ABCCL Collegiate All Star Game Comes To FirstEnergy Park
NEW JERSEY'S ATLANTIC BASEBALL CONFEDERATION COLLEGIATE LEAGUE (ABCCL)
Capt. Ryan K. Iannelli ALL-STAR GAME at FirstEnergy Park
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Lakewood, NJ -- Now in its 15th year of operation, the ABCCL has established a well-earned reputation for high-quality play and a unique spirit of cooperation and partnership with college programs throughout New Jersey and the country. Over this time players have joined the ABCCL from such baseball programs as LSU, University of Florida, Tulane, University of Maryland, University of Virginia, Ohio State, Sam Houston State, William and Mary, Oral Roberts, West Virginia University, University of Virginia, Rice, St. John's, Monmouth, Rider, Princeton, Wagner, Kean, Seton Hall and Rutgers Universities. Additionally, over 125 players have signed contracts and gone on to play professional baseball, while hundreds more have received collegiate honors including ABCA/Rawlings All-American.
Many ABCCL "alumni" will connect their collegiate success to their development under the excellent coaches who direct each of League's ten teams. All have extensive experience on the collegiate and/or professional level. For example, the 2014 Monmouth Monarchs were coached by Eric Duncan who was chosen by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 2003 MLB draft and enjoyed a ten-year professional career before joining Seton Hall University's coaching staff in 2011 and who this season is coaching for the New York Yankees. "I was happy to be a part of the ABCCL," said Duncan. "It was very rewarding helping these young players advance their careers. The guys we'll be seeing on July 1st are some of the best examples of what the league is all about. They play hard, respect the game and strive to get better...you can't ask for anything more."
The ABCCL is also known for its charitable giving, including its support of New Jersey youth baseball programs and NJ Camp Quality for kids with cancer, for which the League is an annual Platinum Sponsor.
This year's All-Star Game features more than 50 athletes drawn from the League's ten teams, all of which are based in New Jersey. The two squads that will take the field on July 1st were chosen by the League coaches, not only for their superior skills on the baseball diamond, but for their team contributions, sportsmanship, and character.
Youngsters attending the event will be entered in a raffle to be chosen as Bat Boys and Bat Girls for the two ABCCL All-Star teams.
MLB Scout Showcase Provides Exciting All-Star Talent Preview
Prior to the 9-inning game, a workout will be conducted to showcase the players' talent before evaluators from over a dozen MLB organizations. According to Don Kohler of the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau, the event is unique to the area. "The ABCCL is a valued source of talent for our member clubs and we continue to enjoy a wonderful relationship with the League's administration and coaches," he said. "Over the years, that partnership has helped bring a number of top -flight prospects to our attention and I have every reason to believe it will continue to do so." The showcase is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM and is open to the public. The game will follow at 6 PM and concessions will be open.
A Great Venue for Playing and Viewing
The game will be held at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood home of the BlueClaws, the Philadelphia Phillies Class A affiliate. This outstanding facility, with Major League dimensions, was built in 2001 and has held crowds of over 8000 people 81 times in just eight years of play. The stadium has also been used for outdoor concerts, showcasing well-known artists such as Bob Dylan. Directions to the stadium can be found on the Lakewood BlueClaws website under FirstEnergy Park.
" Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." Vince Lombardi
Monique S Koehler, President
Atlantic Baseball Confederation LLC
Celebrating 20 Years of Baseball Excellence!
Atlantic Baseball Confederation Collegiate League (ABCCL)
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