UNITED STATES – USA Baseball has announced its final selections for the 2009 14U National Team after a three-day trials period at St. Thomas University. An 18-man roster was selected from a pool of 24 players to represent the country at this year’s 2009 COPABE Pan Am ‘A’ Championships in Portoviejo, Ecuador starting on Saturday.

The team will continue to train in Miami Gardens, Fla. until Thursday when the players and staff will depart for Portoviejo, Ecuador for the Pan Am Championships.

“It’s always tough having to make the final cuts,” said head coach Dave Webb. “Most importantly, all 24 of these kids deserved to be here, and are great ball players. If they all continue to work hard, good things will happen for them,” added Webb.

Of the 18 players selected, two will be making their second appearance with the club. Joe Dudek and Chris Rivera are both back for the their second stint with the team after participating on the 2008 team that outscored its opponents 102-1, en route to a 6-0 record at last year’s Pan Am Qualifier in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

“Right now the work has just begun,” said Webb. “The last three days were tough and we’re proud of the all the effort and sacrifices the kids have made, but we are confident that we will be ready when we get to Ecuador,” added Webb.

Nine different countries will be represented at the tournament. Joining the 14U National Team will be Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The 14U Team has won its last 20 games in international competition.

2009 USA 14U National Team Roster

Photo: Cameron Miller, Joe Dudek and James Ziegler get work in at first base. (Matt Marek)

Source: USA Baseball

Tags: USA Baseball