By Zack Weiss, Special to ESPN RISE Baseball

This summer revolved primarily around baseball. I started the summer by committing to UCLA the day we got out of school. Following my commitment, I got involved with the showcase circuit. I played well in my first one; the Southwest Futures All-Star Series up at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton and got invited to Area Code tryouts as a result.

I made the Area Code Brewers Gray team and had a great week. I met a lot of good guys who were also great baseball players. They were guys who I'd heard of and read about but had never gotten the opportunity to play with.

The first time I got on the mound at USC was one of the most nerve racking experiences I've had. That outing was the first time I've really pitched in front of a big crowd of scouts, most of whom had radar guns on me. Naturally, you try to blow it out as best you can, to try to impress. But after a few pitches and falling behind in the count, you realize its way more important that you locate against such good hitters.

After Area Codes, I played in the Tommy Lasorda Classic at Dodger Stadium. One of the coolest weekends I've ever had, getting to play games and take batting practice at Dodger Stadium. I took the rest of the fall off and stopped throwing, just putting in a lot of time in the weight room. Throughout the fall, I played first base in our games for school and Connie Mack.

I'm hoping this year to not only have a great season on the mound, but also help lead our team offensively. We've been putting in a lot of time in the weight room as well as on the field, trying to get as strong and physical as possible.

I think if we play to our potential and do the little things right, we have a good chance to compete for a league title and make the CIF playoffs for the first time in four years. It has been a long wait but it's almost over, just a month left until the season starts.
 

by Josh Mason, Special to ESPN RISE Baseball

Hi my name's Josh Mason. I am an 18yr old senior pitcher/centerfielder for Crespi Carmelite Celts (Encino, Calif.). It is a small Catholic, all boys private school, but is successful in athletics and academics.  I am 6-3 and about 182 lbs, after I eat dinner. I grew up playing and watching baseball since I was young. My goal is to make it big someday in the MLB. I am currently signed with the Stony Brook Seawolves in Long Island, N.Y.  It is in the Division 1 America East Conference.

Last summer I played in the Connie Mack League for the Playa Vista Orioles. At the end of the summer I made the Area Code Brewers Grey team which was one of the best experiences I have had playing ball. It's great because it gathers all of the top baseball players from all over the US and you get to compete with the best talent out there. During the end of summer and early fall I played scout ball for the So Cal Cardinals Red for Chuck Fick, he is the reason why I got a shot at making Area Code and getting seen by many scouts for college.

To everyone out there that is reading this I really recommend trying out for a scout ball team because the coaches and contacts you make with people will definitely help you or your son get exposed more. During the fall I also made sure I worked out three times a week to stay in shape and hit everyday.

I would run every other day to stay in shape for pitching and would long toss the days I didn't run. Right now practice has already started after school, but I am also on a workout plan that requires a lot of lifting weights on the lower body and explosive exercises. I am stretching everyday to stay long and prevent my muscles from pulling in this cold weather. I also throw a rotation three times a week and a bullpen 2-3 times a week.  I try to hit everyday even if it's off the tee.

Note: Josh Mason is a part of a new feature on ESPNRISE.com Baseball.  We will hear from high school baseball players throughout the year, as they chronicle their experiences, lifestyle high school baseball season.  If you would like to be a student-blogger on ESPNRISE.com Baseball contact Andrew Drennen

Posted by Andrew Drennen, ESPN RISE Baseball

The 2010 Louisville Slugger Pre-Season High School All-American team selected by the staff of Collegiate Basebal.  No surprise at the names who made the first team with Jameson Tailion The Woodlands (Texas) leading the way as a first team pitcher. 

Check out the all-america team here.

by Cody Buckel, Special to ESPN RISE Baseball

Hi, my name is Cody Buckel.  This is my first blog about anything, so I am extremely happy to be writing about baseball. 

I started playing baseball when I was three years old being taught how to hit, throw and catch in the backyard via my mother.  I practiced everyday and would annoy my mother so much I ended up throwing against the retaining wall in my backyard. 

I first began pitching when I was eight years old and have been ever since.  I am now a senior at Royal High School in Simi Valley.   I am a starting pitcher and the starting shortstop.  This is my fourth and final year playing for Royal's varsity team. 

Over the past two summers I had the incredible opportunity to be named to the USA National Team, my first summer with the 16 and under (in Mexico) and the next summer with 18 and under (in Venezuela).  I got the experience of international ball and pitched against teams such as Cuba, Argentina, Panama, and Venezuela. 

Both summers ended with gold medals for the USA National Team, something I will never forget. 

