For many talented high-school baseball players, the annual AFLAC High School Baseball Classic represents the first major step towards a career in the major leagues.
Since its inception in 2003, 71 athletes that have played in the event have been selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft, and this year, a local product will get his shot.
Dylan Davis, a starting pitcher and outfielder for the Redmond Mustangs last season who batted a team-leading .438 and launched 11 home runs, shined at a recent “Perfect Game” showcase at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. He threw two innings of work, and got an immediate invite to the Classic as one of the top 38 prep players in the nation.
Festivities will begin on Aug. 12, culminating in the game itself which will be televised live from PETCO Park in San Diego, home of the Padres, at 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Fox Sports Network.
“I was kinda speechless,” said Davis on his invitation to the prestigious event, during which he will visit a children’s hospital and participate in a home run derby. “I remember seeing the game on TV when I was younger, and being like ‘Wow, that’d be kinda cool to go there.’ Last year one of my goals was to make the AFLAC team, and just to be able to accomplish another one of my goals is awesome.”
SCOUTING TOP TALENT
The Classic, a national “all-star” game of sorts, is always a hotbed for baseball scouts at both the professional and college levels, looking for athletes to recruit. Always one to remain calm in the heat of the moment, Davis plans to keep his cool under pressure, knowing what is at stake.
“I just want to do my best,” he said. “Try to stay relaxed, focused, and try not to think about it too much and block all the (distractions) out, and I do pretty well with that.”
Davis’ high school coach, Dan Pudwill, was thrilled to hear the news of Davis’ selection.
“He works so hard in and out of season that is is fantastic to see his efforts rewarded,” Pudwill commented. “I couldn’t be more excited for Dylan.”
The soon-to-be senior admitted that he was simply looking forward to “playing ball” and getting to mingle with the top 38 high school players in the country will be a memorable experience.
He recalls following the paths of players such as Bryce Harper, the No. 1 overall draft pick this year who went to the Washington Nationals, and Jameson Taillon, who was also selected in the first round, by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“It’s a shocker,” Davis admitted. “Getting to see everybody get to the top, it’s kinda cool.”
DOING THE LITTLE THINGS
Ever since the Mustangs’ season ended last May with a tough 6-5 loss to Federal Way in the state quarterfinals, Davis has been working harder than ever on keeping his game, and body, in top shape for events like the Classic.
“I’ve been working out a lot, doing baseball-specific stuff like core work and leg work,” Davis explained. “I’ve been playing games with my summer team, Chaffey, and just doing all the little things to get better.”
Pudwill has lauded Davis’ work ethic ever since he first made the team as a sophomore, citing his intense desire to win as the driving force behind his success on the field.
“He knows his talent isn’t enough,” said the sixth-year coach. “It’s the hard work and determination mixed with talent that separates him from most other baseball players.”
Soon to be on a plane to San Diego for the biggest baseball weekend of his young life, the mature 17-year-old was able to keep everything in perspective.
“It’s a huge opportunity for me,” Davis acknowledged. “My ultimate goal is to play in the major leagues… if the opportunity presents itself that would be great, but right now college is the way I want to go.”
When the bright lights shine down on PETCO Park this Sunday evening and the nation’s top high school baseball stars take the field, the entire country will get a chance to see Davis take the first step towards that goal.
