High School Stars to Shine in Bob Ross Classic

Dayton, Ohio - The Miami Valley's top high school baseball talent will be on display during the 13th Annual Bob Ross Classic on Saturday, July 14th at Fifth Third Field at 7 p.m. The exhibition game, presented by the Bob Ross Auto Group, will showcase 38 of the best incoming high school seniors (class of 2013) from 38 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 13th 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 13th 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 Rick Blyberg of Middletown High School and features Dixie High School pitcher Seth Angel, who led the Southwestern Buckeye League with 88 strikeouts in 68 innings pitched. Angel was named first team All-SWBL and pitched five complete games during the season. Triad High School's Colton Young, who was First Team All-Miami Valley this season, will also play for the Red Team. Young led his school in batting average (.441), hits (41), and runs batted in (29).

Brandon Long of Beavercreek High School will coach the Blue Team, which features Springfield High School's Riley Borders. A pitcher and infielder, Borders hit .450 in 80 games and registered a 1.17 earned run average in 54 innings. Tecumseh High School shortstop Tony Evans led the team in all offensive categories, hitting .494 with 29 RBI to earn First Team-All Miami Valley honors.

Prior to start of game, the Dragons are hosting a Little League clinic on the field from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. 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 p.m.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com