By Andrew Drennen

California is rich in baseball talent.  Some people joke and say you can walk down the proverbial street and find a pitcher, an outfielder or any position.  Now, think about how rich in talent California is and move Northeast of Los Angeles, to Fresno, California.  Yes, the same Fresno that produced the 2008 NCAA National Champions in baseball, Fresno State. 

	Elaine Shepard/AC Baseball
	Cederquist at the 2008 Area Code Baseball Games.

Fowler High School has only 702 students and one of them happens to be a nationally recognized baseball talent, Clay Cederquist, who committed to play for those very same Bulldogs.

"I come from one of the top baseball programs in the state of California, even though we are considered a small school, he said.  And that's the truth.  Fowler has won three straight CIF Central Section Div. 5 Titles and look for its fourth this year.

Last season the Redcats went 28-6 and out slugged Bakersfield Christian 14-11 in the championship game. The title was Fowler's third in a row and the Redcats look for number four this year. 

Was there a chance that Cederquist could be over looked because he hails from a small school in Central California?

"I never felt I would be overlooked because if you have the ability to play at the next level and hustle in every aspect, you will be recognized anywhere, he said. 

And he has not been over looked.

This summer has been especially busy for the 6-foot-3 first baseman.  A summer filled with great competition, which he believes has contributed to his overall growth as a player. 

"My summer started by playing in the California Collegiate Wood Bat League for the Clovis Outlaws.

His summer then took him to the Tournament of Stars in North Carolina and then played in the World Wood Bat Tournament in East Cobb, Georgia. 

"In the USA/Major League Baseball's Tournament of Stars I played with 144 top players in the U.S. The competition was great and I was able to swing the bat well against quality pitching, he stated. 

He then competed in the Mariner Cup (at Safeco Field), the Dodger Elite and for the Milwaukee Brewers (Gray) at the 2008 Area Code Baseball Games. 

At the larger tournaments or showcases, Cederquist had the opportunity to play in front of many college coaches and pro scouts.  "My experience playing in front of college and pro-scouts has made me grow as a player.  You learn to not be concerned about the scouts in the stands and just play.  Once I was able to do that, the game became fun.

When Cederquist got to Long Beach and the 2008 Area Code Baseball Games, his offensive production continued.  He had one of the best offensive performances of any player that week, and the event is usually dominated by pitching. 

"The pitching at the Area Code Games was awesome.  Most pitchers seemed to be at or around 90 MPH with good curveballs, he commented about playing in Long Beach.  "I have pretty quick hands and good hand eye coordination which is why I am able to hit the pitchers who throw hard.

One of the highlights for Cederquist that week was when he hit a homerun off a Texas Rangers Area Code pitcher at USC.  "It was a 93MPH fastball out over the plate and I put a good swing on the ball.

This fall he looks to improve his game and by playing for the Chicago White Sox scout team and lifting weights, improvement should happen.