"The competition was intense and I will never forget the experience I had playing against the Latin countries. This was the highlight of my baseball career."
-Patrick Frederickson

"Professional in every manner. The travel, trip accommodations, coaching, players- everything was truly life changing and impressive."
-Bill Lawrence

LABC NEWS

More Countries being Represented this Year than in Any other Year of LABC

2011 promises to be one of the most talent ridden Latin American Baseball Classics due to the amount of international interest it is attracting.

Already committed are Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, United States, Aruba, and Dominican Republic. Panama is strongly considering the opportunity currently as well.

In past years, the tournament has been dominated by Dominican Republic teams due to the tournament being hosted annually in Santo Domingo, DR. Strong showings from Banco Centrale, Kiekae Cruz, and Born to Play have been mainstays in the tournament.

"Banco Centrale and Kiekae Cruz have always put up strong competition for the United States. If we can get past them without exhausting our pitching, I feel we will be in good position." Stated head coach Jim Parque.

Returning to the 2011 LABC is the Venezuelan National Team that almost won the Little League World Series in 2009. They will be competing as a 14U team and are widely considered a favorite to win that age bracket due to their size.

"Their catcher was almost 6'0" at 12, and the heart of their line up could flat out hit the baseball." Stated 12U team coach Paul Voss.

Latin American baseball is highly explosive as it is a power driven world of athletes. Pitchers at the upper ages dominate with lower 90's fastballs, location, and breaking pitchers- a combination rarely seen in the States at these ages. Hitters mix quick hands with explosive power that proves a tough battle for pitching.

"You cannot throw fastballs by Latin hitters. Pitchability is what wins, not velocity, and we have chosen pitchers that can command all pitches in any count." Stated Parque.

Previewing the Teams Representing the United States

The teams representing the United States, will be some of the best in recent years as the 12U-18U teams have loaded up on power hitters and pitchers.

14 year old Josh Savea (California) will be a dominating force on the mound, as he stands 6'2" and throws in the mid 80's, with a sharp breaking pitch at 14. Another impact player will be Issiah Hatch- the Auburn Little League World Series hero. Hatch mixes speed and power into his entire game and will be able to handle the international stage due to his past experience(s) at the LLWS.

Austin Shenton is another power arm and bat out of Bellingham, WA whom will compliment one of Washington State's premiere power hitters in Gracin Livingston. Dutton Elske (Oregon) will anchor the catching core and can produce a lot of power at the plate. Jack McAdam is an explosive player to watch as he combines athleticism with some exceptional tools at his age. Other notables include Grant DeLappe (Kent, WA), Ryan Peterson (Graham, WA), and Oscar White (Bellingham, WA).

12U Team

At the 12U age bracket, two groups out of Hard90 Baseball in Sacramento, CA will make up the core groups of 12 year old teams- all of which provide incredible athleticism mixed with power. Hance Smith, JJ Barnett, Brady Rodriguez, Ryan Tolley, Addison Hadsell, Patrick Smith, and Matt Mead lead this talented group.

Marcellus Beza (Washington) is a good looking 12U player with a strong left handed bat and arm, followed by Jake Dukart and Tommy Andrew out of Oregon- both of whom will add middle infield support. Austin Tyree will be another power prospect (Eastern, WA) whom is currently playing 13U baseball.

Other players to watch are Jack Stickney (Washington), Damon Cassetta-Stubbs (Oregon), Jakeb Hammond (Oregon), and Dalton Shockman (Washington).

One of the surprises is 10 year old Tino Bethancourt. Tino dominates on the mound and will provide a high level of speed and knowledge to the team.

13U Team

Wyatt Berg (Fairbanks, AK) was a great pick up at the Anchorage tryouts as his catching skills and offensive prowess will provide much needed support in wins. Taylor Rapp (Bellingham, WA) is a player to watch and will be a key component up the middle. He will trade off with highly talented players Kyler Schemstad (Bellingham, WA), Chaz Lopez (Auburn, WA), and Eric Grove (Anchorage, AK)- all of which utilize speed as their game.

One of the better pitchers is Austin Regis whom is only 12 years old. His left shoulder has continually dominated the Washington baseball scene and will prove highly valuable in the LABC 2011.

15 and 16U Teams

The 15 and 16U age brackets consist of some explosive talent that is attracting college recruiting attention already. Taylor Rapp and Alex Check (both from Bellingham, WA) are already being recruited by D1 schools. Rapp throws upper 80s with an exceptional curve ball. Check stands 6'2" and is a high touted power hitting prospect. Andrew Hermanson (Southern CA) is an extremely talented power arm with an explosive bat. He is receiving pro baseball recruiting attention already, as he will anchor the middle infield and provide a solid 1-2 punch on the mound with Rapp. Other notables include Taylor Davis (Auburn, WA) Dominic Bethancourt (Sacramento, CA), Connor Phelps (Bellingham, WA), Ryan Roos (Portland, OR), Christian Parsons (Auburn, WA), Andrew Ebner (Sacramento, CA), and Joel Condreay (Kent, WA).

18U Team

The 18U team is loaded with prospects. Tyler Thompson (Anchorage, AK) is a D1 talent that batted over .600 in the 2010 LABC with one home run. Trace Loehr (Oregon) is also another highly touted college prospect that hits for average and limited power from the left side. He is getting looks from OSU currently. Rounding out the catching are Sheldon Rouzan, Garrett Brown, and Adam Manzer. Manzer is getting heavily recruited by D2 and D3 schools currently, and Rouzan has attracted major D1 interest from UNR and UW.

Tyler Krahn (Vancouver), a left handed power hitter may be one of the best players for the 18U squad. He is attracting major D1 recruiting attention from various schools across the nation.

*BLE and BLE Worldwide are not in any way affiliated or associated with USA Baseball, the USA national teams, USA Baseball championships, Team USA, or any future Olympic baseball teams. All teams herein are promoted, formed, and and fielded by BLE and BLE Worldwide.