CHRIS BERROA

A last-minute addition to the West Coast American Team, seventeen year old Chris Berroa spent the morning of the first game flying from New Jersey to Los Angeles, arriving at the ball field straight from the airport. Chris played in Cooperstown, New York, with the East Coast American Team, facing the Japanese Team on the field at the Baseball Hall of Fame.

"I like to win, and I like to have fun," Chris said. "This Series is all about having some good play with a good team." Having already faced the Japanese, he spoke about the subtle differences in their play being a factor in the current series, while remaining confident in the American Team's skills.

"We just have to stay focused," the Pennsauken, New Jersey catcher shared.

"I am a five tool player," Chris said. "I work hard so I can get what I want to get, and I play hard because it is worth it.

" When asked if he had a favorite aspect of the game, Chris responded with raised eyebrows. "The game. Period. I love it, all of it."

By Juliana LeRoy

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BRENT BRAY

Brent Bray had plenty of support in the stands for the Labor Day Goodwill Series. His parents, grandparents, girlfriend, and her parents were all in attendance at USC's Dedeaux Field, sitting in the packed grandstands in the heat to watch Brent play. The Yucaipa, California seventeen year old was really excited to be playing in the Series. "This is awesome. We get to play against the number one team in the world, to represent our country, and to get a chance to be on TV."

A right-handed pitcher, Brent was soaking in the general excitement of the weekend's festivities even at the first practice, held at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton, California. Brent and his teammates expressed awe and appreciation for the high quality facilities, and the beautiful new field. Later the young men would be equally appreciative of the stadium at USC, prompting several comments like, "Man! I wish we could play here all the time!"

"My favorite player in the Major Leagues would be Jim Thorne, the first baseman from the White Sox," Brent said, before running out on the field to take practice with his team.

By Juliana LeRoy

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WES DORRELL

The whole family turned out to watch Wes Dorrell play in the Goodwill Series over Labor Day weekend. Mom, Dad, both sets of grandparents, sisters, and cousins were on hand to cheer for this Clovis, California catcher.

Wes's family has helped make him a better ball player over the years by talking to him, and getting him to relax more about outcomes. "I think I play better relaxed, keeping in mind that it's just a game. I bring 110% to each game, but I also understand there are still other things out there in life."

The determination of the Japanese team impressed this eighteen year old. "They really come to compete. They are so disciplined, it's kind of crazy!" he laughed, shaking his head in wonder. "Playing against Japan is cool, to see how they approach the game," Wes said. "We're going to try to win, obviously, but we're going to have fun, too."

The American's roster has its share of talent and determination, too, which made Wes glad: "Baseball is such a team sport, and at any given time, anything can happen. Having a fire in my stomach - a desire to compete- is what I try to bring to every game."

By Juliana LeRoy

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MATT EVERS

Listing the things he's looking forward to about the upcoming Goodwill Series trip, Matt Evers mentioned "going to California" twice. "I've played all over the United States - the North, the East, Florida, Georgia, Arizona - but this will be my first time to California," he shared. Playing international competition is right up there in the list, too. This seventeen year old pitcher from Houston, Texas, is a big believer in "getting the mechanics straight." Like many early self-taught players, Matt had some habits that initially worked for him, but ultimately failed. When he injured his arm, developing tendonitis, Matt had to work hard to get back in the game. He focused on correcting his mechanics, which he now credits to making him a better player, overall. "You have to stay mentally tough, too," he said, speaking with the voice of experience. Matt's favorite big league player is Roger Clemens, who Matt feels has "the best work ethic, and his successes show just how good he is."

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DJ GENTILE

Before heading off to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, DJ Gentile is excited to play in the upcoming Goodwill Series with Japan. "It's going to be really cool to see how a different culture plays baseball," he shared. "I'm also looking forward to becoming a better baseball player, and meeting new people in this series that I hope to have as lifelong friends."

DJ considers his hitting to be his greatest strength, and he says the best part about baseball is that "it's a game of inches. You swing and hit or swing and miss, by one inch. It's precise angles and inches, and one inch can determine a game."

