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2 Locals Earn National Invites

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A Tribune staff report

Published: June 17, 2008

Hillsborough's Marlon Mitchell and Mitchell's Patrick Schuster 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 will compete in the IBAF World AAA Junior Championships July 25-Aug. 3 in Edmonton, Alberta.

"I'm just trying to go out here and work hard and give it all I've got; just go all out," Mitchell said. "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."

Adam Adkins

JOYER COMMITS: Wesley Chapel lineman Kamran Joyner will join a growing line of relatives with University of South Florida ties.

Monday, the soon-to-be senior gave his verbal commitment to USF in hopes of starting as a freshman. He selected USF over offers from Tennessee and South Carolina as well as interest from Florida.

Joyer has three uncles who have graduated from USF.

"We took a look at Miami Sunday and weren't impressed with Miami," Kamran's father Jack Joyer said. "He really likes offensive line coach Mike Simmonds and Coach Jim Leavitt and then he has an opportunity to start right away. They will move him to center.

"It's close to home and he will be able to compete for a state championship in weightlifting and track by not having to graduate early. Had he chose Florida or Miami, he would have graduated earlier."

Eddie Daniels

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