Virtually all of the players on the Carson Crushers 15 and under baseball team have plenty of experience playing at an elite level.
So Crushers coach Roy Good feels pretty good about his team's chance to be competitive in the USABA 15 and under World Series which begins this week in Douglas County. The Crushers will begin play in the event at 4 p.m. Saturday at Indian Hills' James Lee Park against Sonora, Calif. Games will also be held at Gardnerville's Lampe Park.
Among other teams scheduled to compete in the event include clubs from Las Vegas and Washington. A round robin format will be used to determine seeding for a double elimination tournament.
Good has a versatile team in which virtually all of his players can play different positions.
"Most of them have played with us for quite a few years," Good said. "We stress that the kids play different positions so they know all the positions."
The team features two players who received considerable playing time this year with the Carson Cardinals 19 and under team - Nick Smallman and Sean Costella. Smallman can play shorstop and is also one of the team's pitchers while Costella can play second base and the outfield.
Good said his team has plenty of depth on the mound for the tournament in which it could play up to seven games. "We have quite a few pitchers," Good said.
But the Crushers will have to do without a few players at least for part of the tournament. The Crushers have players who will play in the state 14- and 15-year-old Babe Ruth Tournaments which begin on Saturday.
They include Ryan Pier, a pitcher and outfielder, who is a member of the 15-year-old club. They also include third baseman Tommy Preston and third baseman-pitcher Jared Baxter, who are members of the 14-year-old team.
Carson will also have plenty of depth behind the plate for the tournament. They include talented all-around player Brooks Greenlee, who can pitch and play shorstop as well. Dayton's James DeHaven, who played for the Sierra Sun Devils B team, can catch and also plays outfield.
Thirteen-year-old Paul Cagle can catch, pitch and play shortstop. Cagle has been playing with a traveling team in Stockton, Calif. "He plays just as good as the 15-year-olds," Good said. "He's a really good player."
Other players include Matt Kleinfelt and Frank Urbani, who can pitch and play first base. In addition, there's Casey Cahill, who can play first and outfield. "He's a pretty good all-around player," Good said.
Good's two sons, 14-year-old Drew, a center fielder, and 13-year-old Casey, another outfielder, are also on the team. Another outfielder, Matt Scott, who has been out with an ankle injury, could be available as well.
"We have a pretty good lineup up and down the lineup," coach Good said.
Charles Whisnand is the Nevada Appeal Sports Editor. Contact him at cwhisnand@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1214.
