Event offers players exposure

Area baseball players will get a chance to show off their talent this week with the annual Georgia Underclassmen Showcase put on by the Georgia Dugout Club and USA Baseball.

The showcase, held at Augusta State University, is one of 10 sites around the state that will field the one-day event for high school athletes. Incoming Greenbrier baseball coach Rodney Holder has helped with the event since it came to Augusta three years ago.

Holder said the baseball showcase is open to high school athletes entering 10th, 11th and 12th grades, and the cost to register is $100.

"They take them through a pro workout. They'll run the 60, take ground balls, throw and do some agility things," Holder said. "Then we'll actually play a controlled scrimmage with them. It's a good way for local coaches to get their kids to market themselves."

Holder said professional scouts and college coaches will attend the event. The showcase at Augusta State is the only one of its kind in the local area and brings exposure to many student-athletes who might not get college and professional attention during the season.

"That's the neat thing about it," Holder said. "We have about 70-80 kids each year and even if they're not in the top 100 they still get to work out and get some exposure."

For those who are among the best, the showcase will offer a chance to earn even more exposure.

Of the athletes who attend a showcase throughout the state, the top 100 will be chosen to participate in a final two-day event at Kennesaw State in July.

Those 100 top athletes will split into four 25-man teams for a tournament.

"It's even more exposure. Last year 21 Major League teams were there and 70-80 different college coaches," Holder said.

Local talent including Evans graduate Jeremy Armstrong, Greenbrier product Brad Ramsbotham and Augusta Christian rising senior Josh Whitaker have all attended the showcase and been selected as a top 100 player.

Anyone wishing to participate in the showcase can register online at www.georgiadugoutclub.com. Walk-up registration will also be accepted at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Augusta State.