Bob Ross Classic Returns to Fifth Third Field

DAYTON, OH - The top high school baseball talent in the area will be on display at the 12th Annual Bob Ross Classic at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, July 16 at 7 p.m. The exhibition game, sponsored by Bob Ross Buick-GMC, will showcase 50 of the best incoming high school seniors (class of 2012) from 50 schools in the Miami Valley.

Admission to the game is free and the stadium gates will open one hour before the first pitch, at 6 P.M. The 12th Annual Bob Ross Classic will feature the same attractions as Dayton Dragons games, with team mascots Heater & Gem, the Fun Zone for kids, music, entertainment, and stadium concessions.

The players who will participate in the 12th Annual Bob Ross Classic were selected by area coaches and will be seniors in the upcoming school year. The exhibition serves as a springboard to college and professional baseball, as many scouts and college coaches attend the game each year.

The Red Team will be coached by Terry Dickten of Centerville High School, and feature pitcher Jordan Hitt of Southeastern High School, an All-Conference player who struck out 96 batters in 69 innings this spring. The Blue Team will be coached by Kent Drake of Kettering-Fairmont High School and feature outfielder Kyle Shepherd of Belmont High School, who hit .529 this season and was named First-Team All City.

Prior to start of game, the Dragons are hosting a Little League clinic on the field from 5:45 - 6:30 pm. Bob Ross Classic players and coaches will teach the kids some basics of the game. Members of the media are invited to come early for the batting practice starting at 4:25 pm, and for the Little League clinic starting at 5:45.