Growing up in Petaluma, California, this eighteen year old outfielder likes the self-improvement aspect of the game, saying, "You can always get better in baseball, if you're willing to work hard." Dreams are important, too. "No dream is a bad dream," DJ said. "If you dream it, it could happen."

A hometown hero is currently playing professional ball for the Devil Rays, and DJ says, "The fact that Jonny Gomes went to the same high school as me, walked the same halls as me, just proves it can be done."

By Juliana LeRoy

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JEFF GRIJALVA

Right-handed pitcher Jeff Grijalva has traveled with his Connie Mack team, but he was excited to play international ball so close to his home of San Clemente, California in the Goodwill Series Labor Day weekend series. "I'm looking forward to playing the Japanese; winning; and meeting new players."

Jeff said that his favorite aspect of the game is strategy. "I like having to think on the fly, and baseball is all about that."

When asked about his greatest strength as a player, eighteen year old Jeff chose his work ethic. "I work hard, every day, to improve my skills," he said. That tied in to his favorite advice, which was to "play every game like it's your last," and to "remember that baseball is a game of failure. If you fail, you have to keep trying."

Jeff's most admired Major League player is Vladimir Guerrero, the power hitter from the Angels, for his style of playing. "He plays with intensity, and I really like that," Jeff said.

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ARRON HICKS

Sixteen year old Aaron Hicks is quiet-spoken, sharing answers after a moment or two of thought. His favorite aspect of the game is playing offense, but he feels his greatest strength is his defense. "I can throw guys out from the field," he says, very matter-of-factly, living up to his favorite advice, which is to "stay confident within myself."

This outfielder from Long Beach Wilson High School is looking forward to "playing against another country, playing baseball, and making friends" in the upcoming Goodwill Series. Aaron already knows a couple of players, from working out in a local hitting facility.

When asked to name a favorite big league player, Aaron chose Carlos Beltran, the Mets' centerfielder.

Living in Long Beach, this player's family will be coming to watch the American Team and the Japanese Team take the field in the three Labor Day weekend games at USC. "The Japanese Team may have some different strategies than us," Aaron said, "but we're going to play hard." His tone, while quiet, was solidly confident.



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MATT HISERMAN

"I'm excited to experience international baseball, playing with the best guys in the United States, in front of that many people," Matt Hiserman enthused about the upcoming Goodwill Series. Some of the people attending will be Matt's family and friends, since his hometown of Mission Viejo, California is close to the games-- unlike the last Goodwill Series Matt played for, in Australia!

"I have to say, Australia was a great experience," Matt said. "I learned a lot, and had a blast. I'm really looking forward to playing for the Series again."

Matt is a right handed pitcher, and up until high school his dad coached him. Now eighteen years old, he feels his greatest strength is "the mental aspect of the game. I like preparing for games, reading batters, learning the guys who face me."

Matt says the advice he's tried to internalize is "Don't ever give up. Keep going, keep trying." He admires Greg Maddux of the Dodgers, who plays hard and has great control. "My personal favorite part of the game is when I'm pitching, feeling that sense of control."

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PATRICK MCCOY

"I'm looking forward to the competition, playing every day against the Japanese, and the all-around intensity of this series," Pat McCoy said.

The left-handed pitcher from Tucson, Arizona, said that "getting on the mound is the best part of the game. Nothing matters in the world, except the game. It's great. Baseball is the greatest game ever invented."

At eighteen, Pat feels his leadership is his greatest strength as a player. "It's how I perform on the field. Pitchers need to be able to be in command of themselves, and by extension, the game. I like to let that leadership speak for me."

Listing his favorite player as Roger Clemens, Pat said, "Clemens has been around so long, and is so well-respected by everyone in the Major Leagues. Plus he brings an intensity to the game that I like."

In the midst of the media hype and general hoopla surrounding the Japanese/American Series, Pat remained calm and unflappable. "I'd say I have three pieces of advice that I most remember. One, you have to love the game for what it's worth. Two, leave everything on the baseball field. And, three, if you stick with the game, and work hard, good things will happen."

