Jeff Tully
Burroughs High pitcher Brent Fekety would like nothing more than to
stand on the mound at San Francisco's SBC Park, zero in on batter
Barry Bonds, deliver a pitch and try to get one by the Giants'
slugger.
Although Fekety won't get a chance to face the prolific home-run
hitter any time soon, he will get the opportunity to pitch in Bonds'
home stadium, when the Indian hurler takes part in an event next
week.
Fekety, a senior, has been invited to compete in the 2004 Diamond
King Elite World Series Monday through Wednesday at SBC Park.
The event will involve six teams comprised of players from high
schools throughout the nation. The athletes earned the opportunity to
compete in the World Series after performing well in a series of
showcases conducted by Diamond King in June and July.
Diamond King is an organization that holds various clinics,
showcases and games throughout the year, in an attempt to expose high
school players -- and show their skills -- to major-league scouts and
college coaches.
Fekety said the opportunity to play in a major-league park is
something that will mean a lot to him.
"I am really looking forward to pitching in that park," he said.
"Just to have the opportunity to play in a major-league stadium is
great.
"But I can't get caught up in all the excitement when I take the
mound to pitch. I have to just concentrate on what I'm doing and try
and block everything else out."
Fekety will play for the Southern California team, which has a
definite Foothill-League flavor. Also competing on the team are
pitcher Casey Mulligan, second baseman Armando Gallardo and
outfielder Nick Margis from Valencia High, as well as third baseman
Travis Babin from Saugus High.
Players from 13 states and Ontario, Canada, will suit up for a
series of games over three days.
"There will be some very good players," Fekety said. "I'll just go
out there and do my best."
Fekety has spent most of his summer playing for the Burroughs team
in the Valley Invitational Baseball League. However, the right-hander
took some time to compete in a Diamond King showcase July 20-22 at
Lake Elsinore Diamond, home of the Storm, the single-A affiliate of
the San Diego Padres.
At the showcase, the 6-foot, 180-pound Fekety was timed and graded
on his running speed, pitching, throwing from the outfield and
hitting.
And the right-hander didn't disappoint.
His finest effort came in the 60-yard dash, when Fekety was laser
timed at 6.55 seconds, which was the fastest mark of any athlete at
the showcase.
