11U Columbus Sharks

The Sharks finished up last season with an overall record of 32-18 while playing in some of the tougher tournaments in the Midwest - Dublin, Ohio Tournament and the Cincy Flames Classic. The team finished off strong at the AAU Nationals with a 4th place finish.

The team comes in with an even stronger roster in to the 2008 campaign as a result of picking up five very talented players that includes a big, strong, hard throwing, baseball fanatic Jett Swetland form the Mid Ohio Blaze organization as well as Tyler Galbraith who is a strapping, hard nosed versatile player from the same organization.  Two other additions come by way of the Columbus Cobras.  They are Cameron Comer a slick, steady, versatile and well rounded player that will vie for the catcher’s position.  Lee Solomon also an agile, stocky player with a fiery attitude that will vie for not only catcher but CF too.  The fifth player added is Justin Thompson from the Forest Park organization.  He also is a strapping, “A-Rod” type player who is expected to make an impact in any position he takes in the field.

Seven players return from last season and most of these players have been around since the team was formed three years ago.  Chase Cattran will be an important part of the pitching staff as he was last season; he has been working hard in the off season.  The coaches expect great things from him.  Nick Conner is a multi-dimensional player who is a force at the plate and has been focusing strictly on baseball in the off-season.  Hayden Ballog is the speed on the team and creates havoc for the opposing team’s defense as he gets on base a lot.  Tyler Makuch is another speedy player who has a real “head” for the game.  Hunter Ackerman is a force at the plate and continues to improve which is scary as he was already solid.  In his third year with the team, Zac Carlisle is expected to show team leadership.  His primary position is pitching but with his overall baseball knowledge, he can play almost anywhere.  Logan Giddings who anchored the pitching staff last season is expected to do great things again this year.  His athleticism makes him versatile enough to play anywhere.  The coaches expect him to be a leader of this team as well - no matter what position he plays.

The team will be playing in the Central Ohio U11 and U12 leagues as well as attending the regionally tough tournaments such as the Battle in the South, the USSSA Super NIT Elite 24 qualifier in Michigan, and the Cincy Flames Summer Classic.  In the event they do not qualify for the Elite 24/Super World Series, they will attend the AAU Nationals in Orlando. 

The Columbus Sharks have a long range strategy as well.  The team is making plans to attend Cooperstown Dreams Park as 12’s.  The goal, in all likelihood, is to keep this team together for the next two seasons.  The Columbus Sharks organization has never sent a team to one of the week long Cooperstown tournaments.

There was no off-season as the Sharks are in the middle of winter workouts.  They hope this team can shake off the snow from the northern climates and put on some inspiring performance on the field.  The sky is the limit for these kids and with what they have done in workouts so far, they appear ready for the challenge.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Show/hide comment form