Stars seek spotlight

By PETE YOUNG

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 20, 2000

You're a senior and you want to play college baseball, but the high school season is over and you've yet to generate interest from a college coach.

Well, you might have one more chance -- if you're on the roster for the Pinellas County Senior Baseball All-Star Game.

At 5 p.m. Sunday at Countryside, the north all-stars will play the south in a 12-inning showcase for college coaches and professional scouts.

Beginning at 2 p.m., players will be timed in the 60-yard dash, take batting practice and perform fielding drills.

"There are two purposes: to help kids that aren't signed, and to showcase those that are already signed for the pro scouts," Countryside coach Steve Sharts said.

North representative East Lake has the most players, six. Dunedin and Countryside, both of which, curiously, will be representing the south, have five players each.

Among the notables are Gibbs pitcher/first baseman Boof Bonser, Dunedin catcher Cory Agar, East Lake pitcher Marc LaMacchia and Clearwater Central Catholic shortstop Jeff Probst.

While Bonser and Agar have signed with junior colleges, others, such as Countryside's Casey Meehan, Scott Poehler and Brandon Wessner, are hoping to land a college opportunity. Those three and many others are looking to get the best offer possible, or any offer.

"You'd be surprised how many guys have not signed," Sharts said. "This is an opportunity for seniors that aren't signed to showcase themselves."

The north coach is Brad Byers of Tarpon Springs and the south coach is Chris Wisman of Osceola.

Admission is $5. For information, call Countryside coach Steve Sharts at (727) 772-5696.

All-star game

NORTH ROSTER

Canterbury: Dorian Velez

Clearwater: Brett Baker, Justin Cerrato, Dan Eylward, Chris Kroski

Dixie Hollins: Joe Deese, Austin Dobrowolski, Drew Metcalf

East Lake: Phil Benjamin, Nick Chepren, Chris Germano, Jeremy Kemp, Marc LaMacchia, Will Marshall

Lakewood: Josh Bellotti, Chris Brown

Northside Christian: Charlie Branham, Rob McNeal

Palm Harbor U.: Nick Bell, Joe Freiesleben, Jeff Kowalski, Kyle Misenti

Shorecrest: Ryan McBee

St. Petersburg: Evan Brannon, Joe Jiannetti

Tarpon Springs: Roy Carter, Troy Hinson, Wayne Hoffman, Gabe Nunez

SOUTH ROSTER

Boca Ciega: B.J. Browning, T.D. Elsworth, Fabian Long

Clearwater Central Catholic: D.J. Karcher, Jeff Probst, Jason Ramsamooj

Countryside: Casey Meehan, Greg Murray, Scott Poehler, Gerod Vernon, Brandon Wessner

Dunedin: Cory Agar, Chad Kramer, Lucas Krillies, Cam O'Connell, Josh Whittle

Gibbs: Keith Boerker, Boof Bonser

Largo: Cole Chapman, Chris Hinton, Josh West

Northeast: Scott Leroy, Mike Thackrey

Osceola: T.J. Newell, Brett Palenski, Eric Smith, Sean Wilson

Pinellas Park: Jason Keene, Jeff Marietta

St. Petersburg Catholic: Brad Suetholz

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.