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Showcase provides glimpse of Future Posted: Sunday July 13, 2003 10:26 AMUpdated: Sunday July 13, 2003 5:22 PM
CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Futures Game, which has seen current All-Stars Barry Zito, Alfonso Soriano and Hank Blalock get their first taste of the national spotlight, headlines the action at U.S. Cellular Field on All-Star Sunday. In its fifth year, the Futures Game has served as a coming out party for many current major league stars. In addition to the aformentioned trio, three other 2003 All-Stars -- Rafael Furcal, Vernon Wells and C.C. Sabathia -- have taken part in the contest, which showcases the most talented minor leaguers under 25 years old. In all, more than 75 players who have participated in the game, which pits the United States vs. the World, have reached the major leagues. This year's participants also feature a couple of "can't-miss" prospects. Among the more notable names are 21-year-old Oakland Athletics right-hander Rich Harden and 20-year-old Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer. Harden, who has been dominant at times at Class AAA Sacramento, was born in Canada and heads the World Team roster. The A's 17th-round pick in the 2000 draft, he easily could turn Oakland's "Big Three" into a quartet within a month or so. Mauer, a Minnesota native and the first pick in the 2001 draft, has been on the fast track to the major leagues. He is a superb athlete, a threat with his bat and a factor with his defense. Another player to keep an eye on Sunday is Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Felix Pie, who at 18 is the youngest participant in the game. Pie is more than holding his own as the youngest position player in the Class A Midwest League and should be a favorite playing in Chicago. Longtime Chicago White Sox catcher and Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk will guide the U.S. squad, while Tony Oliva, one of the greatest hitters in Twins' history, will serve as skipper of the World squad. The teams have split the first four meetings, with the World squad taking last year's game at Milwaukee's Miller Park, 5-1. The Futures Game is slated for 5:30 p.m. EDT. Also taking place Sunday is the Legends and Celebrity Softball Game. This year's contest will feature five Hall of Famers, including perhaps the most popular Chicago baseball player ever, Ernie Banks. Joining "Mr. Cub" will be 2003 Hall of Fame inductee Gary Carter, Rollie Fingers, Ozzie Smith and Dave Winfield. Former All-Stars Wade Boggs, Fred Lynn, Harold Reynolds, Rich "Goose" Gossage and Bret Saberhagen also are slated to compete. The former major leaguers will team with stars from television, movies and music in the lighthearted contest. Among the celebrities slated to play are Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Corolla, Ice Cube, Ian Ziering, Shannon Elizabeth, Brian McKnight, Big Boi and Ms. Jade. Former NFL stars Jim McMahon and Howie Long also are entered. On Monday, the more traditional activities take place as players begin arriving. After a media session in which the starting pitchers for Tuesday's All-Star Game are introduced, the players will work out at U.S. Cellular Field and eight will take part in Home Run Derby. The 74th All-Star Game is slated for Tuesday night at 8 p.m.
© 2003 SportsTicker Enterprises, LP
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