2008 12U Banditos Black (TX) - travelballselect.com

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2008 12U Banditos Black (TX)

Travel Ball Select recognizes the Houston based Banditos organization as one of the best up and coming programs. The Banditos are prevalent throughout the various Travel Ball Select’s rankings (10U – 15U). The 12U is no exception as they find themselves ranked second by TBS in the preseason pole. The 12U Banditos Black are led by their coach, Robert Deleon. Coach Deleon is a former all Southwest Conference player with the University of Texas Longhorns and played professional baseball for the Giants, Padres, and Expos organizations. Last year, Robert took just nine 11U players to the Elite24 World Series in Orlando, FL and was 1 run away from being in the Championship game. This year the team has reloaded with one goal in mind, winning a third straight Elite 24 Championship in the 12U division. There is no doubt this year’s lineup is built with power and speed. Defensively, the pitching staff, which includes 8 players who consistently hit 72+ on the radar gun, is led by returning 5 tool player Aric Rodriguez who throws three pitches effectively. He currently brings a 77 mph fastball with a great curve and changeup to keep hitters off balance. Also returning for the Black team are Ishmael Edwards and Chris Cavazos. Both of these kids possess huge bats, a ton of speed, A+ defense as well as throw in the mid 70s with a lot of movement. Rounding out the list of returning players are Chris Cooper and Cameron Miller. Coop is a big game pitcher who can ruin any batters day by hitting his spots at will and changing speeds dramatically. Cameron “Big Mac” Miller brings a well rested arm back to the rotation as well as a Monster Bat! New to the Banditos Black for 2008 are Gabe Klobosits, James Alcoser, Jaylon Deajon, John Fallon, and Kyle Pinson. These guys are all multi position players and pitchers with excellent defense, strong arms, and huge bats. They bring big game experience with many championship games under their belts from some of the best teams in Texas over the past few years. Coach Deleon prides himself as being a defensive specialist and always has his teams ready to make the plays when it counts. But with this lineup, hitting the ball is what this team is all about. The offense is loaded top to bottom with speed, power, and high batting averages. When the bats get going, these guys can put up a ton of runs in a hurry. On more than 1 occasion this year they have started a game by putting 10 or more runs up in the first inning. Oh by the way, that was before the defense had recorded an out. Lead off hitter Alcoser, Deajon and Fallon are .500+ hitters who also take their walks and play havoc with opposing pitchers while on the base path. When these guys get on base, it is only a matter of time before they score. The third, fourth and fifth hitters of the Banditos lineup include Miller, Pinson, and Klobosits. These 3 kids average 5’8” and 175lbs - “Where’s the Beef? “. All three are already in double digit homeruns and are on pace to help put the team over the 100 mark for the season. By the way, they all carry a .600+ batting average (it’s hard to get them out when the ball flies over the fence).

The Banditos Baseball Club is known for playing big in big games. Coach Deleon believes this year will be no different with his 12U Black. You can be sure this team will bring their “A” game this summer when it counts. As they say in Bandito land, “Go Hard or Go Home!”