LIVE: From the Omaha Pro Select Training and Tournament - Part 1

Dave Lax: We're There

Omaha, Nebraska: the Mecca of College Baseball. How appropriate is it that this should be the place where 165 high school baseball players from 25 different states around the country descend to participate in the Omaha Pro Select Training & Tournament, powered by Baseball Factory. Recognized as elite players at their local tryouts, each is here to compete and train in a tournament setting, as they pursue the dream of playing college ball. Each of them will have the opportunity to learn from the experienced staff which includes professional scouts, former professional players and former college coaches. These coaches will work one-on-one with every player to make adjustments that will lead to success in the future, maybe even a chance at playing in the revered Rosenblatt Stadium, home of the College World Series.

After everyone got settled in, the first night was highlighted by the words of a man who knows what it takes to succeed not only as a ball player, but also how to conduct yourself off the field: Rick Sofield. As a former major leaguer and current Assistant Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach at the University of South Carolina - Beaufort, Sofield brought a wealth of knowledge and a presence that all members of the audience, players and parents, could gravitate to. Within his moving speech, Sofield focused on three main issues for the maturing players:

1. Prioritize what’s truly important

2. Excel not only athletically, but also academically and socially

3. Make sound decisions.

Since he is a father of a teenager and is a former ball player himself, Sofield understood what each of the players and parents are going through in terms of the college decision process. With his confident and comedic at times manner, he was able to share his insight on the entire process, explaining how players should be preparing themselves physically as well as mentally for the next step of their careers. Sofield also called for the parents to realize what is truly within their control, and to understand that the responsibility rests with the player in terms of contacting college coaches, balancing the academic rigors with their busy baseball schedules, and making baseball a priority in their lives. He concluded by reassuring the players that there is a college out there for each of them, and that by making good decisions in every part of their lives they will be able to achieve their goals.

What a way to start off the event!

Soon to come: a breakdown of the preliminary games and the announcement of the highly anticipated playoff seeding. Check back soon.