Texas Rangers Area Code Team tryouts:
June 22nd @ Weatherford JC
June 29th @ San Jacinto N
my son received an invite ... in reading the post from previous years ... it seems like a pretty good deal and its FREE!
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Haltom,
My son was a 2008 area code invite and I must say it was a pretty cool experience. There are some incredible ball players in this state! The only advice I have is to take plenty of drinks and have him snacks and a lunch because it was a very long and hot day. At least in our case it was, by the time they run, field, everyone hits, it becomes pretty drawn out. MLB does a good job of expediting things but it still takes a while to go through all of thoase players. Now if he's pitch only well he only has to show up later on in the day. Keep him in the AC as long as possible and good luck.
My son was a 2008 area code invite and I must say it was a pretty cool experience. There are some incredible ball players in this state! The only advice I have is to take plenty of drinks and have him snacks and a lunch because it was a very long and hot day. At least in our case it was, by the time they run, field, everyone hits, it becomes pretty drawn out. MLB does a good job of expediting things but it still takes a while to go through all of thoase players. Now if he's pitch only well he only has to show up later on in the day. Keep him in the AC as long as possible and good luck.
Thanks for the info .... since the HS team is done , now he can go back to pitching lessons to help tweak the little things.
(off-subject)
I heard Tim Crabtree is giving pitching lessons in Keller... anyone have info (good or bad)?
(off-subject)
I heard Tim Crabtree is giving pitching lessons in Keller... anyone have info (good or bad)?
quote:Originally posted by HaltomScout:
Thanks for the info .... since the HS team is done , now he can go back to pitching lessons to help tweak the little things.
(off-subject)
I heard Tim Crabtree is giving pitching lessons in Keller... anyone have info (good or bad)?
Hopefully he teaches better mechanics than he had.
What is the process to receive an area code invite?
quote:Originally posted by downandout:
... The only advice I have is to take plenty of drinks and have him snacks and a lunch because it was a very long and hot day. At least in our case it was, by the time they run, field, everyone hits, it becomes pretty drawn out. MLB does a good job of expediting things but it still takes a while to go through all of thoase players. Now if he's pitch only well he only has to show up later on in the day. Keep him in the AC as long as possible and good luck.
Good advice!
Eaglesbaseball,
I believe you must be reommended by a Major League scoutto get an invitation. If you have had any contact with any scouts or your HS or travel team coach knows any, maybe they could get the recommendation. I think the guys who get invitations in the mail are guys already on the scout's radar but in my sons case he was seen at a Select team wooden bat tournament shortly before the Area Code Games and was invited by a Texas Ranger scout who was present. It really is a must go event if you get the chance with many colleges present at the tryouts. Only a select few make the actual team but many guys get seen.
I believe you must be reommended by a Major League scoutto get an invitation. If you have had any contact with any scouts or your HS or travel team coach knows any, maybe they could get the recommendation. I think the guys who get invitations in the mail are guys already on the scout's radar but in my sons case he was seen at a Select team wooden bat tournament shortly before the Area Code Games and was invited by a Texas Ranger scout who was present. It really is a must go event if you get the chance with many colleges present at the tryouts. Only a select few make the actual team but many guys get seen.
Three Bagger,
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info!
My son went to Weatherford the last two years. He made the team last summer and had a blast in California as Texas won the event in Long Beach California. My advice to you is relax -have fun and don't have your son on the field the whole day - MAKE him come into the stands and stay hydrated and eat! This event is top notch and well done in every aspect. IF your son makes the team - remember its your responsibility for air fare and hotel but its well worth it.
thanks for all the input ...
How many would you estimate tryout in the two days (Weatherford and San Jac)? Don't they then select some to make up teams for a game later in the day....then the final selection in made weeks later for the tournament in Ca?
Sounds like a great opportunity for those invited.
Sounds like a great opportunity for those invited.
I don't know about the other site (SAN JAC) but as far as Weatherford there were 160-180?? guys. And yes there is a mini scrimmage after the day is over that again you have to be asked to stay for. After Weatherford the 2nd site had their try out and we then received a call offering the invitation to be on the team.
Are there any area code camps upcoming prior to the try-out?
This is the only camp on the website:
WHAT: Area Code Instructional Baseball Camps
WHEN: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WHERE: Delta College, Stockton, CA
WHAT: Area Code Instructional Baseball Camps
WHEN: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WHERE: Delta College, Stockton, CA
Rangers wrap up first tryout
June 23, 2009 12:26 AM
By Andrew Drennen; ESPNRISE.com
WEATHERFORD, Texas – It was the first of two tryouts for the Texas Rangers Area Code Team and this may be the largest gathering of players at the first tryout in recent memory.
