Top 96
(Doug Henson)

How long have you been running your showcase?

This will be the 8th Annual TOP 96

Costs to attend?

The cost for players is $125. This covers the cost of the tournament which is run on a break even basis. Players receive a game jersey with their name on it for easy identification and a game hat.

Costs to college coaches and Major League Scouts to attend?

Coaches and scouts attend for free and receive also at no cost the best most comprehensive player profile book of any showcase in the country.

How long does the event last and what is the format?

The TOP 96 is a two day event. Day 1 is an extensive evaluation day that uses a format designed for us by pro scouts and college coaches. Day 2 is game day. Games are played under modified rules to ensure each pitcher faces the same number of batters and that each hitter gets at least 3 at bats.

Number of pro scouts and college coaches that usually attend?

The TOP 96 has attracted approximately 125 college coaches and pro scouts in each of the last two years.

How does a player get invited?

Players are nominated to the TOP 96 in a number of ways. Most are nominated by their HS coach but we also receive nominations from pro scouts, college coaches, legion coaches, former players, media and sometimes a player nominates himself. Our selection committee chooses 96 rising seniors and 32 rising juniors from over 600 nominations.

The 5 best players that have attended your showcase

The five best players to attend the TOP 96 are:

-Rick Asadoorian (Red Sox 1st round 1999)

-Sam Fuld (Stanford University)

-Mike Paradis (Clemson University and Oriole 1st round 1999)

-Rocco Baldelli (Devil Rays 1st round 2000)

-Manny DelCarmen (Red Sox 2nd round 2000)

-Mike Smith (University of Richmond and Blue Jays 5th round 2000)

-Greg Montalbano (Northeastern University and Red Sox 5th round1999) ----- great story here. Had to overcome cancer and several remissions during college career.

Is housing provided?

Housing is not provided.

How many players that attended your showcase been taken in the amateur baseball draft?

We have only been tracking this for the last two years. In 1999 we had 14 players drafted and in 2000 we had 11. Unofficially we know of at least 10 others from our first 5 years that have been drafted. Even though its nice to have players drafted our goal is to help players find a college where they can play.

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