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MIKE MOUSTAKAS

Mike Moustakas is no stranger to Japanese baseball. His uncle, Tom Robson, is a pro coach for a Japanese team called the Chiba Lotte Marines.

The seventeen year old from Chatsworth, California was excited to play against the Japanese team because he knew how dedicated and serious the Japanese would be in this series. "I can't wait for the competition, and I'm also looking forward to making some new friends on the American team."

Mike knew some a couple guys from baseball showcases, and his family was on hand to watch the series at USC, as well.

Playing catcher in the Labor Day series, Mike felt his greatest strength as a player was his hitting skills. "I like to hit the gaps," he said. "I like everything about the game, and I can't really think of one thing that is my favorite, except hitting."

Mike looks up to his family member in pro level ball, but he will take advice from anyone that knows what they're talking about. "Take as much advice as you can get," he said, squinting out from the face black before a game. "It's free."

Above all, Mike remembers to have fun, because "if you're not having fun, you probably shouldn't be playing."

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GARRETT NASH

Garrett Nash has traveled across the United States playing ball, but he was very much looking forward to getting his feet wet in international level play over Labor Day weekend. "It's going to be cool to play the Japanese Team. Their style is different, but they will be good competition," Garrett said. "Plus, it's going to be fun, playing with and meeting a bunch of new guys on the American Team."

This shortstop considers his speed to be his greatest strength on the field, and he loves playing a speedy offense, as well. "I like to cause problems for the defense, putting pressure on them, stealing bases," Garrett shared.

Jose Reyes from the Mets is the Major League player Garrett most admires, for his speed and energy, and for how he plays, in general.

"Every day is a new day on the field. You have to forget the past, and show up with high energy for the game at hand," this eighteen year old from Salt Lake City, Utah, said. "Understand that you are going to fail. Baseball is about failure, and how you respond to it. Showing up ready for the competition at hand, despite anything else that might be going on, is what brings you to the next level."

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JONATHAN SINGLETON

At fourteen, Jonathan Singleton was the youngest player in the Labor Day weekend Goodwill Series, but he more than held his own on the field. A first baseman, this Long Beach, California young man was excited to take part in the international level play, with high caliber teammates and opponents.

"It's going to be cool to play against a different culture," Jonathan said. "Plus, it's going to be cool to play a lot of baseball."

His family was on hand to watch the games at USC's Dedeaux Field, and Jonathan knew several of the American Team players from Southern California, as well. He expressed awe at the media circus surrounding the Japanese players, and the amount of fans that turned out to watch the three games, but added with a grin, "This is just great!"

"I think hitting is my favorite part of baseball," Jonathan said, adding that he thought his hitting skills were his greatest strength. "Learning to hit with power to opposite fields was the best advice I've gotten so far."

Jonathan added, "Work hard if you want to play ball. It's worth it. And it's lots of fun, too!"

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SAMMY SOLIS

Eighteen year old Sammy Solis was excited to play international level baseball, representing the United States, and get a first hand look at how the Japanese play ball. "There's nothing about this trip that I wasn't looking forward to, actually," the left handed pitcher from Avondale, Arizona laughed.

When not playing baseball, Sammy has also played basketball and football, and spent time traveling with his family. "My family owns an AIDS orphanage in South Africa, which is really amazing and cool to go to, and I've also been to Costa Rica and the Virgin Islands."

The part of baseball Sammy enjoys most is the role pitchers play in a game. "As a pitcher, you control the tempo of the game. The speed and focus you bring to the mound is what is reflected in the rest of the game, in the rest of your team. That's got to be my favorite part. And I think my steady attitude is probably my greatest strength as a player."

Sammy also brings gratefulness to the field. "Baseball is life, but it's also just a game. A million other kids would want to be in my position, and if you aren't playing for love of the game, it's just not worth the effort. That's key: Play for love, and you can't go wrong."

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JADAM TAMASHIRO

L"This series is great because we get to play at USC, and I get to play against Japan, again," said Adam Tamashiro. "Plus, I get a break from college, and my dad gets to come to the games."

