As the 2010 College World Series comes to a close, the profound effect of professional guidance on the careers of young athletes becomes more evident through the practices of Baseball Factory and our many successful alumni. Of the players participating in the 2010 College World Series, one in four launched their baseball careers with the direction and guidance of Baseball Factory.

As the number of players who utilize Baseball Factory’s events and programs increases, the overall success of those involved becomes ever more apparent. Baseball Factory’s events are designed to stimulate career progression, evaluate player skills, and create potential opportunities for player recruitment. Five of the Factory’s alumni who participated in the 2010 College World Series attended the 2008 Under Armour All-American Game, and four attended the 2007 Cape Cod Classic (both events were powered by Baseball Factory); these players include Deven Marrero (Arizona State), Jordan Swagerty (Arizona State), Austin Maddox (Florida), Daniel Pigott (Florida), Jayce Boyd (Florida State), Davy Wright (TCU), Josh Elander (TCU), Matthew Purke (TCU) and Erik Goeddel (UCLA. Needless to say, Baseball Factory has played an important role in the success of many a collegiate baseball player.

In particular, the 2010 college baseball season has been a season of great merit and achievement for many of Baseball Factory’s alumni. For instance, players such as Austin Maddox, Matthew Purke, and Tyler Rahmatulla have all put together impressive seasons, competing with the top players in their conferences. As a true freshman, the Florida Gators’ Austin Maddox served as a utility player; dominating at the plate as well as in the field; playing third base, first base, catcher and designated hitter. In 264 plate appearances, Maddox batted .333 with 17 home runs and 71 runs batted in, while maintaining a fielding percentage of .941. Due to his poise on the field this season, Maddox was chosen as freshman of the year for the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and became the first Gator to be recognized as an All-American since Brad Wilkerson in 1996. Also playing stellar baseball his freshman year, Matthew Purke has made his mark as TCU’s new ace on the mound. Undefeated, Purke posted a 16-0 record to break TCU’s all-time record for single-season wins. Throughout the season, Purke has proven his abilities as a pitcher, striking out 122 batters in just over 95 innings pitched. Purke’s outstanding pitching performance during the 2010 college season earned him the honors of 2010 Freshman Pitcher of the Year, 2010 Midwest Conference (MWC) Freshman of the Year, and All-Conference first team status. Finally, there’s UCLA’s Tyler Rahmatulla. Having a breakthrough sophomore season, the second baseman batted .328 with seven home runs and 45 runs batted in. In the field, Rahmatulla also displayed his consistency with a .959 fielding percentage.

Once again, an exciting season of college baseball comes to a close and preparation begins for the upcoming year. In light of this season, one thing is certain; the world of college baseball may expect great things from Baseball Factory and the players who come through our programs. Next year’s Baseball Factory alumni are sure to shine in the season to come as they launch their baseball careers and make their way toward a brighter future playing America’s game.

Check out all of the players that participated in the 2010 College World Series.