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Local North County Players Have Key Roles In Coaches Choice High School All-Star Game
MIKE EAGAN of Hazelwood Central (center) had a key role in the Coaches All-Star game and was the winning pitcher. Jeremy Thomas photo
Story and photo by Jeremy Thomas
Local high school talents were showcased at the first annual Coaches Choice High School All-Star baseball game on June 27 at Busch Stadium.
McCluer North shortstop Greg Elliott and Hazelwood East second baseman LaDon Smith represented the green team. On the other side Hazelwood Central infielder/pitcher Mike Eagan and Hazelwood West centerfielder Trevor Jones represented the blue team. Each athlete helped their team out on defense and contributed a few hits on offense as well.
“This was such a great opportunity to showcase my skills, and I got a chance to meet some outstanding high school players” said Mike Eagan. “How often do you get to actually play in Busch stadium? I was trying to soak it all up” said Eagan who was the winning pitcher for the blue team
Eagan will be taking his talents down to Florida where he will be attending the University of Tampa. He said he wants to major in Athletic training with a minor in business. He will also be continuing his baseball career and play college baseball. When asked what motivates him to be successful in baseball and in life, he replied “Hearing people say I can’t do something really motivates me to try even harder”. He also mentioned that he never wants to disappoint his friends or family, and has a “no failure” mindset.
Mike’s blue team teammate and conference foe Trevor Jones shared the same viewpoint about how great of an opportunity it was to play in the game.
“I was so blessed to be playing at Busch stadium, it was a once in a life time experience, I just tried to make the most of it” said Jones. Trevor will be heading to Warrensburg, MO this fall to attend the University of Central Missouri. He will be majoring in Physical Therapy, along with playing ball for the UCM mules.
“The school (UCM) had 17 seniors leave this year, four of them were outfielders. I hope I can go in and impress the coaches and get some early playing time” said Jones.
He mentioned that he is usually a laid back person, but when he gets on the field he is in an entirely different world. It’s a feeling that he has had since he was just 4 years old, he has been playing some type of baseball for 14 years now. “I love the feeling of getting a hit, especially in a pressure situation” said Jones.
On the other (green) team there was Greg Elliott who has decided to stay in St. Louis and attend Harris-Stowe State University. He is currently undecided on his major. LaDon Smith will be staying in St. Louis and will attend St. Louis Community College-Meramec. Smith will be majoring in architecture, while continuing to play baseball at the college level.
“I never thought that I had a chance to play in Bush Stadium, it was unexpected, said Smith. ” I was really excited and very energetic to play. I am just going to stay positive, and focus on my game, trust in myself as well, ” said Smith.
The all-star game was sponsored by Delta Dental with proceeds goung to Cardinals Care, Give Kids A Smile and the Delta Dental Health Theater.
