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Nathan Bannister (UA)
Talk about a loaded team. I’ve pointed out the loaded rosters of some of the CDO Little league baseball teams from the past, the Desert Thunder Fastpitch teams from the past and some the Tucson Soccer Academy youth teams but this 17U baseball club from a few years ago was also loaded.
Sure, these guys aren’t 10 years old (which would have made it even more amazing like the teams I mentioned above) but the fact that they all played together in one moment in time is worthy of notice. The 2012 Angels Scout Team (Phoenix) featured future University of Arizona standouts Nathan Bannister (Liberty High School), Cody Moffett (Highland) and Zach Gibbons (Saguaro). It also featured former Salpointe Lancer Ryan Penaflor.
Baseball America ranked that team No. 17 nation and it was a great collection of players:
Pitchers
Chance Adams (Dallas Baptist University) Drafted by New York Yankees
Nathan Bannister (University of Arizona) – Drafted by Seattle Mariners, 2016 College World Series participant
David Graybill (Arizona State University) – Drafted by San Francisco Giants
Gary Cornish – University of San Diego – One year of eligibility remaining
John Havird (Ohio State University) – won NJCAA D2 World Series at Mesa CC, led Ohio State to 2016 NCAA Regional appearance
Scot Hoffman (High Point University) – Drafted by New York Yankees out of high school
Cody Moffett (University of Arizona) – 2016 College World Series participant
Houston Edwards (Grand Canyon University) – 2013 D2 College World Series Participant
Garrett Jeffries (Grand Canyon University) – 2013 D2 College World Series Participant
Catchers
Tyler Boxwell (Stephen F Austin State University) – led the ‘Jacks to the Southland Conference Tournament for the first time since 2012 and tied a program record with three wins in post season
John Rapisarda (Grand Canyon University) 2013 D2 College World Series Participant
Ryan Penaflor (GC)
Infielders
Paul Panaccione (Grand Canyon University) Drafted by Washington Nationals and 2013 D2 College World Series Participant
Ryan Tomita (University of North Georgia) 2013 & 2015 D2 College World Series Participant and won the NYCBC championship.
Austin Mill (Grand Canyon University) 2013 D2 College World Series Participant
Ryan Penaflor (Grinnell College) – Led Grinnell to championship game of Midwest Conference Tournament – finished at 30-8, the highest win total in program history one game away from the NCAA Division 3 National Tournament
Ryan Benedict (Regis University)
Connor Moore (Trinity University) – Won D3 College World Series
Outfielders
Chris Beall (Arizona State University) – four-year player
Zach Gibbons (University of Arizona) – Drafted by Los Angeles Angels, College World Series
Garrett Jeffries (Grand Canyon University) – 2013 D2 College World Series Participant
Chris Burks (Arizona Christian University) –
Jeremy Wolf (Trinity University) – Drafted by New York Mets, Won D3 College World Series
Portions from news release.
If you had a youth team worthy of mention send the info in with a roster and a team photograph. amoralesmytucson@yahoo.com
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DIVISION II BASEBALL ALL-STARS
DIVISION II SOFTBALL ALL-STARS
SOFTBALL/BASEBALL ALL-FRESHMEN TEAMS
DIVISION III BASEBALL ALL-STARS
DIVISION III SOFTBALL ALL-STARS
DIVISION IV BASEBALL ALL-STARS
DIVISION IV SOFTBALL ALL-STARS
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BOYS TENNIS ALL-STARS
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D-III GOLF ALL-STARS
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Andy Morales was recognized by the AIA as the top high school reporter in 2014 and has been a youth, high school and college coach for over 30 years. His own children have won multiple state high school championships and were named to all-state teams. Competing in hockey, basketball, baseball and track & field in high school, his unique perspective can only be found here, on AZPreps365.com and on the pages of the Vail Voice and the Tanque Verde Voice. Contact Andy Morales at AMoralesMyTucson@yahoo.com
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