This article was taken from Extra Innings, the BCA Newsletter.  Throughout the season, freshmen and sophomore players from across the country are nominated for Baseball Factory’s Rookie of the Year title.  In the end, one candidate will receive the honor of being named the Baseball Factory Rookie of the Year. Baseball Factory congratulates all of the nominees and wishes them the best of luck.

Jeff Scardino

Bishop Kelley High, Tulsa, OK

Tulsa, OK – Jeff Scardino had a near perfect freshman season here at Bishop Kelley High and his father, Kelly Coach Tony Scardino, blames himself for the lone setback.

“I pushed him too far…it was my fault,” Scardino said of Jeff’s 9-1 season.  “I have great confidence in him, but I left him in too long.”

Jeff’s loss came in a 10-inning one-run game against McAlester.

The 5-8 160-pound LHP-OF also was one of Bishop Kelley’s best offensive weapons as he batted .348.

“He has good bat control and hits to all fields,” his coach says.

Jeff, the starting tailback and outside linebacker on Bishop Kelley’s football team, also has excellent speed. His pitching and hitting helped Bishop Kelley to a 30-11 record and a second consecutive Oklahoma state championship appearance.

With Jeff’s all-around performances playing a key role, Bishop Kelley had a fine 8-4 year in football.

“He’s a gamer,” Scardino said of Jeff, who opened the 2004 season with a game saving three strikeouts in one inning of relief. He