Local players in Kelley Baseball Showcase

Six area high school players will be on the field when the third annual Kelley Baseball Classic begins tonight in Reno.

The Classic will showcase the talents of top junior class players from Northern and Southern Nevada in a three-game series at Reno High School's Zunini Field. The Northern and Southern teams will meet in a 7:30 p.m. single game tonight and then play a 10 a.m. doubleheader on Sunday.

The North roster includes Carson's Nick Gitthens, who was selected as a second-team all-conference DH this season. Galena has four representatives, including infielders Billy Paganetti and Joe Hooft, utility man Mark Folgner and pitcher Jon Zuppan. Fernley infielder/pitcher Tyler Selden is one of two 3A division players selected for the series (the other is Bishop Manogue pitcher/infielder Johnmin Hickey, a former Carson City resident).

Reno High's Pete Savage will coach the North. Sam Thomas of Las Vegas High will coach the South.

Not only will the series will provide scouts and fans an opportunity to see stars who figure to be stars during Nevada's 2001 prep season, it will also serve as a fund-raiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Reno's Truckee Meadows. The series is sponsored by Kelley Baseball of Nevada, which manufactures pro style gloves.

"It gives these kids some exposure, and that's the main idea behind this," said Stew Colton, a Kelley representative and assistant Reno High coach. "It gives them a chance to play in front of college and junior college coaches and pro scouts, and it gives those guys a jump as far as seeing next year's senior class."