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Mitchell, Schuster Vying For 18U Trials Invite

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By ADAM ADKINS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 16, 2008

Hillsborough's Marlon Mitchell and Mitchell's Patrick Shuster are among 144 players from across the nation vying for a coveted spot at the 18-under National Baseball Team Trials this week at the invite-only Tournament of Stars at the USA Baseball Complex in Cary, N.C.

The eight-team tournament begins today and runs through Sunday. Mitchell, a rising senior catcher, will play for the PONY Team, while Schuster, a rising senior left-handed pitcher, will play for the Dixie Team.

The 2008 18-under National Team will be selected solely from players in this tournament. Thirty four players will be invited from the TOS to the 18-under National Team Trials, which are scheduled for July 10-17 in Phoenix. From there, 20 will make the team that is set to compete in the IBAF World AAA Junior Championships July 25-Aug. 3 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

"I'm just trying to go out here and work hard and give it all I've got; just go all out," Mitchell said Monday evening. "I think my chances are pretty good.

"It's like a dream come true to be able to actually come out here and try out [for the 18-under National Team]. I'm very excited."

Plant High's Mychal Givens and Clearwater Central Catholic's Ryan Weber were selected last summer to the 18-under National Team, which won a bronze medal at the COPABE AAA Junior Championships in Ixtapa, Mexico. That showing qualified the 18-under U.S. squad for this year's world championship's in Canada.

The players selected for this year's 18-under National Team Trials are expected to be announced at the conclusion of the tournament Sunday.

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