Random Baseball Banter

While going through the College Baseball Preview issue of Baseball America -- my most loved and most expensive magazine I get -- I saw a few interesting things I wanted to point out.

Southern Cal has a few players with very notable last names playing for head coach Chad Kreuter, yes the former major league catcher, this year. The roster includes Jordan Hersisher -- son of Orel, Shane Boras, the son of mega agent Scott and Beau Brett, son of Ken and nephew of George.

Also on USC is Robert Stock. I met Robert a few years ago when he stayed at the Marions house in Neosho during the Tournament of Stars when it was still in Joplin. Stock, who left high school early to attend college as a 17 year old, is now solely a pitcher for the Trojans. A poor showing with his bat and his defense behind the plate made the change necessary the magazine said. Quite a drop, in a sense, for someone who was pegged as the nations top athlete as a catcher.

Speaking of California, Matt Gorgen is the closer this year for the Cal Bears. He is also another kid that stayed in Neosho while competing in the Tournament of Stars, as he was hosted by the Boatrights.

And finally three interesting names I thought were worth pointing out:
- Ross Wilson of Alabama is the first-team All-American at 2B according to BA. He gained famed in high school playing for Hoover High School in Alabama and was on MTV's Two-A-Days show.

- Division III Linfield College is coached by former big leaguer Scott Brosius

- Finally a JUCO All-American was a kid by the name of Danny Almonte from Western Oklahoma State. The now sophomore hit .497 last year and was 7-1 on the mound. And yes, that is the same Almonte who gained fame or became infamous for the Little League scandal after throwing a perfect game for his Bronx team.