THOMASVILLE — Thomasville Bombers Ruben Rodriguez and Drew Johnson are about to enjoy America’s pastime in another country.
They are set to leave today to compete in the World Port Tournament in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, with a lineup of other Great South League stars that will represent the U.S. The 12th edition of the bi-annual amateur event will also include teams from Cuba, Chinese Tapei, Venezuela, Japan and the host country.
The U.S. will open the two-week tourney against Japan.
“The Great South League committee chose them,” Bombers coach Bobby Rodriguez said. “The league, which is for college players, now has 22 teams in six states — Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Ruben and Drew’s name came up because they’ve had a good year, and they’ve been with the program for three years.”
The Great South League is a developmental league for college players. Ruben Rodriguez, a Maryland native, and Johnson, from Cairo, are pitcher/outfielders for Thomas University. They will be seniors this fall.
“It’s honor for them to represent the area and their school,” coach Rodriguez said. “They are really excited about going. All they have to do is prove what they can do.
“The bottom line is to have fun.”
The selection of the Bombers for the World Port Invitational comes on the heels of shortstop Ryan Stovall becoming Thomas University’s first player chosen in the Major League draft. Stovall was picked by the Kansas City Royals in the 19th round.
“It shows the quality of kids we are getting at Thomas University,” said coach Rodriguez, a Thomas University assistant. “We hope this will help draw more of them to the area.”
Tyler Davis of the Bombers is an alternate for the Rotterdam tourney.
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Bombers duo to represent America
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