HSBN Miami All-Star Game And Awards Event Is Back!

May 31st, 2013 will be a day to remember for all players, parents, fans, and coaches here in Miami-Dade County. That is the day the county’s best seniors will take the field for the 2nd-Annual High School Baseball Network Miami-Dade All-Star Game and Awards Ceremony event.

Each year since the creation of MiamiDadeHighSchoolBaseball.com, High School Baseball Network has given seniors one last day to go out and perform in front of their family, friends, and peers. Unlike other All-Star events, HSBN has created an atmosphere and seriousness to the game that has made it among the best All-Star events in the country.

This year, the teams will be comprised of all-stars from 2A-4A, competing against all-stars from 6A-8A. The day will be filled with excitement and anticipation, as All-County awards, including first and second team selections, Pitcher, Hitter, Coach, and Player of the Year honors will be handed out at the game.

Managers for the game have been selected by HSBN, and coaches who win their district Coach of the Year awards will round out the staff for each team.

HSBN Miami-Dade 2A-4A Manager – Oscar Benitez – LaSalle

Managing the 2A-4A team will be longtime Lions Manager Oscar Benitez. Among one of the most respected coaches in the county, Benitez has a close relationship with his players, and has developed a successful program at LaSalle.

“I’ve been coaching high school baseball for over 20 years, and this is one of the highest honors I have ever been given in my career,” said Benitez. “I respect all the talent Miami has to offer, and it will be fun to manage the small schools against the big schools. That rivalry exists, and it is going to be a blessing to be on the field with such talented and gifted athletes. I hope people come out to see the game, because there are going to be fireworks out there on the field.”

HSBN Miami-Dade 6A-8A Manager – Joe Weber – Columbus

In the opposing dugout for the 6A-8A team will be Columbus Manager Joe Weber. A staple in the dugout for the Explorers, Weber led his team to a state appearance last season. This year, he is hoping to return to states and bring a title back to Miami.

“I am very excited to be a part of the second annual HSBN Miami All-Star event,” said Weber. “It’s always fun to see that much talent on the field at the same time.”

The Players

Ballots went out to all managers this morning, with a return date of April 21st. Each manager will be allowed to nominate four seniors from their team for the game. Once all ballots are returned, the HSBN staff will then review the nominations and select the final team. Approximately 30 players will be selected for each squad.

All-Star rosters will be announced on MDHSB on Monday, April 29th. All players chosen will be instructed to RSVP confirming participation in the game. Those who do not RSVP in the allotted time will be replaced with alternatives.

Once the teams are complete, the players will be treated to a five-star event, beginning with commemorative jerseys with their names and numbers on the back. One mandatory practice will be held Tuesday, May 28th, at which, players will receive their jerseys, meet with their fellow all-stars and coaches, and have a photo shoot in their all-star uniform.

On game day, the festivities kick off in the afternoon with a pregame meal for all all-star players and coaches. The meal will be followed by a traditional pregame of batting practice, stretching, warming-up, and infield-outfield. Once the first pitch ceremony and player introductions are complete, the real fun begins!

On-field games will keep the excitement high throughout the night, encouraging fan participation with raffles, trivia contests, and even on-field competitions for a few selected lucky younger fans in attendance.

The Awards

Along with All-Star ballots, coaches also received today ballots for All-District teams. The All-District teams are comprised of the final voting from coaches, along with HSBN representative input. All-County first and second teams will then be selected solely by the HSBN staff.

In-between each inning of the All-Star game, All-County players will be individually recognized at home plate. This will also be the time players learn whether they were a first or second-team selection. Underclassmen who receive an All-County selection will not be eligible to play in the game, but will be notified and will be invited to be a part of the awards ceremony on the field.

As all-star night draws to a conclusion, the biggest awards of the year will be presented. Hitter, Pitcher, Coach, and Player of the Year awards will be handed out.

In addition to awards received at the all-star game, the Miami Marlins have partnered with HSBN to honor all-county players from Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade on Sunday, June 2nd. Players will be honored before the game in an on-field ceremony at Marlins Park. The all-county winners will then have free tickets to stay and enjoy the game! A link will be available on MDHSB for parents and fans to purchase additional tickets to the Marlins game and ceremony.

Equipment Donation

HSBN will for the second year in a row be collecting used equipment and donating the equipment to area Chicago White Sox Scout Pepe Ortega. The equipment will then be shipped to the Dominican Republic, to help underprivileged ballplayers. If you have extra equipment laying around, HSBN urges you to bring it to the game and donate it to this worthy cause. If you have equipment and cannot make the game, please contact us via our contact page to arrange pick-up of the equipment.

Conclusion

Details on location of the event are being finalized, and will be announced soon!

Admission at the gate will be $7. No passes will be accepted for this event.

The 2A-4A team will be wearing red, and the 6A-8A team royal blue. We are asking fans to come dressed in their team colors and help create the atmosphere for this wonderful event.

It will be a night that will not soon be forgotten, so mark the date, Friday, May 31st, and come out and help send these seniors out in style, while enjoying one last baseball game for the 2013 season!

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