The Herald Bulletin

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June 28, 2009

George Bremer: Area baseball talent abounds

Let’s start this week with an apology. Unwittingly, my Mr. Baseball Classic preview story last week was incomplete.

For that, and any resulting confusion, I apologize.

But enough about that. This should be about the players.

Four stars from Madison County made the trip to Indianapolis last Tuesday to compete in the Mr. Baseball Classic at North Central High School. Considering the doubleheader featured only about 30 players from around the state, that’s a remarkable percentage.

Anderson’s Nolan Earley was joined by Highland’s Trevor Humes, Elwood’s Jacob Dunnichay and Frankton’s Brandon France.

Earley was 2-for-6 with a double, three RBIs and one run scored. France, who was rotating among many catchers in the intense heat, was 2-for-3 with a double. Dunnichay said he was able to showcase his speed on the base paths, and Humes said only that he failed to meet his own high expectations.

The latter trio is playing this summer for Anderson Hockett, contributing to a highly talented roster that could contend for a state championship.

“This year we had a great turnout of talent,” France said of Madison County’s overall excellence. “Especially the senior class. I grew up with a lot of them. It’s fun.”

France, considered by many to be the area’s best catcher, is looking at Lake Land College in Illinois. The junior college would give him a stage to be seen by a four-year school as well as the pros.

Humes, one of the area’s top pitchers, also could go the junior college route. He spent Saturday trying out at Kishwaukee College in Illinois.

Although he didn’t play as well in Indianapolis as he’d hoped, Humes said the experience was worth it.

“It was fun,” he said. “I liked it. I saw a lot of people I’ve played with in recent years.”

Dunnichay, who joined France as Hockett split a doubleheader at Terre Haute on Saturday, still is trying to decide between Kansas and several state schools. He said the Jayhawks are scheduled to attend an upcoming Hockett game, and that could make his decision more clear.

Coming from a 2A school, even one that spent much of the season ranked No. 1, kept Dunnichay under the state’s radar.

“I never really played with that many players who are projected to go to big schools and who got drafted,” Dunnichay said. “But there was no pressure. Coming from a small school, it was just fun to be there.”

All three stars repeated that refrain.

Each will be in the running for the Indiana Mr. Baseball Award, which will be presented by Hoosier Diamond on July 13 at a site to be determined.

And each is a big part of the reason Madison County should be proud of its baseball tradition.

Contact George Bremer: 640-4831, george.bremer@heraldbulletin.com.

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