The eighteen year old freshman at San Luis Obispo traveled to Japan in June with the Goodwill Series, and earlier went to Australia to compete in the Goodwill Series, there. Quiet-spoken, Adam prefers playing baseball to talking about it, but he did say he most loves playing defense.

"My two favorite players would probably be Derek Jeter, the shortstop from the New York Yankees, and Brian Roberts, the second baseman from the Orioles," Adam said. He offered a shrug and a grin when asked to define why he chose those players, but then said, "They bring it all to the games. Every time."

Like his two examples, Adam does bring his all to the games, every time, in his position at second base, letting his playing speak for him.

"I guess my favorite advice would be to always play hard, because you never know who is watching," Adam said.

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JAKE THOMPSON

Pitcher Jake Thompson, from Mayfair High School, is excited to be playing against a team from Japan again. He played against one several years ago and remembers the caliber of play was great. He's also excited to be playing with a team of All-Stars, and especially at USC, "one of my all-time favorite fields."

Jake, seventeen, says his favorite professional player is actually retired: Nolan Ryan. "He just went out there, and did his thing," Jake says. "He dominated. No one could touch him." Like Nolan Ryan, Jake has the ability to reach within himself to "kick it, knowing when to turn it on and end it on the field."

That intense focus is Jake's favorite aspect of the game. "I love the intensity. When you get all pumped up, adrenaline rising, and you get a close game. it's just heart-wrenching."

"I've played baseball all my life, since I was four years old," Jake said. "My favorite advice is to never try too hard, to just be myself, and get it done."

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LOUIS TOVAR

"Never be afraid to fail. You have to take chances to succeed," eighteen year old Luis Tovar said, sharing his favorite advice. The advice has served him well, both in baseball, and in life.

The shortstop from Yuma, Arizona, is elated to be starting at UC Irvine in the fall, and he's hoping to take some great memories of the Labor Day Goodwill Series with him. "I've been excited about playing the Japanese team for a long time, now," he said. "They are one of the best in the world, and it's going to be a great experience to play with them."

A fellow shortstop, Derek Jeter, is Luis's favorite Major League player, and Luis lists several reasons why: "The way he handles himself on the field, the way he hustles, the way he always strives to be the best."

Having a good attitude, and a tenacity of spirit, is key to what makes Luis a good player. "I never give up. I love playing the game, and I'm either playing or thinking about what I can do better the next time I play," Luis shared. His favorite part of a game is playing the infield, and specifically, turning double plays. "That's the best - I love when I can do that!"

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MATT WATSON

Matt Watson is no stranger to the Goodwill Series, having traveled to China and Australia to compete already, but he was impressed with the level of competition the Japan Team brought to the field.

"I love playing international ball," this sixteen year old catcher said. "It is a completely different game, even though you are playing the same sport. Every little tiny thing is different, and yet we are all playing baseball!"

Playing ball in Rancho Cucamonga, California, or at his high school, Los Osos, Matt keeps in mind the advice to "have fun. Do the best you can, work hard on your skills, but maintain the attitude of fun." His skills have brought him this far, and he hopes to continue on into the Major Leagues, still having fun.

"I like to play strong. My mental aspect of the game is my best aspect, my greatest strength," Matt said. He listed fellow catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the Tigers as his favorite pro player, offering a grin and this simple and to-the-point reason: "He's just the best."

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RAY WHITE

Nineteen year old Ray White has played baseball as far back as he can remember, and he couldn't name one part he likes above the others: he loves all the aspects of the game. "Baseball is not like any other sport," Ray said. He tried playing other sports -- football and basketball -- but the diamond kept calling him back.

Like most of the young men looking forward to playing in the American-Japan series, Ray said playing, having fun, and meeting people were the top three. "It's interesting getting to know the guys in a tournament like this. It's a whole different thing than playing with the same guys on a team for a long time."

This second baseman from Los Angeles will have family on hand to watch the series over Labor Day weekend, which adds to his desire to perform well.

Ray's abilities on the field - especially his throwing arm - exemplify his commitment to "play focused, to stay serious, and to have no second regrets. If you give it your all, you don't have to second-guess yourself; you can know that no matter what, at least you tried your all."

By Juliana LeRoy

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