Field of dreams gives high schoolers chance to be seen

College Park (Map, News) - High school baseball players with major-league dreams will take the field at the University of Maryland on Aug. 4 and Aug. 6, when the fourth annual Mid-Atlantic Classic scouting combine convenes at Shipley Field.

Director Lou Holcomb said last year’s combine drew 220 high school players, but he plans to limit the number to 170 this year.

“That way it will give the kids a closer look,” he said. “There is only a small window to show your skills.”

Coaches from Division I schools all along the East Coast will be in attendance, including those from Brown, La Salle, Navy, Rutgers, St. Joseph, Towson and Villa Julie.

“The talent is there,” Towson coach Mike Gottlieb said. “And with the small number of kids it doesn’t become a meat market.” Gottlieb said he recruited four freshmen from this combine last year and is looking forward to this year’s event.

Holcomb, who is an associate scout with the Orioles, says this tryout camp will be run just like a pro-style Orioles camp with various strength and speed tests.

“It’s a big part of our recruiting,” Villa Julie coach Jason Tawney said. “I try to filter kids into that combine so I can get a better look at them.”

Tawney also said that three of his 12 incoming freshman were recruited from the combine.

THE CLASSIC REPORT

» How to sign up: Visit diamondrecruiting.com and request an application via e-mail.

» When: Aug. 4 and Aug. 6, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

» Did you know? The Mid-Atlantic Classic has produced a number of major league draft choices, including the Orioles’ third-round selection last year, Brandon Erbe. More than 40 Division I coaches attended last year’s combine.

Advertisement