The 2008 Under Armour Pre-Season All-America Tournament kicked off with an amazing opening ceremony. As the hundreds of players, parents and scouts flocked to the desert they were greeted with a once and a lifetime opportunity. Clint Hurdle of the National League Champion Colorado Rockies spoke to the entire group of players and parents to usher in the 2008 Under Armour Pre-Season All-America Tournament. Clint showed clips from this season and gave sage advice to the eager listening players. However, it was not over there. Clint stayed around for over an hour after his speech signing autographs and taking pictures and chatting with anyone and everyone that came up to speak with him. The players and parents were also treated with guest speaker Ernie Young who holds the all-time homerun record for the minor leagues.

As Day 1 of on field action began a frost delayed slowed down the energy that was created last night at the opening ceremonies. But the frost was short lived and the players got on the field and took defensive workouts and batting practice before their first game of the event. As the sun filled the clear blue Arizona sky the temperatures reached 68 degrees making it optimal playing conditions. Almost every game played today was decided by one or two runs. The scouts also turned out in full force. There were over 20 different major league organizations represented on Day 1. After each team got in their first game they again were treated to a spectrum of knowledge in the two guest speakers on the second night.

Doug Glanville former Major League player spoke to the players and parents about his experiences. Rick Sofield gave a motivational speech which received a standing ovation at the end. Overall Day 1 of the event went very well as the temperatures, the play and the great speakers made everyone appreciate the honor of the privileged of being a 2008 Under Armour Pre-Season All-American.

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