Russell County’s Trace Stringer competed recently in the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches’ Association Sophomore East/West Showcase.
Stringer participated in a series of drills, including a 60-yard dash, on-field batting practice, and a defensive workout, as well as playing in two games.
“I was mainly just going as hard as I can, trying to show people what I can do,” Stringer said. “There were a lot of great players there, and I knew I had to show out as much as I could, show off how fast that I am. I was just trying to work as hard as I could, and I feel like that paid off.”
In the drills portion of the showcase, he ran his 60-yard dash in 7.04 seconds, which he said he felt like he “could have done better.”
At the plate, he showed off a max exit velocity of 84.1 miles per hour and average exit velocity of 76.1 mph. He had a max distance of 301 feet and average distance of 146.
Stringer played all three outfield positions and shortstop during the event.
Two seven-inning games were played between the West and East all-star teams. Stringer’s West team went 2-0. In the first game, he contributed a two-RBI triple and was walked twice.
“It felt great,” Stringer said of his triple. “I felt like it got the team going, got me going. I was proud of myself. I had a lefty on the mound, and he threw one inside. I took it to left-center field.
“It kind of got me hyped up.”
In the second game, he added an RBI single and was walked once again.
Stringer said he made three catches out in the outfield, two in center and one in left field, although he “didn’t get any action” while at shortstop.
“It was a great overall experience,” he said. “I had a fun time.”
