San Diego’s finest prep players take over Petco Park for a night

By
Luke Ramirez
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WEBGH Davis_17898.jpg

Hours after the San Diego Padres defeated the Atlanta Braves, 3-1, at Petco Park on June 6, 48 top prep players from the CIF-San Diego Section played in the inaugural Padres High School All-Star Game.

The county’s best got some big league dirt on their cleats on an evening that included a home run derby and a nine-inning baseball game.

The 15 and 805 freeways served as the dividing line between the two squads, both equal with talent from next-level prospects.

Hours after the San Diego Padres defeated the Atlanta Braves, 3-1, at Petco Park on June 6, 48 top prep players from the CIF-San Diego Section played in the inaugural Padres High School All-Star Game.

The county’s best got some big league dirt on their cleats on an evening that included a home run derby and a nine-inning baseball game.

The 15 and 805 freeways served as the dividing line between the two squads, both equal with talent from next-level prospects.

Brandon Peterson, Alonzo Richardson and Zach Owens donned the green uniforms of Helix High. Richardson was one of only three sophomores on either team but still had an impact on the game with an RBI single in the eighth inning.

“I was so happy to be named to the team,” Richardson said. “It makes me want to grind even more on the field and off.”

Peterson started the game in center field for the East and hit a sharp single up the middle in the first inning.

“It was such a blessing to be able to compete on this field and I’m glad I was able to end my senior year like this,” Peterson said.

Senior Garrett Nielsen was the lone selection from Christian High School, and began the day with some majestic long balls in the home run derby. He carried some of that power into the game with a double and a run scored.

Grossmont junior Jack Hyde was among the smattering of underclassmen in the game.

At the helm of the East team was Granite Hills coach James Davis, who was honored as the San Diego Section Coach of the Year before the Padres game after leading the Eagles to a 15-11 season. Eagles Jake Fenn, Trevor Hazelhurst and Sean McGrew suited up for their skipper one more time on baseball’s biggest stage in San Diego.

“It was pretty special to be around these great kids and to have three of them be your own,” Davis said. “I love them all and they are a really special group.”

Fenn drove in an important run in the ninth inning with a double and also scored as part of five-run rally in the East team’s late comeback to force a 7-7 tie. Hazelhurst had an infield single and a stolen base in the game while also crushing three home runs in the pregame home run derby.

“The atmosphere makes me excited about the future and the potential of getting drafted one day,” Hazelhurst said. “Tonight was incredible. I really wouldn’t want to end it any other way.”

Most of the players have now completed their high school careers and will be taking on new challenges at the next level.

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