It was a full day for many of the players, with the tryout starting at 9am.
The position players go in the morning, starting with the running of the 60, the defensive evaluations and then batting practice. After the first cut of the day was made, the pitchers took their turn and were divided into two groups.
The top 60 time of the day went to Anthony Bryant (2010), a 6-foot-3, 215 pound outfielder from Connally (Austin, Texas) High School. He posted a 6.44 60-yard, which was by far the fastest at the camp. In addition to playing on the baseball team, he also plays on the Cougars' football team.
All totaled there were 22 players to run a sub –seven 60. They are listed in no particular order:
Madison Carter | Catcher | 2010 | Sherman HS | 6.67
Corey Knebel | First Base | 2010 | Bastrop HS | 6.84
Tommy Avers | Second Base | 2010 | Southlake Carroll HS | 6.83
William Russ | Third Base | 2010 | Evangel Christian | 6.98
Dalton Vannatta | Shortstop | 2010 | Clifton HS | 6.89
Carlton Bailey | Shortstop | 2010 | Texas HS | 6.78
Christian Summers | Shortstop | 2010 | Central HS | 6.76
Riley Good | Shortstop | 2010 | Godley | 6.99
Cory Raley | Shortstop | 2012 | Uvlade | 6.87
Jordan Allen | Outfield | 2010 | Joshua | 6.94
Andre Wheeler | Outfield | 2010 | Anderson | 6.95
Blake Parker | Outfield | 2010 | Plano West | 6.95
Max Farmer | Outfield | 2010 | Lorena | 6.95
Brandon Lewis | Outfield | 2010 | Arlington | 6.67
Andrew Holmes | Outfield | 2010 | Euless Trinity | 6.92
Anthony Bryant | Outfield | 2010 | Connally (Austin) | 6.44
Matt Walker | Outfield | 2010 | Robinson HS | 6.79
Blair Dickey | Outfield | 2010 | Amarillo HS | 6.69
Travis Brewster | Outfield | 2010 | John Horn HS | 6.72
Trevor Simms | Outfield | 2011 | Liberty Christian | 6.92
Jordan Jolly | Outfield | 2010 | Elkins HS | 6.70
Jace Statum | Outfield | 2010 | Orangefield | 6.72
Bryant, the who posted the fastest time at the camp may have been the best overall athlete at the tryout. At the plate he showed some raw power, as evident by the five that left the yard, including the one mentioned earlier that traveled over the scoreboard.
Another player who showed well on Monday was Christian Summers, a 6-foot-3, 190 pound senior to be out of Central (San Angelo, Texas) High School. He had one of the fastest times at the tryout when he posted a 6.76 60-yard. Summers has a tall lean build and good actions at the shortstop position. At the plate he showed a good swing. He has a lot of upside.
Catcher Jacob Felts (2010) was one of the top catchers at the tryout. He had one of the best pop times, with a 1.92. Only one of three catchers to go sub-two. Behind the plate he showed a good arm and a quick release. At the plate he has a short compact swing and centers the ball well.
Another player, who showed exceptional hustle on Monday was outfielder Travis Brewster. The senior to be, at John Horn (Mesquite, Texas) High School, posted a sub-seven 60 time with a 6.72.
"I think I ran a pretty good sixty,” said Brewster at the end of the tryout. "I made some good throws to third.
He had a good arm from the outfield and he said he is always looking for ways to improve. Brewster went 110% on every play. One play stood out in the simulated game, when he reached on groundball to short. Where most people would have dawdled down to first, he went all out and beat the throw. That was how he treated the entire day.
The Rangers have one more tryout and that is June 30 in Houston.
June 23, 2009 12:26 AM
By Andrew Drennen; ESPNRISE.com
WEATHERFORD, Texas – It was the first of two tryouts for the Texas Rangers Area Code Team and this may be the largest gathering of players at the first tryout in recent memory.
It was a full day for many of the players, with the tryout starting at 9am.
The position players go in the morning, starting with the running of the 60, the defensive evaluations and then batting practice. After the first cut of the day was made, the pitchers took their turn and were divided into two groups.
The top 60 time of the day went to Anthony Bryant (2010), a 6-foot-3, 215 pound outfielder from Connally (Austin, Texas) High School. He posted a 6.44 60-yard, which was by far the fastest at the camp. In addition to playing on the baseball team, he also plays on the Cougars' football team.
