July 18th, 2016

By: Daniel Gilman

The South Florida Collegiate Baseball League All Star Game took place at FAU Baseball Stadium on Sunday afternoon July 17th. This years game featured many high velocity pitchers and Major League prospects as multiple MLB scouts were in attendance to evaluate the players. First to pitch for the North Division was Keisy Portorreal (Clarendon JC) who sat 91-92 MPH and threw a scoreless inning. The South Division starter Tommy Romero (E. Florida State) sat 90-93 and also threw a scoreless inning.

The game offensively started off with a bang after Lance Myers (Ashland University) hit a two-run homer in the 3rd to right field. Then it was decided after a seven run 6th inning, in which Andres Fernandez (NJIT) walked five, and Sal Geraci (Long Island University) hit an RBI single. Geraci finished with two singles on the day. Lance Myers, who also made a nifty play at third, won the All Star Game MVP award for the South Division.

JP Sorma (Ohio State/Ashland University), SFCBL's all-time home run leader, said, "I've been trying to break the record for a couple games and when I stopped trying I hit home run #13 the day before the All Star Game". After his batting practice multiple scouts spoke to him down the right field line.

Miami Hurricanes and Florida Pokers catcher Joe Gomez (University of Miami), in his third year in the summer league keeps coming back. "I love the coaches, and its close to home. I'm just honored to be named an All Star."

The lone bright spot for the North All-Stars was an RBI double by Dominic DiCaprio (Rice University) in the 9th, followed by a Collin Ridout (Southeastern Louisiana Univ.) RBI single. DiCaprio, who was a Freshman All-American at Rice this past spring was awarded the 2016 North Division MVP for his performance at the plate and in the field.

North's starting catcher Claudio Rubiera (Univ. of Southern Mississippi) thinks the SFCBL will continue to grow. "There's so much talent in South Florida, I grew up in Miami and love playing close to home. There are so many advantages to playing in the South Florida Collegiate League; the weather and the beach for starters. These guys have really done a great job developing the league and getting some of the best talent in the country here."

The first eight pitchers for the South all threw scoreless innings. Tommy Romero (E. Florida State) started the game, and Alex Mack (St. Thomas Aquinas College) shut the door on the North. The final week for the regular season is upon us and the playoffs are approaching fast.

It will be a dog fight for the playoffs and should end with a bang as several SFCBL teams are fighting for the final playoff spot and a chance to become 2016 league champions.