During the past summer I played with multiple teams such as the Rays and Brewers Scout Ball teams, the Urban Youth Academy All-Stars (who played against the Japanese All-Stars), Area Code games, and my high school team.  The past summer has been incredibly busy and tough, but by far my favorite summer. 

I now am getting prepared for my final high school season and can't wait for my first game.

Note: Cody Buckel is a part of a new feature on ESPNRISE.com Baseball.  We will hear from high school baseball players throughout the year, as they chronicle their experiences, lifestyle high school baseball season.  If you would like to be a student-blogger on ESPNRISE.com Baseball contact Andrew Drennen

Posted by Andrew Drennen, ESPN RISE Baseball

The Los Angeles Dodgers recognize two high school coaches for their work at the high school level.  This year's winners of the Tommy Lasorda Lifetime Achievement Award was coaches Bob Zamora of Capistrano High School and Manny Alvarado of John F. Kennedy High School.  They will receive their awards tonight at a reception at Dodger Stadium. 

"I have always been very proud of baseball coaches at the high school level," said Tommy Lasorda on MLB.com.

Coach Zamora's Cougars won the CIF Southern Section Div. 1 title behind the bat and the arm of one Tyler Matzek, who was drafted in the first round by the Rockies.  It wasn't just Matzek, the entire Cougar pitching staff was incredible througout the 2009 playoffs.

Coach Alvarado's Kennedy team plays in the Los Angeles City Section and last year they went to the second round of the Los Angeles City Section Playoffs, where they lost to Cleveland of Reseda.  Cleveland then lost to Chatsworth in the LA City Section Finals in 2009.  

Click here to read more.

By Kevin Gausman, Special to ESPN RISE

My name is Kevin Gausman. I am a right-handed pitcher from Centennial, Colorado. I have signed my letter of intent to play baseball at L.S.U next spring.

I have been lucky enough to play in some of the most amazing events this summer. I played in the Under- Armour All-American game held in Wrigley Field, the Aflac All-American game at Petco Park, and played for the 18u Team U.S.A in the Pan- American games in Venezuela.

Baseball has sent me all over the country and all of these events were a once in a lifetime experience, but my favorite was playing for Team U.S.A. Going to Venezuela was something i will never forget.

The baseball there and even just the lifestyle is something completely different than that of our own. I was with team U.S.A. for almost a complete month and we all became very close.  In Venezuela we ended up beating Cuba in the championship game and receiving a Gold Medal. It was a scene I was always remember.

I currently playing basketball on the varsity team at my high school, but I am preparing for a fun last year of high school baseball where my team and I hope to compete for a state championship.

I have been working really hard to become a better overall pitcher and just to fine tune all my pitches in preparation for the upcoming spring.

Note: Kevin Gausman is a part of a new feature on ESPNRISE.com Baseball.  We will hear from high school baseball players throughout the year, as they chronicle their experiences, lifestyle high school baseball season.  If you would like to be a student-blogger on ESPNRISE.com Baseball contact Andrew Drennen

Posted by Andrew Drennen, ESPN RISE Baseball

Denise Garibaldi spoke of steroid use to students at St. Vincent (Petaluma, Calif.) High School. Garibaldi lost her son 2002, when he took his own life, from what his family believes was depression caused by the use of steroids.  This according to Petaluma360.com.  To read the article, CLICK HERE.

Posted by Andrew Drennen, ESPN RISE Baseball

Players out of the Four Corners Area showcased their skills in Las Vegas, Nev., this past weekend. CLICK HERE and read about how the players did and which ones stood out.

Posted by Andrew Drennen, ESPN RISE Baseball

The New York Yankee Area Code Baseball Tryout dates are listed below.  This year there will be five workouts in the Northeast for a spot in Long Beach.  The tryouts are invite only and will be sent out later this Spring.

Saturday, June 12 @ Syracuse Chiefs Ballpark in Syracuse, NY (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
Sunday, June 13 @ Syracuse Chiefs Ballpark in Syracuse, NY (Morning Workout TBA)
Monday, June 14 @ Trenton Thunder Ballpark in Trenton, NJ (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
Tuesday, June 15 @ Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Ballpark in Allentown, PA (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
Wednesday, June 16 @ Bentley College in Waltham, MA (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM)

Posted by Andrew Drennen, ESPN RISE Baseball

According to the AP, Stanford running back and Heisman Runner-up, Toby Gerhart is headed to the NFL Draft.  He was a dual sport-star at Stanford and before he got to Palo Alto he was a three sport star at Norco.  He eventually stopped playing basketball to focus on football and baseball.  CLICK HERE to read about Gerhart's move. Below is a story that appeard in the Winter 2006 issue of SPARQ Magazine about Gerhart and his time at Norco. 

