Field Complete For 2012 Hard 9 National Classic

23rd Annual Premier High School Tournament to Take Place April 7-12. 16 Teams from Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, Utah and Virginia. Field Includes 32 Players Who Have Committed to NCAA Division 1 Programs. Over 21 Years, National Classic Has Produced 6 National Champions, More Than 30 State Champions, 42 Major League Baseball Players. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) March 27, 2012 - The 16-team field for "The 2012 Hard 9 National Classic", was announced today by tournament officials. Teams from California, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Virginia and Utah will compete in the marquee tournament that takes place from April 7-12 on the campuses of California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), Esperanza High School and El Dorado High School. The semi-final and championship games will be played at Goodwin Field at CSUF.

"The 2012 Hard 9 National Classic will showcase some of the best baseball talent in the country," said Marcus Jones, tournament director. "Since 1990, the National Classic has been recognized across the United States as the #1 high school baseball tournament in the nation, and that continues with this year's field."

"This year we will showcase numerous USA National team members, Area Code game participants and past State, Regional and CIF Champions," added Jones.

More than 35 players in this year's National Classic have already committed to NCAA Division 1 programs, including UCLA, USC, Stanford, Oregon, Florida, Missouri, Virginia, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Brigham Young, Harvard, Nevada-Las Vegas, Claremont College, Fresno State, UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State, Loyola Marymount, Gonzaga, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, San Diego State and the University of San Diego.

More than 250 schools from 24 states have participated in the National Classic over the years. National Classic Alumni include Major League Baseball players Alex Rodriguez, Shawn Green, Brett Tomko, Shannon Stewart, AJ Hinch, Hank Blalock and Pat Burrell, just to name a few. In its' history, more than 300 players that participated in the National Classic have been drafted and 42 players have played in the Big Leagues. This year's field includes Chad Gubicza, son of former major leaguer Mark Gubicza and Dylan Suppan, nephew of World Series Champion Jeff Suppan.

"This is a great event for our city, and for top-quality baseball in our region," said Mike Curran, head baseball coach at tournament co-host Esperanza High School. "Every game will be a test and will allow teams to measure up against some of the best high school baseball talent in the country."

Dave Moore, head baseball coach at tournament co-host El Dorado High School agrees. "All of the teams participating this year have high expectations for this season, and to achieve those goals you have to face the caliber of talent assembled at this year's tournament. Local baseball fans will not be disappointed with this year's field."

The 2012 Hard 9 National Classic begins with the annual Home Run Derby, which will take place on Saturday, April 7 at 3:00 p.m. at El Dorado High School. Games begin on Monday, April 9th and will continue through the Championship Game on Thursday evening, April 12th. For the latest ticket and schedule information, visit www.national-classic.com.

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