All totaled there were 22 players to run a sub –seven 60. They are listed in no particular order:
Madison Carter | Catcher | 2010 | Sherman HS | 6.67
Corey Knebel | First Base | 2010 | Bastrop HS | 6.84
Tommy Avers | Second Base | 2010 | Southlake Carroll HS | 6.83
William Russ | Third Base | 2010 | Evangel Christian | 6.98
Dalton Vannatta | Shortstop | 2010 | Clifton HS | 6.89
Carlton Bailey | Shortstop | 2010 | Texas HS | 6.78
Christian Summers | Shortstop | 2010 | Central HS | 6.76
Riley Good | Shortstop | 2010 | Godley | 6.99
Cory Raley | Shortstop | 2012 | Uvlade | 6.87
Jordan Allen | Outfield | 2010 | Joshua | 6.94
Andre Wheeler | Outfield | 2010 | Anderson | 6.95
Blake Parker | Outfield | 2010 | Plano West | 6.95
Max Farmer | Outfield | 2010 | Lorena | 6.95
Brandon Lewis | Outfield | 2010 | Arlington | 6.67
Andrew Holmes | Outfield | 2010 | Euless Trinity | 6.92
Anthony Bryant | Outfield | 2010 | Connally (Austin) | 6.44
Matt Walker | Outfield | 2010 | Robinson HS | 6.79
Blair Dickey | Outfield | 2010 | Amarillo HS | 6.69
Travis Brewster | Outfield | 2010 | John Horn HS | 6.72
Trevor Simms | Outfield | 2011 | Liberty Christian | 6.92
Jordan Jolly | Outfield | 2010 | Elkins HS | 6.70
Jace Statum | Outfield | 2010 | Orangefield | 6.72
Bryant, the who posted the fastest time at the camp may have been the best overall athlete at the tryout. At the plate he showed some raw power, as evident by the five that left the yard, including the one mentioned earlier that traveled over the scoreboard.
Another player who showed well on Monday was Christian Summers, a 6-foot-3, 190 pound senior to be out of Central (San Angelo, Texas) High School. He had one of the fastest times at the tryout when he posted a 6.76 60-yard. Summers has a tall lean build and good actions at the shortstop position. At the plate he showed a good swing. He has a lot of upside.
Catcher Jacob Felts (2010) was one of the top catchers at the tryout. He had one of the best pop times, with a 1.92. Only one of three catchers to go sub-two. Behind the plate he showed a good arm and a quick release. At the plate he has a short compact swing and centers the ball well.
Another player, who showed exceptional hustle on Monday was outfielder Travis Brewster. The senior to be, at John Horn (Mesquite, Texas) High School, posted a sub-seven 60 time with a 6.72.
"I think I ran a pretty good sixty,” said Brewster at the end of the tryout. "I made some good throws to third.
He had a good arm from the outfield and he said he is always looking for ways to improve. Brewster went 110% on every play. One play stood out in the simulated game, when he reached on groundball to short. Where most people would have dawdled down to first, he went all out and beat the throw. That was how he treated the entire day.
The Rangers have one more tryout and that is June 30 in Houston.
Some surprises -
Lee leads Rangers into Long Beach
By Andrew Drennen
ESPNRISE.com
(Archive)
Updated: July 10, 2009, 4:29 PM ET
Comment / Email / Print Once again it looks like the Rangers will bring another strong crop of players out to Long Beach for the 2009 Area Code Baseball Games. This year the Rangers will have some power arms and speed to boot.
Zach Lee, of McKinney High School is making the return trip to California. Not only is he solid on the baseball diamond, but he is solid at the quarterback position on the gridrion. He recently committed to LSU, with the hopes of playing both sports.
Out of the ten pitchers on this year's staff all but two stand at least 6-foot-3, with the tallest one being Trevor Teykl standing in at 6-foot-7.
Austin Southall is the first player from Louisiana to make the trip to Long Beach since Carmen Angelini and Thad Griffen both did so back in the 2006 Area Code Games. Both were teammates at Barbe High School.
