The Troy University baseball program will host the first of two high school baseball instructional showcases at Riddle-Pace Field Saturday morning. Registration is underway with only a few open spots remaining for the showcase.

The showcase is available for all incoming sophomores through seniors. The showcase gives players and the Troy coaches alike the opportunity to work face to face with players aspiring to play baseball at the collegiate level.

“It is provides several things for both us and the players,” Trojan pitching coach Brad Phillips said. “It gets us around some of the top high school players in the region from various states. It gives the players the opportunity to come visit our campus.”

Above all else it is a day of evaluation for the coaching staff of the players as well as the participants’ evaluation of the Troy campus and athletic program.

“It is a little different than a normal camp,” Phillips said. “A normal camp is all about instruction. With this type of set up you have a little bit of both evaluation and instruction. We are able to help out, and offer some information for the camper to help their game.”

Showcases are becoming more popular for high school players compared to regular camps, as it gives them the opportunity to show off their skills to a college program instead of learning the ins and outs of playing baseball. Each player that has aspirations of playing baseball at the night level has the ability to showcase their talent.

“These events normally fill up really quick,” Phillips said. “They are really popular for high school age players. More people today are more interested in this type of event rather than the old format of camp. I don’t know why that is, it has just slid in that direction for all programs. It’s a good long day, and it will be very productive.”

The university will use Saturday as an opportunity to get a first hand look at the top high school players in the region.

“We have had a high percentage of players that went through this event that wound up being a part of this program,” Phillips said. “It is something that we take into consideration.”

In the Troy coach’s minds, any player who chooses to participate in the showcase means they are interested in the university.

“That goes a long way, whether its camp or showcases, or anything like that they are coming to us and we want to take advantage,” Phillips said. “It’s a good thing because they are coming to us. Anytime we can get guys on campus, it’s a plus.”

Activities in the showcase will include a pro-style work out that will feature various drills, batting practice, fielding and an opportunity to run the 60-yard dash.

“We are going to take them through the entire gambit,” Phillips said. “They are going to run, throw and hit. We will do it all.”

The afternoon session of the showcase will feature live games between the participants.

Players wishing to register can contact coach Phillips at 334-670-5705.