Looking for the next Mike Trout. Major League Baseball’s premier scouting event is coming to Hoover

Beginning August 1st through the 4th in 2018, the Hoover Met Complex will become the Mecca for amateur baseball in the United States.

Yesterday, East Coast Pro announced that they will be holding  at the Hoover Met their annual  showcase for scouts to evaluate the most talented high school underclassmen baseball players on the East Coast.

The “NFL Combine-like” event is run by professional baseball scouts. The basis of the event is to assemble elite players on one field that presents a true professional environment.

Some of the players that have gone through East Coast Pro baseball showcase events are baseball’s biggest stars, including, Mike Trout, Matt Harvey, Brian McCann, Josh Hamilton, Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner.  Last year, 16 players on the MLB All Star teams got their start participating in the East Coast Pro showcase.

“For four days, in August this will be the Mecca for amateur baseball. All eyes will be on Hoover Alabama. You are not going to see players like this, in one venue site anywhere else in the country,” said John Castleberry, East Coast Cross Checker for the San Francisco Giants.

Hoover’s Role

The Hoover Met Complex will serve as the field and venue for the talented baseball players to showcase their skills in front of Major League Baseball scouts.

The top 150 east coast high school baseball players selected by MLB scouts will have the opportunity to play in front of all MLB team scouts, coaches, agents, family and friends.

Castleberry noted that nearly 500 Major League Baseball scouts will be participating in the East Coast Pro event which has been held for 23 years in various locations including Wilmington, North Carolina and Major League Spring Training facilities in Florida.

Locally, Oakland A’s minor league player and Spain Park alumni Mikey White played in the East Coast Pro in 2012.

“Ten guys (who participated in East Coast Pro) right off the top of my head are in the big leagues now. Its a great experience. It is fun. And you are playing against great competition. It’s going to be awesome being in Hoover,” stated White.

According to Hoover officials the agreement with East Coast Pro is to hold the showcase at the Hoover Met for the next three years.

“This is truly a great opportunity for both the players and the representatives of all 30 Major League Baseball teams to enjoy an event that brings together the most talented players east of the Mississippi River,” said Frank Brocato, Mayor of Hoover.