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Tucker Hits Dream Homer At Tropicana Field

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By LEE DIEKEMPER

Tribune correspondent

Published: June 2, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - When Plant's Preston Tucker learned he was named to the Hillsborough County squad of the Rays High School All-Star Classic, he dreamed of hitting a home run.

His dream came true.

In the bottom of the second, Tucker belted a two-run homer to right to give Hillsborough a one-run lead en route to an 11-6 victory.

After Pinellas tied the game at 4 in the fourth, Hillsborough blew the game open in the bottom of the frame with six runs.

The game was played at Tropicana Field following the Rays' 4-3 win Sunday against the White Sox.

While Tucker has had some big hits during his career, he admitted his blast likely will stay with him the longest.

"I was hoping I would hit a homer," Tucker said. "I just wanted to have a feeling of hitting a home run in Tropicana Field."

While circling the bases after his homer, Tucker admitted he "was kind of in awe."

Holding a rather large trophy for being named Hillsborough MVP, he joked, "This is pretty big. It's too big to put anywhere. Maybe I will keep it on the floor.

"I've never played on turf before and it's obviously my first time playing indoors," Tucker said. "It's really hard to pick up the ball due to the off-white ceiling.

"Luckily I didn't play too much in the field. But in warm-ups in the outfield it was pretty tough. Everyone was losing the fly balls in the lights."

The game also was a rush for the coaches.

"I was just happy to watch the kids play baseball here," said Alonso coach Landy Faedo, who was one of the three Hillsborough coaches. "We definitely like coming out in this atmosphere in the Trop and got to watch the Rays pull out a win, too.

"This is something the players will remember the rest of their lives. This is a great thing and I hope the Rays continue it."

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