With temperatures in the 20’s and cloud coverage most of the opening day of play at this year’s Under Armour Pre-Season All-America Tournament, it was clear that this tournament would not be like any other. From the opening ceremony’s guest speaker, 1992 MLB Scout of the Year Mike Toomey, to the dramatic final inning win in the championship game, the entire Under Armour Pre-Season All-America had its inspirational and amazing moments.

From the players to the parents to all the scouts that attended the event, there was an overwhelming feeling that this event provided everyone exactly what they wanted. Whether it was the scouts looking for the next bright star, the player looking to showcase his skills, or the parents just wanting to see their son have fun and do well. Regardless of the reason for coming, turnout for the event was exceptional. At the event there were over 25 professional scouts, 201 players, and over 400 parents and friends, making this one of the most attended All-America events of all time.

The event started with a formal opening ceremony where the players and parents were treated to a speech given by Mike Toomey, Special Assistant to the General Manager for the Kansas City Royals. Before the speech the players received their Under Armour All-America team jersey, Under Armour spikes, an Under Armour hat, and Under Armour batting gloves. Each player was called up individually with their team. For many this was the first time to meet their new teammates.

The first day of play started off on a cloud covered, cold morning. Teams gathered on the fields at the Kino Sports Complex, spring training home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, to go through their workout for the scouts. They then played in the first round of games. The cold weather paired with a brisk wind created tough playing conditions. These conditions were especially difficult for a group of players who had only been playing together for a few hours. However, after day one, the games went well and everyone seemed very excited about the final day of play.

The final day of play started off similar to day one with one major exception; clear skies. The temperature was still brutally low, but there was not a cloud in the sky and as the sun peaked over the picturesque mountains and drenched the baseball fields in golden rays the temperature and moral of everyone at the event lifted to new heights; along with the play. The pitchers were sharp and the defense was stifling, making play after play look routine. Many of the opening games had only one or two scores, a tribute to the outstanding pitching and defense. A match-up between the Northern California club and the Southern California team resulted in a tie even after they played an extra inning. After the first round of play the final match-ups were being set, including the championship game. Tiebreakers had to be used because there were more than two teams with undefeated records. When the dust settled the North team and the Central team emerged on top to battle for this year’s Under Armour Pre-Season All-America championship. The game wound up being tied going into the sixth inning. As dusk was setting in, the North team strung together a few hits and took a one run lead going into the bottom of the sixth. With two out and runners on second and third, left fielder Anthony Balmos made an over the shoulder catch to end the game and save the win for Carlo Petrillo Jr. A classic ending to a wonderful event.

Even though the North team was crowned the champions, everyone seemed to come away with something. Whether it was an amazing experience, making new friends, or knowledge that they got from Rick Sofield’s inspirational speech, everyone took something positive away from this year’s Under Armour Pre-Season All-America Tournament.