Before the suburban building boom of the Eighties, the Southern California town of Norco was famed for its numerous horse farms.
 
Still clinging to its history, the city proudly declares itself "Horse Town, USA.” Today, mini-vans outnumber the mustangs, but Norco has produced a thoroughbred of an athlete who has fans of the local high school ponying up their dollars at the ticket booth. 
 
He's 18-year old Toby Gerhart. Before you begin his story, there's an epic roll of glory and honor that you need to hear.
 
Last fall on the football field, the 6-1, 228-pounder led all of California with 3,233 yards rushing, scored 39 touchdowns and was the key cog for a Norco High team that went 13-1 and won the CIF Southern Section Division V title.  Among his memorable outings were a 458-yard, six touchdown effort in a semifinal playoff win and a 441-yard, six touchdown night against a team that was No. 5 in the state at the time.(Read full post)

Posted by Andrew Drennen, ESPN RISE Baseball

Area Code Baseball is pleased to announce the tryout dates and locations for the Texas Rangers Area Code Baseball Team.  Once again, there will be two workouts in the Lone Star State and they will return to familair grounds.  

The first workout will be on Monday, June 14, 2010 at Weatherford College in Weatherford, Texas.  The second workout will be on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at Baseball USA (The Yard) in Houston, Texas. 

Players need to be invited to the tryouts and the invitations will be mailed out in May.

For more information on the 2010 Area Code Baseball Games, visit the baseball page on ESPNRISE.com

Posted by Andrew Drennen, ESPN RISE Baseball

According to MLB.com, vandals went onto the campus of Cedar Hill (Texas) High School and made off with the baseball team's gear, taking everything a ball player would need for the field.  The community rallied together and the Texas Rangers stepped in and helped by donating $10,000 to help the the Longhorns get back on their collective feet.

The team will take the field this year thanks to the support of the community and practice starts at the end of the month.  If you want to read more CLICK HERE.

It is confirmed that 76-year old John Stevenson, the Eagles' baseball coach for 50 years and a true hall of famer if there ever was one, has died from an apparent heart attack. 

By Ronnie Flores & Andrew Drennen

John Stevenson, the legendary El Segundo High School baseball coach for 50 years and the all time winningest skipper in state history, died on Monday night from an apparent heart attack. Stevenson was 76.

Jack Wayt, former El Segundo Chief of Police and the current City Manager, confirmed the news with CalHiSports.com in an early morning phone call from the Los Angeles County Coroner's office.

Last spring, Stevenson completed his 50th season as the Eagles' head baseball coach and guided the team to the CIF Southern Section playoffs for the 42nd time. A member of the National Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame, he's the only coach in state history to compile more than 1,000 career coaching wins, a total that also ranks high nationally. Last season's 23-9 record upped his final career totals to 1,065 wins, 419 losses and one tie.(Read full post)

By ESPN RISE Baseball

Torrance, Calif. -- The dates for the 2010 Area Code Baseball Games are set.  The games will get underway on August 5, 2010 and run though August 10, 2010. There will be 20 games over the six day period and all will be played at Blair Field in Long Beach, Calif.  

The same teams will be back in 2010:

Milwaukee Brewers: California
Washington Nationals: Pacific Northwest
Cincinnati Reds: Four Corners and Hawaii
Texas Rangers: Texas and Louisiana
Chicago White Sox: Midwest
Oakland Athletics: Southeast
New York Yankees: Northeast

Last year it was the Cincinnati Reds who posted the best record at 4-1.  It came down to the final day when they squarred off against the Oakland Athletics.  Both teams entered 3-1.  

Check out the All Area Code Team from 2009.  

The tryouts will start in June and run though mid July.  The rosters for the teams will be made public this summer after all the tryous are completed. Check back to ESPNRISE.com Baeball and AreaCodeBaseball.com when the tryout dates are released.  

Posted by Andrew Drennen, ESPN RISE Baseball

Hofstra inked eight players for the Spring of 2011.  Only two of their signees hail from outside the Empire State, Logan Davis and Angelo Gargano.

Logan Davis INF (Cave Creek, AZ Cactus Shadows  HS)
 
Angelo Gargano  1B (Hainesville, IL-  Grayslake Central  HS)
 
Bobby Gazzola INF (Coram, NY - Longwood HS)
 
Kenny Jackson OF (Ronkonkoma, NY -  Connetquot HS)
 
Everett Keller P (Port Washington, NY -Schreiber  HS)

Nick Kozlowski P (Huntington Station, NY - Walt Whitman  HS)

Matt Reistetter C (Hauppauge, NY - Hauppauge  HS)

Bryan Verbitsky OF/P (Levittown, NY - Island Trees  HS)