USA Youth Team's roster excludes two local players

Riverview pitcher Chris Knott and Brandon centerfielder James Ramsay did not make the team.

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published August 14, 2007

When the final roster for the 18-player USA Baseball Youth National Team (for ages 16-under) was announced last weekend, it did not include the names Chris Knott and James Ramsay.

Knott, a Riverview pitcher, wasn't surprised to be excluded.

Ramsay, a centerfielder from Brandon, was.

"I was in shock," Ramsay said.

His sentiment isn't without some merit.

All Ramsay, a sophomore, did during the squad's weeklong tryouts in North Carolina was lead all players in batting average. In eight at-bats, he produced six hits and four RBIs. In 14 plate appearances, he reached base 12 times.

He also was errorless in the field.

"All the other kids came to my room afterward," Ramsay said. "They said they couldn't believe I didn't make it."

The question is, why?

"The coach told me I didn't hustle," Ramsay said. "I disagree. But I'm not bitter, though. He's a good coach. It's understandable. There were so many good players there. It's not all about stats. It's about heart and all that."

Knott, a junior, hurt his throwing (right) shoulder while sliding into home during the tryouts. The injury isn't thought to be serious, but because of it, his ability to pitch was limited. In two brief appearances, he allowed one run in 12/3 innings.

"They told me I would have made it if I hadn't been hurt," Knott said.

Despite being cut, both players said they gained valuable experience. And each enjoyed competing against many of the country's top young players.

"There were so many good people there," Knott said.

[Last modified August 14, 2007, 00:29:25]