Tournament of Stars leaves lasting impression on local players

Each year USA Baseball selects 144 young rising baseball stars for Tournament of Stars (TOS), and this year two local North Carolina players had the chance to compete. 2009 high school graduates Chris Diaz, former infield player for Apex High School, and Drew Woodall, former catcher and infield player for Athens Drive High School, were among the best national high school players to compete at TOS in June. TOS participants must be international age-eligible to play, which means most were born in 1991 or 1992.

Woodall said he was shocked to find out he would be playing in TOS.

"It was great, everybody there shared my love for the game, all of us wanted to be there," said Woodall.

The TOS event took place from June 22 to June 29 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex at Thomas Brooks Park in Cary, N.C. Players are chosen to compete in one of eight youth baseball groups including the AABC, American Legion, Babe Ruth, Dixie, PONY, NABF, RBI and USA Baseball teams. Players are evaluated at each game by a group of 12 judges comprised of 18U National Team staff and scouting staff. At the end of the tournament, 34 players and 10 alternates are selected to compete for a spot on the 20-player 18U National Team.

The most memorable moment at TOS for Woodall came when he hit a double off the wall while playing for the American Legion team in a game against NABF.

"[Woodall] is a leader out there on the field, a hard worker and strong offensive player," said Rick Riccobono, director of the 18U National Team.

Inspiration for Woodall comes from Landon Powell, a former catcher for Apex High School who now plays for the Oakland Athletics.

"[Kyle] has tried to keep me inline and tell me what I need to know--he's a catcher and I'm a catcher. He's told me to never doubt my talents because everyone else will," said Woodall.

Woodall began to realize his talent for baseball at age 11 when he made the All Star Team at West Raleigh Little League. The team won South East Regional and Woodall continued on to play in the 8th? grade varsity team at Wake Christian Academy.

"After that I realized I was decent enough to play above my age," said Woodall.

Woodall will be starting his freshman year and continuing his baseball career playing for Charleston Southern University in the fall. He hopes to someday play professionally, but right now excelling in his studies and college baseball will take priority. Woodall made all conference this year for Athens Drive High School and also received the coach's award. His interest in sports extends into the classroom and he is considering a major in either sports medicine or coaching.

Diaz has already started summer classes at North Carolina State University where he will be attending college and playing baseball this fall. He remains undecided about which major to pursue, but is considering a degree in communications. Diaz shared Woodall's excitement to have been chosen as a player in TOS.

"It was all memorable, I cherished every moment I had," said Diaz, who played for PONY during TOS.

Diaz was all conference for three years in high school, and hopes to make it to the major leagues. This summer he is on a constructive practice schedule while not attending classes. Riccobono is confident in Diaz' skill to compete locally and collegiately and says Diaz will "go on to have a bright career."

Diaz takes encouragement from his father and brother who have served both as inspirational forces and pushed him to play his best.

Neither Diaz nor Woodall were chosen to play in the 18U National Team, but they were honored to take part in TOS amongst other talented players in their age group. The 144 participants in TOS were whittled down to 34 players and 10 alternates. Those selected will resume play in September to be evaluated for a position in the 18U National Team. The final roster is announced Sept. 17, and the team will leave for Barquisimeto, Venezuela to compete in the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Junior Championships. The Pan Am Championships serve as the qualifier for the 2010 International Baseball Federation (IBAF) World Junior Championships.

"We feel we've got a very good team coming in, we've got some high-end pitching and some phenomenal players," said Riccobono.

The USA Baseball 18U National Team has won a medal every year but one since the IBAF World Junior Championships began 24 years ago. The 18U National Team has been awarded five gold medals, and Riccobono hopes this year the team will win an additional gold medal.