Every year in October teams from all over the country flock to Arizona for the Fall Classic showcase tournaments. This year over 100 teams representing over 25 states and Canada were represented in the three tournaments held October 10-28.

The first tournament was the Arizona Senior Fall Classic. Baseball Factory had three teams competing in the 40 team tournament. The format of the event was such that each 1/2 inning included six batters or three outs (no scores were recorded). The three Baseball Factory teams faired very well against some strong competition and each team played in five games. There were over 250 colleges coaches and scouts that checked in at the event. The overall tournament was a complete success.

The second tournament in the series was the Arizona Junior Fall Classic. The Baseball Factory had two teams entered into the event. The Navy team which was managed by Rick Sofield, Head Coach at the University of South Carolina – Buford and former MLB player. There were a few standouts that made the scouts take notice. Cole Frenzel out of Dickinson, North Dakota hit a homerun over 400 feet. Steve Bernhardt Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and Scout for the Colorado Rockies said “He [Cole] really put himself on the map with his play out in Arizona.” Other standouts were Ryan Carter who pitched very well and touched 89 MPH with his fastball. Also pitching well for the Navy team was Brent Morris who touched 85 MPH and was a solid two-way player for his squad.

The Red team in this division was managed by Jimmy Johnson, Minor League hitting instructor for the Colorado Rockies. The Red team went 4-0 in the round robin style tournament with solid team play in each game. The coaches said that it was the team’s chemistry and the unselfishness of their players that allowed them to do so well. The Red team made the plays on “D” that they needed and got timely hits to help win a few close games. One of those players that contributed to the Red team’s success was Steve Hodgins a shortstop out of Michigan who played outstanding in the field and had good at bats all tournament. On the mound for the Red team was Tripp Sauls who pitched well when his number got called. Overall the tournament went very well and both teams got to play against some great competition and faired well. There were over 30 top college baseball programs recruiting at the event.

The final tournament in the series was the Arizona Sophomore/Freshmen Fall Classic. The Baseball Factory had two teams entered into competition. The Red team went 4-1 overall. They were undefeated in their bracket making the championship round before losing their only game. The Red team had everyone contribute to their success on the field. Alex Lipson reached base in his first eight at bats. Alex finished the tournament with an outstanding .714 batting average. The batting average for the entire team was over .300 proving they deserved to be playing in the championship round. Kyle Haen also performed very well offensively batting .571 with four stolen bases. The Red team was led by pitching from Tyler Smith who was lights out on the mound. With a great offensive performance and an unflappable defense the Red team proved to be one of the teams in the tournament.

The other team was the Baseball Factory Navy. They did not get to the championship round but were very competitive in their bracket play. They went 2-2-1 losing two tough games. One of the main reasons the Navy team was successful was pitcher Jamison Taillon who notched a win and a tie and touched 90 MPH with his fastball. The Navy team did all the little things right, making some great defensive plays and making smart decisions on offense.

Overall both teams had a great time and made a statement on a national level.

The Baseball Factory could not be happier with how all the players competed and we can’t wait to go back to Arizona next October. Thanks to all the players and parents who made this such a success.