2009 Texas Rangers Area Code Roster
Name Pos B / T HT WT YR HS State
Zach Lee RHP R / R 6-4 190 2010 McKinney TX
Alex Silver SS R / R 6-1 185 2010 Bellaire TX
Trevor Teykl RHP R / R 6-7 215 2010 Kempner TX
Brian Ragira OF R / R 6-2 180 2010 Arlington Martin TX
Dex Kjerstad OF R / R 6-2 205 2010 Canyon Randall TX
Kendrick Perkins OF L / R 6-3 215 2010 La Porte TX
Toller Boardman LHP L / L 6-3 215 2011 Bellaire TX
Matt Lipka SS R / R 6-1 192 2010 McKinney TX
Tyler Pearson C R / R 6-1 170 2010 Monterey TX
Brandon Pierce RHP R / R 6-1 205 2010 Gunter TX
Tony Rizzotti RHP R / R 6-3 175 2010 Arlington Martin TX
Christian Summers SS L / R 6-3 190 2010 Central TX
Anthony Bryant OF L / R 6-3 215 2010 Connally TX
Jacob Dahlstrand RHP R / R 6-4 200 2010 Memorial TX
Jacob Felts C R / R 6-1 195 2010 Orangefield TX
Tyler Green RHP R / R 6-1 175 2010 Brazoswood TX
Jared Lakind 1B L /L 6-2 195 2010 Cypress Woods TX
Daniel Mengden C R / R 6-1 185 2011 Westside TX
John Simms RHP R / R 6-3 190 2010 College Park TX
Austin Southall 1B L / R 6-2 208 2010 University LA
Austin Kubitza RHP L / R 6-5 185 2010 Colleyville Heritage TX
Spencer Davis 3B R / R 6-4 215 2010 The Woodlands TX
Tyrell Jenkins RHP R / R 6-4 175 2010 Henderson TX
Lee leads Rangers into Long Beach
By Andrew Drennen
ESPNRISE.com
(Archive)
Updated: July 10, 2009, 4:29 PM ET
Comment / Email / Print Once again it looks like the Rangers will bring another strong crop of players out to Long Beach for the 2009 Area Code Baseball Games. This year the Rangers will have some power arms and speed to boot.
Zach Lee, of McKinney High School is making the return trip to California. Not only is he solid on the baseball diamond, but he is solid at the quarterback position on the gridrion. He recently committed to LSU, with the hopes of playing both sports.
Out of the ten pitchers on this year's staff all but two stand at least 6-foot-3, with the tallest one being Trevor Teykl standing in at 6-foot-7.
Austin Southall is the first player from Louisiana to make the trip to Long Beach since Carmen Angelini and Thad Griffen both did so back in the 2006 Area Code Games. Both were teammates at Barbe High School.
2009 Texas Rangers Area Code Roster
Name Pos B / T HT WT YR HS State
Zach Lee RHP R / R 6-4 190 2010 McKinney TX
Alex Silver SS R / R 6-1 185 2010 Bellaire TX
Trevor Teykl RHP R / R 6-7 215 2010 Kempner TX
Brian Ragira OF R / R 6-2 180 2010 Arlington Martin TX
Dex Kjerstad OF R / R 6-2 205 2010 Canyon Randall TX
Kendrick Perkins OF L / R 6-3 215 2010 La Porte TX
Toller Boardman LHP L / L 6-3 215 2011 Bellaire TX
Matt Lipka SS R / R 6-1 192 2010 McKinney TX
Tyler Pearson C R / R 6-1 170 2010 Monterey TX
Brandon Pierce RHP R / R 6-1 205 2010 Gunter TX
Tony Rizzotti RHP R / R 6-3 175 2010 Arlington Martin TX
Christian Summers SS L / R 6-3 190 2010 Central TX
Anthony Bryant OF L / R 6-3 215 2010 Connally TX
Jacob Dahlstrand RHP R / R 6-4 200 2010 Memorial TX
Jacob Felts C R / R 6-1 195 2010 Orangefield TX
Tyler Green RHP R / R 6-1 175 2010 Brazoswood TX
Jared Lakind 1B L /L 6-2 195 2010 Cypress Woods TX
Daniel Mengden C R / R 6-1 185 2011 Westside TX
John Simms RHP R / R 6-3 190 2010 College Park TX
Austin Southall 1B L / R 6-2 208 2010 University LA
Austin Kubitza RHP L / R 6-5 185 2010 Colleyville Heritage TX
Spencer Davis 3B R / R 6-4 215 2010 The Woodlands TX
Tyrell Jenkins RHP R / R 6-4 175 2010 Henderson TX
Yes! Brandon Pierce Gunter 2A. I have watched my sons play against Brandon the last few years. Outstanding bat for average and power, good on the mound, strong arm. He is a super all around player. Great to see small 2A school player make it big.