September 25, 2008

Seniors Josh Scheffert (Lincoln Southeast) and Kurt Farmer (Columbus), both of whom recently gave their verbal commitments to play baseball for the University of Nebraska, jumpstarted their collegiate careers this summer with some top-caliber baseball experiences.  After his Legion season with JC Brager concluded, Scheffert traveled to Long Beach, California to play for the Chicago White Sox team in the prestigious Area Code Games.  Meanwhile, Farmer opted out of playing Legion ball in Columbus to spend his summer playing against Division I players in the Arizona Pro Scout League.   Those experiences will not only prepare the two standouts for the next level but also solidify their credentials as two of the top players in the Nebraska high school Class of 2009.

Scheffert's invitation to try out for the Area Code Games came about after he caught the eye of pro scouts coming to Lincoln last spring to see his former teammate, Jake Kuebler, who was drafted earlier in the summer by the Kansas City Royals.  Scheffert's ability as a pitcher, infielder and hitter made an  impression on scouts, including those representing the Chicago White Sox.  As a result, Scheffert was one of approximately 400 high school seniors and underclassmen from across the Midwest invited to try out earlier this summer at three midwestern locations for a spot on the thirty-five player roster for the White Sox team that would compete in the Area Code Games in Long Beach.  Scheffert's strong showing at the Pendleton, IN tryout led to his selection for the team, one of eight teams competing in the 22nd Area Code Games held August 5-10.  The other teams in the elite showcase event were the Texas Rangers (Texas players), the Milwaukee Brewers (two teams, Blue and Gray, consisting of players from California), the Cincinnati Reds (Southwest and Hawaii), the Washington Nationals (Northwest), the New York Yankees (Northeast) and the Oakland A's (Southeast).

Scheffert saw plenty of action in the six-day round-robin event at first base and third base and stroked a stand-up RBI double for the Sox in his first at bat in the event.  However, hits were hard to come by in the showcase, according to Scheffert, since teams used new pitchers every two innings.  "It was definitely a pitcher-dominated event," said Josh.  "Most pitchers were in the 90-93 mph range and had a nasty slider.  It was a whole different level of pitching.  I did 'OK.'  Not great, but 'OK'." 

The twenty games played in the Area Code Games were attended by more than 320 major league scouts representing all thirty MLB teams and countless college coaches.  The event has solid credentials as one of the top high school baseball showcases in the country.  From players participating in last year's games, seven were taken in the first round of this year's draft, including the #1 overall pick, Tim Beckham.  Those seven signed for a combined $10 million.

"Overall, it was a great experience," commented Scheffert.  "If anyone has a chance to do it, I highly recommend it.  It's a great way to meet people.  It's just an eye-opening experience."

Farmer's summer journey to the desert Southwest came about as a result of his sister being married to the strength and conditioning coach of the Scottsdale Community College football program.  By spending the summer with his sister and his brother-in-law, Kurt pursued the twin goals of working out with the football team to improve his strength and conditioning and playing baseball against quality competition in the talent-rich Phoenix area.  Both goals were accomplished as the senior shortstop, pitcher and outfielder added twenty pounds to his 6'2" frame and earned a spot playing for renowned pro scout and coach John Gracio on his Angel's Pro Scout team in the Connie Mack League. 

After spending a couple of weeks playing against college players in a league sponsored by Scottsdale Community College, Farmer tried out and earned a spot on Gracio's team.  "That was a pretty 'salty' league," observed Farmer.  "The other players on the team were all recent graduates who were headed to Division I teams except for one kid my age who had already committed to a D-I school.  The pitching was really outstanding -- like 90-93 mph.  It was like playing Division I.  The talent level was the best of the best." 

Farmer played mostly third base, second base and left field, plus some limited pitching.  "At the beginning, it was pretty challenging.  I was definitely out of my comfort zone, living away from home, being in unfamiliar surroundings and a totally new situation.  But once I got used to it, I just decided to step it up, and it was a great experience." 

Farmer committed to the Huskers in mid-July after Assistant Coach Eric Newman came out to Arizona to watch him play.  "I think playing out in Arizona this summer was definitely a factor in Nebraska offering me," observed Farmer.  "I think it showed them my level of commitment, my work ethic, that this is really something that I want.  And the whole experience just really boosted my confidence -- living away from home, having to do things on my own, succeeding in a totally new situation.  It definitely helped me mature and get ready to go off to college next year."

Oh, by the way, Kurt, speaking of commitment, did it get a bit warm on those Arizona ballfields in the middle of the summer?  "Yeah, like one day it was 124 degrees.  That's pretty hot." 

Congratulations to Josh and Kurt for seeking out and competing against top-level competition.  With the benefit of these extraordinary experiences, these two should be well prepared for a great 2009 season and beyond.