High school players can show off talent

High school baseball players will have a chance next week to show off their skills in hopes of taking their game to the next level.

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The Georgia Dugout Club and USA Baseball will hold a 2010 Georgia Underclassman Showcase regional event Wednesday at Westside High School in what has become an annual event.

The showcase in Augusta, for players who will enter grades 10-12 next school year, is one of 12 throughout the state of Georgia.

The top 100 players from each regional showcase will be invited to attend the Top 100 Showcase, scheduled for June 28-29 at a location that is to be determined.

"It's a good workout for the kids," said Grovetown High School baseball coach Mike Jones, who will be part of the coaching group at the Westside showcase.

"They get to get evaluated by some really good high school coaches in the state," said Jones, adding that those making it to the state showcase will receive evaluations by coaches at the college and professional level.

Representatives from 26 Major League Baseball organizations and more than 50 colleges will be on hand at the state event. Jones said the local event has attracted colleges such as Augusta State University and USC Aiken in the past.

The registration cost is $100 for the showcase at Westside. The Georgia Dugout Club encourages participants to register in advance at www.georgiadugoutclub.com. However, on-site registration is available at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the showcase.

A committee of professional and college scouts will evaluate each player and select the top 100 from each site. The process is an all-day, comprehensive process, Jones said.

"If they're pitchers, they will see them throw off the mound. They will get everybody's speed in the 60 (meters). They will let them hit in the cage. Basically, they're seeing all the tools of the game," he said.