Kansas Sophomore Thompson Invited to Try Out for U.S. National Team
June 3, 2009
CARY, N.C. –
Kansas sophomore third baseman Tony Thompson has been invited to try out for the United States National Team during the team’s training camp beginning June 14. Thompson will be one of 34 players invited to try out for Team USA, which will begin its competitive schedule on June 25 against Team Canada.
Should he make the final roster of 22, Thompson would become the first Jayhawk to play for the U.S. National Team.
“I am thrilled for Tony,” said Kansas head coach Ritch Price, who served as an assistant with Team USA last summer.
“I am confident that he will continue to play this great game at the highest level and earn a roster spot on our 2009 team. When I recommended Tony to Team USA, I was proud to point out that not only is he an outstanding player, he is an even better person. He will represent our country, himself, his family, the University of Kansas and our program in a first-class manner.”
Thompson, a sophomore from Reno, Nev., will likely become the first Triple Crown winner in Big 12 history. He currently leads the conference in batting average (.389), home runs (21) and RBIs (82). He was named a third-team All-American by Louisville Slugger, and was a First Team All-Big 12 selection. After his performance at the NCAA Chapel Hill Regional this past weekend, he was also named to the region’s all-tournament team.
He played in 61 games for the Jayhawks (39-24) this season, and led the team in 10 different statistical categories. Thompson set the school’s single-season records for home runs (21) and total bases (186). He completed the season on a 20-game hitting streak, which marked the second time in his career that he has hit safely in 20 consecutive games.
“To win the Triple Crown in the Big 12 is an amazing accomplishment. I am thrilled (USA Baseball National Team Director) Eric Campbell extended Tony an invitation and an opportunity to compete against the best players in America,” Price said.
“Having been an assistant coach on the 2008 gold medal and undefeated club, I know first-hand the experiences that lie in front of Tony. It will be the greatest experience of his baseball life.”
For more information on the U.S. National Team, please visit: www.usabaseball.com.
