baseballs, and just about anything else the players wanted.  Many players had their pictures taken in small groups and individually with Ozzie. What an excellent role model Ozzie Smith is.

Many of the player’s parents were very impressed by the whole ordeal and were very thankful that their son’s got this opportunity.  They have raised some real nice polite kids and that was obvious all week.  Nice guys DO NOT finish last, as was proven here this week.

In a perfect world every player would have performed at his peak ability, but it’s baseball and things hardly ever work out that way.  Some of the best prospects didn’t have the best of games.  That is nothing new, it has happened often in the past.  Michael Main had trouble getting out of the first inning last year.  Two years ago, Jackie Robinson winner Cody Johnson struck out every at bat.  Three years ago, none other than Justin Upton, also a Jackie Robinson award winner, had a rough Aflac game. 

While some will advance in the eyes of scouts by having great performances, it’s just one game of baseball.  Main, Johnson andUpton went on to be first round picks the following year.  Justin Upton became the first overall pick in 2004 and signed for a record 6.1 million. Three years to the day after he had a poor Aflac game performance,  Justin Upton hit a double, triple and home run for the Diamondbacks, right up the highway in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.  Things have a way of working out!

The Aflac All Americans who were not able to play need to be mentioned.  They’re all very deserving and went through the entire week showing a great attitude.  Daniel Marrs is a highly ranked RHP from Virginia who will be back on the mound very soon.  In fact, we expect to see him pitching in Jupiter Florida this October.  Fans missed a treat when arguably the best lefty in the country, Walker Kelly (Texas ) couldn’t pitch.  Another top ranked lefty Anthony Ferrara (Florida ) also had to set out the game.  Jarred Cosart (Texas ) was scheduled to pitch in the game, but came up with a sore arm.  Then there’s the Sonny Gray situation,  Sonny practiced, but was disallowed to participate in the nationally televised game.  Fans missed a treat there too, because Sonny is a very rare mid 90s finesse pitcher.

Kyle Long was sorely missed.  Kyle came up with a football weight lifting injury a week or so before the Aflac game.  Being the captain of his football team, he decided to stay with his team.  The fans would have loved seeing Long, he is a very talented baseball player and athlete at 6-8/280.  He can throw mid 90s left handed and, as one might guess, hit a baseball a long ways.  But it’s Long’s personality that would have stood out the most here in San Diego .  He is a very likable individual and team mate.  We hope people understand how difficult it was for Kyle to miss this event.

Eric Hosmer got here for the game.  Congratulations to him and the Midland Redskins for winning the Connie Mack World Series.  Hosmer was named the MVP of the tournament.  He’s an outstanding talent and like the rest of this year’s All American’s, Hosmer is a high class individual.  

We will be doing complete scouting reports for the entire week in San Diego on every Aflac All American.  Of course, we have already compiled many reports in the past on these players, but this will add some more information to their files.

We are very proud of the fact that Perfect Game has selected each and every Aflac All American since the event began in 2003.  The total now stands at 192 Aflac All Americans.  We are even prouder to be involved in the greatest event in high school baseball and the fact that it’s purpose is even more important than the game. 

It’s really all about the kids!  And I don’t mean just those kids who are out there performing their skills on the field.

Reports will be coming on the PG Showcase at the Aflac Classic soon.  There was a lot of talent on hand including many of the top 09s in the nation.