2014 PERFECT GAME ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC
PGAAC Returns to San Diego for 12th Annual Event
Two local standouts will participate in the game this year include, Kyle Dean an outfielder from Rancho Bernardo High and Drew Finley a pitcher also from Rancho Bernardo High. 2014 marks the fifth consecutive year that more than one San Diegan has been named to the team. Last year’s honorees were Brady Aiken from Cathedral Catholic who was #1 pick in the recent MLB draft to the Houston Astros and Alex Jackson from Rancho Bernardo High who went #6 to the Seattle Mariners in the first round.
The Perfect Game All-American Classic is the premier high school baseball game in the country, and has been held in San Diego in six of the past seven years. Tickets will be available at ticketmaster.com or any Padres ticket window for $5, beginning June 30 at 10 am. For more information, visit PGAllAmerican.com.
PETCO HOSTS BASEBALL’S BEST
50 of the nation’s top high school seniors-to-be to play in game here Aug. 10
John Maffel (Union Tribune)
Baseball has taken Kyle Dean and Drew Finley all over the country. From showcases and tryouts in Florida, North Carolina, Arizona, Chicago, Georgia, the pair will be together August 10 in Petco Park as part of the West squad for the 12th annual Perfect Game All-American Classic. The game brings together 50 of the best senior high school baseball players in the country, with 11 of last year’s participants going in the first round of the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft and eight inthe second. Dean and Finley will be together next season, too, with Dean — a first-team All-San Diego Section pick — transferring from Powayto Rancho Bernardo. Finley transferred from Cathedral Catholicto Rancho Bernardobefore last season.
“It’s sad for me to be leaving Poway, but it’s a family matter,” Dean said of his transfer. “I may have to sit out the first 30 days of the season, but I’ve known Drew since we were kids. He’ll guide me through this.”
Dean hit .355 with five homers and 25 RBIs last season at Poway. He also had nine doubles and 13 stolen bases. He left for Florida for the Perfect Game Nationals the day after school finished and has been on
the run ever since.
“But getting to play in this game in San Diego will be special,” said Dean, who is rated theNo. 1 outfielder in California by Perfect Game. “I’ve watched the game on TV so to play in it will be special.
“You work so hard to accomplish something, so this is very exciting.”
Finley, who has been clocked at 91-92 mph, is the No. 4-rated right-handed pitcher in California by Perfect Game. He was 5-0 with a 1.62 ERA for RB last season. In seven appearances over 34 2/3 innings, Finley allowed just 23 hits while striking out 48. Opposing batters hit just .180 against him.
“This has been a long, exhausting summer,” said Finley, who played in the Carmel Mountain Little League with Dean. “Getting picked to play in this game is humbling and exciting at the same time.”
Finley’s father, David, is the director of player personnel for the Red Sox.
“But my dad has never pushed me,” Finley said. “Being around him, I’ve learned to love the game. I have a passion for the game.
Rancho Bernardo pitcher Drew Finley had a 1.62 ERA.
Kyle Dean hit .355 last season at Poway