Fifty-five of the nation’s top high school baseball recruits, as identified by the Perfect Game scouting service, assembled Sunday evening at Petco Park for the organization’s 17th annual All-American classic.
Chula Vista resident and Helix High senior Jordan Thompson was among the elite group, suiting up for the victorious West team.
“It was super awesome to be out here and be included among these 55 players,” explained Thompson, a middle infielder/pitcher. “I’ve watched this game since I was 10 years old and it’s always been a dream of mine to play in it.
“Playing in this game definitely ranks there at the top, especially in front of this crowd and the caliber of these players.”
\
Thompson, who previously participated in the San Diego Section All-Star Game in June at Petco Park and the Area Code Games earlier this month in Long Beach, entered Sunday’s game in the sixth inning at second base.
He recorded one putout on an infield popup before later moving to shortstop. He made one plate appearance in the West’s 4-2 victory over the East squad.
“I wasn’t nervous, just excited, as I’ve played on this field before,” Thompson said. “I think I stack up well with everyone. Everyone here is obviously here for a reason, so it’s just super awesome.”
Thompson (6-0, 160) has committed to play college baseball at Louisiana State University; he still has one year of high school eligibility at Helix.
The Highlanders advanced as far as last year’s San Diego Section Open Division semifinals, losing to runner-up Poway.
Helix finished second to Eastlake in the 2017 Open Division championship game.
Thompson, the younger brother of former Eastlake standout Mason Thompson, acquitted himself well on the mound this past season with a 4-1 record, 1.40 earned-run average and 71 strikeouts in 49.2 innings while hitting 93 mph. At the plate, he hit .283 with five home runs and 16 RBI.
It’s no surprise he was tabbed as a first team all-section pick.
He is seen as a two-way prospect, according to his Perfect Game scouting report, which details him as a “… 6.70 runner with smooth and polished middle infield actions, has quick hands and feet and has advanced athletic balance defensively, arm strength continues to improve as his strength does … Keeps improving and is a good bet to keep improving still.”
Thompson was one of two San Diego area players tabbed to play in Sunday’s game, joining Torrey Pines senior infielder Kevin Sim, who also participated in June’s San Diego Section all-star game.
Sim saw action at third base in Sunday’s game, going hitless in one plate appearance.
West players celebrate 4-2 win over the East to continue their winning streak in the series. Photos by Phillip Brents
By the numbers
Players from 22 states and Puerto Rico were represented in this year’s Perfect Game All-American Classic, including 13 players from California.
The all-star contest has seen 182 alumni progress to Major League Baseball. Participating in the game has been a good indicator for future success as 680 of 768 total participants have been selected as MLB draft picks, including 215 first-round draft picks and nine No. 1 overall picks.
Perfect Game alumni have gone on to make 73 all-star appearances and win four MLB Most Valuable Player awards.
Padres rookie outfielder Josh Naylor played in the 2014 Perfect Game All-American Classic before being selected in the first round of the 2015 MLB amateur draft by the Miami Marlins as the 12th overall selection.
Naylor eventually made his way to the Padres organization through a 2016 trade; he made his big league debut with the Friars on May 24 of this year.
Sunday’s game was scoreless through the opening four innings before the East managed to scratch a run on a throwing error in the top of the fifth inning. However, the West matched that run with one of its own and later took a 4-1 lead after pushing across three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Harvard-Westlake’s Drew Bowser, a Stanford commit, earned honors as the game’s MVP after doubling off the wall, drawing a walk and scoring twice in the game. He also won the event’s home run challenge.
He scored the go-ahead run on a double by A.J. Vukovich (East Troy, Wis.).
Pitching was showcased as hurlers on both teams combined to strike out 27 batters in the nine-inning game, including 16 by the nine West pitchers.
The eight East pitchers fanned 11 batters.
Daniel Susac (Roseville) and Robert Moore (Leawood, Kan.) were both credited with one RBI for the West while Jordan Walker (Stone Mountain, Ga.) had two hits for the East. The East’s Mario Zabala (San Juan, Puerto Rico) stole two bases in the game.
The West’s Jared Kelley (Refugio, Texas) hit 97 mph on the mound while three other pitchers — the West’s Mick Abel (Cedar Mill, Ore.) and Alejandro Rosario (Miami) and Carson Montgomery (Windemere, Fla.) of the East — were clocked at 96 mph.
The Perfect Game All-American Classic also has a philanthropic side, serving as a fundraiser for Rady Children’s Hospital locally to support research efforts for pediatric cancer. The event has raised more than $1.1 million since the game’s founding in 2003.
Behind the scenes
South County coaches and players have regularly helped out in support roles over the event’s 13 years in San Diego.
Montgomery’s Manny Hermosillo Sr. and Eastlake’s Luis Lorenzana served as assistant coaches for this year’s East team while Mater Dei Catholic’s Eddie Johnson and Montgomery’s Manny Hermosillo Jr. served as assistant coaches for the West.
Otay Ranch’s R.C. Martinez, Sweetwater Valley Little League’s Arturo Maldonado and Eastlake’s David Gallegos served as bullpen coaches.
Gallegos has been the bullpen coach for the last six years and served one year as the manager of the West team.
Bonita Vista’ senior Bubba Villegas and Eastlake junior transfer Bret Leonhardt served as bullpen catchers.
Mater Dei Catholic head coach Eddie Johnson served as an assistant coach on the victorious West team. Photo by Phillip Brents
“I’ve definitely seen some great kids over the years,” said Johnson, a longtime participant. “Then two or three years later you see them in the big leagues. I remember when Josh Naylor played. There have been so many great kids come through.
“The whole week is more than just about baseball, though, with fundraising for Rady Children’s Hospital. The West team raised $80,000 on its own. The owners have gone out and not only found the best players but also the players with the best character.”
“It was fun just watching these guys have fun doing what they love,” said Leonhardt, whose older brother Brian graduated from Eastlake and is now playing at San Diego State University. “It’s a dream. I hope I can play in this next year.”
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” added Villegas, who hit .298 with 15 RBI and two home runs for the Division II semifinalist Barons this spring. “Being around them helps bring up your own skills.”
