Head  coach JL Nelson of the U11 All-stars had the following to say about his 2015 players.

Parker Bristow – Parker is one of those players that can play practically anywhere on the field, and although he may see him at a number of positions he’s usually patrolling centerfield daring you to try and hit it by him.  Parker is one of the fastest kids on the team and when hitting has arguably the fastest hands to the baseball that I’ve seen.

Jacob Edenbeck – Jacob best known to his teammates as “Monkey”, is a natural 2^nd baseman and that’s where you’ll see him for the All-Stars.  This is Monkey’s second year starting at 2^nd base for the All-Stars and it’s all because he has such a good glove there.   Jacob has to be one of the most upbeat kids you will ever find on the diamond.

Zach Elder – Zach is a versatile player for the All Stars, being able to play 3^rd base, outfield, and 2^nd base.  It’s hard to find a kid that can transition from 3^rd to 2^nd since the positions are so different but Zach has been able to do it.  Having to learn two different positions has really helped Zach understand situational baseball so much better thus making him one of the most improved in that area.

Austin Geary – Austin is an extremely athletic baseball player that plays both outfield and 1^st base for us.  Austin may not be the fastest kid on the team but he takes incredible angles to the baseball that you normally see in kids much older than him.  Couple that with him being one of, if not the smartest baserunner I’ve ever seen, and you have a player that plays much faster than he is.  Austin is a solid hitter, and one of just three 10 year olds that made the team.

Wade Jenkins – Wade is my workhorse.  You can plug Wade anywhere in the line up defensively and he will make plays.  Although he can play anywhere he is a phenomenal catcher that caught every single inning of All-Stars last year.  Wade has advanced his game behind the plate so much that he now calls pitches for the guys on the mound.  Wade is a power hitter looking to make the outfield pay every time he steps to the plate and puts the ball in play more than anyone.

Davis Liverman – Davis is one of those coach’s luxuries, an infielder that can play outfield and an outfielder that can play infield, and he can catch.  With Davis in your lineup you never miss a beat, as he’s a solid hitter who has played a ton of baseball which results into a high baseball IQ.  Davis is one of three 10 year olds that made the 11u team.

Russell Moore – A solid pitcher that can and does play everywhere on the field except catcher.  Every position I have put Russell in during practice he has excelled.  When he takes the mound you know you are going to get strikes and if the other team thinks they are going to get walks and a free pass to 1^st base they are in for a long day.

Coleman Neal – Fastest kid on the team and that says a lot with all the speed we have.  Coleman plays outfield for us and if you are in a situation where you need a bunt down, he’s your guy.  The one kid I could just tell to bunt with everyone listening and he would not only get it down but would probably beat it out as well.

Chase Nelson – Chase came in as a 2^nd baseman but has transitioned to the outfield and has really found a home in leftfield.  Chase can use his speed as an asset in the outfield and can track down a lot of balls that you don’t think he can make a play on.  As smaller player, Chase relies on sound technique and a good eye for balls and strikes for hitting success.  One of the faster players on the team he’s also a smart base runner that scores a lot.  Chase has a very good understanding of situational baseball.

Hunt Qualls – Hunt finally gives me a player I’ve needed on this All-Star team as he’s another catcher.  Hunt has worked hard at honing his craft behind the plate and his ability to block balls has helped him transition to also being able to play 3^rd base.  Hunt is a really strong kid that has worked hard at all aspects of his game including his hitting.  When Hunt trusts the mechanics of the swing he can crush the baseball.

AJ Strickland – AJ is a physically dominating pitcher, who succeeds in getting ahead in counts.  When AJ isn’t on the mound he’ll be playing shortstop or 1^st base, where his knowledge of baseball allows him to be a vocal leader and get his teammates into position to succeed.  AJ is an outstanding left-handed hitter that can hit to all areas of the field and don’t be surprised if he goes “yard” on you because he certainly has the power to do it. 

Drew Williams – Drew is one of the most technically sound pitchers you will ever see at this age.  Drew’s mechanics and strong arm make him a force to deal with on the mound.  Drew, like AJ, will wear you down by getting ahead in counts and his placement of his pitches is rarely seen at this level.  Drew is a good hitter that can get on base and hit for power.  Although only 10 years old he has played a lot of baseball and his situational knowledge has allowed him to transition from a third baseman to shortstop when he’s not on the mound.

The 2015 U11 All-star team players are: Jacob Edenbeck, Hunt Qualls, Wade Jenkins, Chase Nelson, Drew Williams, Parker Bristow, Russell Moore, Zach Elder, Coleman Neal, AJ Strickland, Austin Geary, and Davis Liverman. Coaches are: JL Nelson, Dustin Durham, and Aron Crumb.

I want to thank coach Nelson on taking the time to recognize each of his players and wishing him and his team good luck in the Area Two Cal Ripken U11 All-star Tournament. Stay tuned to RRspin.com Sports for game updates.