| The Sandlot All-Stars of the Tempe and Phoenix Metro areas is coached and Managed by Rob Gorrell (a former ASU Sun Devil player and former Milwaukee Brewer). Other coaches include; Adam Moore, Jackie Tucker (former St. Louis Cardinals player), Alonso Palacios, and Pat Murphy (founder). The Sandlot organization was initiated by Pat Murphy when he was the head coach at Arizona State University. Their programs utilize camps and clinics to help promote youth baseball in Arizona according to the "Sandlot way”. Their player development plan utilizes the proven formula based on a curriculum designed by Coach Pat Murphy that takes into account what has worked for him over his 27 year college coaching and professional coaching career at Arizona State (and now with the San Diego Padres). Thus, it is not surprising that Sandlot All-Stars field very solid teams each season. The proof of this program is in the results. Last year as a 9U Major level team, these Sandlot All-Stars compiled an overall record of 101-12 while playing against quality level 9U and 10U teams in local area Sandlot leagues, Triple Crown, and USSSA. In USSSA, they compiled a 27-4 record while playing in 7 USSSA tournaments where they won 5 of their appearances and finished Runner-up in the other two. It is impressive to note that 16 of these wins came against 10U teams. This year, as a 10U Major class team, the Sandlot All-Stars have returned even stronger. Already, they have compiled an overall record of 34-3 and won 6 straight tournaments including 4 USSSA and 2 Sandlot events. As of mid-January, they held a 20-2 record in USSSA play. Their key tournaments wins thus far includes; the Arizona Winter Nationals Super NIT and the Arizona MLK NIT. With their Super NIT win, they have already gained a coveted berth to the Elite 32 World Series in Disney Florida. The 10U Elite 32 World Series competition not only matches many of the very best 10U teams in the nation, but it also carries the extra incentive that its winner also qualifies for the NYBC National Championships held in Cordova, Tennessee. Admittance to this event is limited only to teams that have won a World Series titles from one or more of the top eight baseball leagues in the nation. Such an opportunity only comes along for 10U and 12U champions. The 2011 edition of the Sandlot All-Stars are returning 9 players from last year’s 9U team while adding only 1 new player, Jacob Alexander, who played with the 9 and 10U Arizona Grinders last season. The 2011 edition of the 10U Sandlot All-Stars roster follows below. Of their line-up, Kai Murphy, Kaeden Moore, and Grant Gorrell are original Sandlot players who started back when they were 5 years old running around Packard Stadium, and Winkles Stadium at Brock Ballpark (the home field of the Sun Devils). #1 Andrew Cardellini (CF, 2B)
Andrew is one of their most reliable defenders. He has played every position besides Catcher. Andrew is an excellent base runner and a student of the game. He recently connected on the walk off game winning hit in the Semifinals of the USSSA MLK tournament to send the All-Stars into the Championship which we eventually won.
#5 Jack Malone (LF, 3B)
Jack is a steady player that usually patrols the outfield and also plays utility infielder at times. He is a spark plug type player that plays with passion and energy. Jack came up with the greatest and most meaningful game saving catch in Sandlot history last year in Flagstaff, Arizona. That catch preserved another key win against their arch rival - the Arizona Blaze.
#11 Jacob Alexander (P, SS, 2B)
Jacob is the newest member of Sandlot All-Stars. He is one of their top pitchers who is heavily relied upon in tournament play. He is also a steady hitter and a very good fielder. Jacob possesses a lot of baseball knowledge and skills and has huge upside potential in the future. He has been a huge addition and key contributor to the All-Stars success this year.
#13 Kai Murph (P, 1B)
Kai is the ace of their staff. He currently has a 12-0 win record on the mound, as of mid January. Kai brings a tremendous baseball background with him after tagging along with his dad (Pat Murphy) at ASU and with the San Diego Padres. Nobody keeps a more even keel approach than Kai on the Sandlot team.
#14 Kaeden Moore (C, 2B)
Kaeden is a great athlete that is learning the game of baseball on the fly. He is a tough, gritty competitor who always seems to come up with the big play or the key hit when needed. This year, he is also taking his turn behing the plate as their catcher. After never catching before, Kaeden has done a tremendous job at this difficult position.
#15 Grant Gorrell (C, 2B)
Grant is their smallest player, yet he is probably one of their toughest. There is not a pitcher that intimidates him; or a base runner crashing down on him at the plate that he will avoid. He’s a strong athlete with great fundamentals at the plate and in the field. Grant has also been one of their most solid and consistent hitters - especially in the big moments like the Winter Nationals.
#17 Ty Sifferman (3b, 1B, CF)
Ty is just a pure athlete. He can run, hit for average and for power. He can throw and field with the best. Ty is a versatile athlete who used wherever the Sandlot needs him to help them win. He’s been a very solid contributor to Sandlot for over 2 years. Ty is one of their best base runners (if not the best). He is a nightmare for other teams when onboard. Ty is also a tremendous Football player when not suited up with the Sandlot.
#21 Alex Palacios (P, 3B, SS)
Alex is probably their most consistent player. He’s one of their aces. Plus, he is one of their top hitters and fielders. Alex was just recently voted MVP of the Winter Nationals. Alex is their leadoff hitter and a real catalyst of their success with Sandlot. He is one of the original Sandlot team members who has been with the All-Stars for all 3 years of their existence.
#23 JD McLaughlin (RF, 3B, P)
JD is their big stick with Sandlot. He is known for pitching and defense but he also gives his team that much needed extra pop in their lineup. JD hits in the 3 or 4 hole and has been a very consistent offensive threat. He has also done a nice job in the outfield as well as at 3rd base and pitcher when called upon. JD has tremendous upside. He will be relied upon to play an even important role for the Sandlot as the year goes on.
#29 Carson Tucker (SS, P)
Carson is the youngest kid on the team (9u age). Yet, he is one of their best players. He bats at the top of their lineup, and is the most dominant SS in Arizona for the 10U age group. He also runs the bases well above his years. Carson leads the Sandlot offensively in almost every category. This is a kid you would want to remember the name because you can anticipate him playing baseball for a very long time. With this power line-up, the Sandlot All-Star clearly has the potential for being a “top 10” team (or better). If they continue at their current winning pace, then look for them to be ranked among the very best in the nation as the season moves down the stretch of the 2011 season. Also, look for this team to be a strong contender in Disney at the Elite 32 and beyond. Either way, they are most assuredly, are a team to watch in 2011. |
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