Excitement Builds for 2009 USA Baseball NTIS
National Team Identification Series to help organization select top talent across 13U, 15U, 17U age groups
(DURHAM, N.C.) – For the first time ever, USA Baseball will introduce a program-wide National Team Identification Series (NTIS) in 2009, guaranteeing the organization’s most comprehensive evaluation of talent in the 13U, 15U and 17U age groups ever.
The NTIS promises to be one of the most heavily-scouted and premier events of the fall calendar. The event will consist of three separate age groups and a total of 648 players all competing for a chance to be selected by a USA Baseball National Team program and represent their country. The event will be held at the USA Baseball National Training Complex and adjoining Thomas Brooks Park in Cary, N.C. from Sept. 17-20, 2009.
“The 2009 NTIS represents a unique opportunity for any player aspiring to compete at the elite level of the game,” says USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler.
“From our 14U program to the World Baseball Classic team, USA Baseball has the privilege of developing the very best that the United States has to offer year after year. To have the most talented players in the country over three different age groups competing at our National Training Complex at the same time will make for a truly remarkable baseball atmosphere.”
USA Baseball will name a minimum of eight players to the 2010 Tournament of Stars (18U), a minimum of eight players to the 2010 16U National Team Trials, a minimum of 24 players to the 2009 14U National Team Trials, and a minimum of 24 players to the 2010 14U National Team Trials. For a player born between 1994 and 1996 this represents the primary identification opportunity to play for a USA Baseball National Team program.
Albert Almora, star of two gold medal-winning 14U National Teams and a veteran of the NTIS program, credits the event in helping him bring out the best in his game. “The 2008 NTIS was great competition,” Almora says. “It really gave me something to work for. There were a lot of kids trying out, so I knew I had to step it up and show what I've got.”
Almora says that the NTIS prepared him for his two tournaments with the 14U National Team. Experiences, he says, that he will never forget.
“It was the greatest thing that has ever happened to me, and I want to continue doing it for the rest of my life.”
For general program inquiries please contact Nate Logan at natelogan@usabaseball.com or by calling 919-474-8721 x 210.
For more information on how to get involved please visit USABaseball.com and click on the NTIS home page.
About USA Baseball
USA Baseball is the National Governing Body of amateur baseball in the United States and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). The organization selects and trains the United States Olympic Baseball Team (and all other USA Baseball Professional Teams); the USA Baseball National Team (Collegiate); the USA Baseball 18U, 16U and 14U National Teams; and the USA Baseball Women’s National Team, all of which participate in various international competitions each year. USA Baseball also presents the Golden Spikes Award annually to top player in college baseball. For more information, please visit www.usabaseball.com and www.goldenspikesaward.com.
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NTIS workout in Yuma story
http://www.bajoelsol.com/articles/luis-6738-arizona-san.html
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DRAFT RESULTS
12 Former Players Selected in Major League Baseball Amatuer Draft:
Since 2001, 97 former players have been drafted professionally
1. Matt Helm (Angels Scout Team) - Arizona Diamondbacks
2. Carlos Ramirez (Pilots/Angels Scout Team) - Los Angels Angels
3. Aaron Altherr (Angels Scout team) - Philadelphia Phillies
4. Justin Harper (Pilots) - Houston Astros
5. Jared McDonald (Pilots) - Chicago White Sox
6. Casey Upperman (Angels Scout Team) - Atlanta Braves
7. Heath Nichols (Angels Scout Team) - Los Angeles Angels
8. Ryan Cisterna (Angels Scout Team) - Los Angeles Angels
9. Matt McConnell (Angels Scout Team) - Philadelphia Phillies
10. James Pazos (Pilots) - Tampa Bay Rays
11. Gabe Gutierrez (Angels Scout Team) - Atlanta Braves
12. Jordan Luvisi (Pilots) - Arizona Diamondbacks
Since 1996, we have personally worked with almost 1100 student-athletes in finding a college. Our track record and experience his hard to match. As you can see, some have the ability to make it to professional baseball, but our goal is and always will be to get our athletes a college education
Here are the statistics:
(statistics change as students transfer from two year college to a four year college)
STUDENTS: 1079 (96% COMMITTED TO COLLEGE)
NCAA I: 364 (34%)
NCAA II: 124 (12%)
NCAA III: 263 (24%)
NAIA: 140 (13%)
NJCAA: 139 (13%)
UNDECIDED: 40 (4%) 28 are current 2009, 2010 or 2011 graduates are still involved in the process members
SIGNED PROFESSIONAL: 9 (0008%) Chose to sign professionally right out of high shool)
DRAFTED PROFESSIONAL:- 88 drafted professionally but chose college
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